There has been an appeal for prayers after the Co. Armagh boy battling cancer alongside his mother contracted meningitis and suffered a stroke.
Sixteen-month-old Sonny Hanratty from Crossmaglen, was diagnosed with leukaemia at the end of February, only months after his mum Caitriona (34) was told she had breast cancer.
Sonny had recently begun his intensive chemotherapy treatment at The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, while Caitriona was continuing to remain positive through her treatment.
A GoFundMe page has even been set up to support the family, so far raising over £38,000.
However, amidst the unceasing heartbreak, Sonny has this week contracted meningitis and suffered a stroke.
The charity Angel Wishes has asked the public to “pray from your heart” for Sonny.
In a post online they said: “Sonny was diagnosed a few months ago with leukaemia but has now contracted meningitis and had a stroke. As you can imagine this news has been heartbreaking for his family but his incredible parents are holding on to every bit of positivity they can find.
“At the moment wee Sonny is sleeping a lot and has shown to have been affected by the stroke which we pray are short term symptoms only.
“We want everyone to pray for Sonny’s body to respond to the meningitis treatment and to recover fully from the stroke so he can continue his treatment for leukaemia.
“Sometimes we forget just how incredible our children are and how strong their little bodies are, we pray Sonny is going to show us all what a wee superhero he is and come back from this fighting harder than ever with his beautiful smile on his face.
“Come on wee darling we are all holding you and your amazing parents in our hearts and prayers.”
The fundraiser has been set up by Donna and Laura, the sisters of Caitriona’s husband James, with the aim of supporting the family through their “unimaginable battle” against cancer.
On the GoFundMe page they wrote: “Their lives were turned upside down but like the very positive couple they are, they took everything in their stride. Caitriona being Caitriona took every bit of bad news on the chin, with a smile on her face and inspirational positivity throughout each step of this heartbreaking journey.
“Up until now, Sonny’s infectious personality and big smile had been carrying James and Caitriona through every step of this journey but unknown to us all, Sonny was also about to begin his own battle against this horrible disease.”
They continued: “This came as a complete shock to us all, Sonny was his happy, bubbly self that day but after an unexpected trip to A&E with a rash, a few hours later, James and Caitriona were sat down and told this unimaginable news.
“Words cannot express the pain and disbelief this has caused our entire family.
“Anyone that knows James and Caitriona will know this is completely out of their comfort zone. They are very independent, private people but unfortunately their lives at the moment are on hold. They are spending every day at Sonny’s side whether that’s in hospital or caring for him at home.
“We, as a family, want to make this time as stress free as possible so that they can concentrate and focus on Caitriona’s road to recovery and both be by Sonny’s side throughout this heart wrenching journey.”
You can help support Caitriona & Sonny’s battle by visiting the GoFundMe link here.
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