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29 Sept 2025

'Determined' Irish girl (12) battling rare and aggressive cancer as fundraiser is launched

Earlier this year, Layla's scans unfortunately revealed that another tumour had been detected

'Determined' Irish girl (12) battling rare and aggressive cancer as fundraiser is launched

The illness first started with back pain and fatigue when she was just nine-years old

Reporter:

Ellie McCarthy

01 Aug 2025 4:10 PM

A fundraiser has been launched for a "bright, beautiful and determined" 12-year-old Clare native who is fighting an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. 
Layla Kelly, from Kilfenora, was diagnosed with Adrenocortical Carcinoma in 2023. 
The illness first started with back pain and fatigue when she was just nine-years old. This turned into a "devastating diagnosis," according to the youngster's GoFundMe page, set up by cousin Linda Keane. 
Since then, the young girl has endured two major surgeries, where her adrenal gland, a kidney and a section of her liver were removed along with tumours. 
12-year-old Layla has undergone months of "gruelling" chemotherapy and spent almost seven consecutive months in hospital.
Earlier this year, scans unfortunately revealed that another more aggressive tumour had been detected. 
She began immunotherapy but her body rejected it after two rounds of treatment. Layla became "very sick" and as a result of this, her medical team determined that the primary school pupil needs a complex, lifesaving surgery. This can only be done by a select group of specialist surgeons in the Netherlands. 
The family are now campaigning for funds that will go directly towards Layla’s treatments, medications and future support that she may need. 
"Layla has faced every challenge with courage, determination, and a smile and her parents, Teresa and Brian, are so very proud of her. Layla dreams of getting back to school, playing sport again and being the big sister to her younger siblings, Jack (9) and Alannah (5)," the fundraising page reads. 
To donate to Layla and her family today, you can go here. 

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