Teen brothers appeal for donations to pay for ‘miracle’ heart treatment

Paula and Padraic Naughton’s three children were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) twelve years ago.

Sadly, their eldest son Archie passed away at 16 years old in July 2022. His dying wish was to find a cure for DMD for his brothers George and Isaac (now aged 14).

Recently, the family received the news that there is a trial treatment available in America “to help the boys’ hearts stay healthy.”

However, this life-saving treatment is expensive, so the boys' cousin Monet Scrimali has set up a GoFundMe page in the hopes of lowering costs.

The fundraiser has a goal of €650,000 and has taken in more than €100,000 over the past few days.

Taking to social media on their charity account Join Our Boys Trust, George appealed for donations for the miracle treatment.

“Twelve years ago, me and my brothers were diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and to mark the occasion, we’re starting a new fundraiser,” the teenager said in a video.

“If you can donate one euro, one pound, or anything would be very appreciated. The money will go to treatment for our hearts in America.”

Captioning the post, their parents Paula and Padraic shared how donations could help their sons as they opened up about the boys’ health struggles over the past decade.

"12 years ago, we heard the catastrophic news that our three beautiful sons have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD),” they wrote.

“We never believed that Archie would die so young or in such a horrific way from heart failure. He was 16 years old and had so many hopes and dreams.

“Whilst the landscape of potential treatments has improved greatly, for boys like George and Isaac, nothing is yet available.

“However, we have been so fortunate to have found a trial treatment in the USA. We want to continue to avail of this, as it is protecting the cardiac muscle of boys with Duchenne.

“Of course this comes at a price. To mark our 12-year diagnosis anniversary, our beautiful cousin Monet, is launching a new fundraiser to cover the cost of 20 treatments (each) for George and Isaac. All funds raised will go directly to the fund to protect the boy's hearts.

“We would love if we could tell the boys we have reached their target in time for Christmas 2024. What a gift that would be.”

To make a donation or to find out more, visit the ‘SAVE George & Isaac’s HEARTS’ GoFundMe page here.