Gala ball to take place in Dublin to support a brave boy with a very rare condition

Any support would be greatly appreciated.

On Saturday night, April 1, in the Clayton Burlington Hotel in Dublin, a gala ball will take place in aid of a very special little boy. Three-year old Cian Oliver Byrne was diagnosed with a condition known as Cri Du Chat and also with Mosaic Down Syndrome shortly after his birth in June 2013. Apart from Cian, there are only 14 known cases of the condition between Ireland and Northern Ireland known to the Cri Du Chat Society. Cian has two holes in his heart and his conditions are life-limiting. He requires 24 hour care. Although his parents, Joanne and Andrew, prepared for the worst from an early stage, Cian proved that it wasn't his time to go and fought very hard. The medical team realised that Cian was a little fighter and a decision was made that, because of his susceptibility to infection, he had to be out of the hospital environment during the winter months and it was essential for him to go home. Caring for Cian at home, however, presents a great challenge to the family, as Cian needs carers who have been professionally trained to care for him. Cian's family had to be trained to look after him as they need to suction him several times a day, use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, administer medication and many other things trained professionals would do. The money raised by fundraising pays for nurses to come in and help Cian's family care for him. A Jester Ball in aid of Care for Cian, organised by Caitriona Healy, Deborah Drought, David Mulvihill and Jessica Byrne, with help from others, will take place in the Clayton Burlington Hotel in Dublin on Saturday night. Those in attendance will be treated to a three-course meal, with entertainment provided by a live band and a DJ on the night and more surprises in store. Tickets cost €80 per person (table of ten) and every ticket purchased will be entered into a special draw on the night. Tickets and sponsorship packages are still available and for more information, you can contact cfcjesterball@gmail.com. People who are unable to attend on the night but would like to donate can do so on the gofundmepage here. For more information, check out the event page on Facebook, the Care for Cian Facebook page, Care for Cian on Twitter and the Care for Cian website. Images via Facebook/Care for Cian