Caring for a seriously sick child comes with costs that go far beyond medical bills. Travel to and from hospital, childminders for siblings, and accommodation near a treatment centre all add up quickly, and for many families the pressure of these hidden expenses arrives at the worst possible time. Cliona’s Foundation exists to ease that burden, offering financial support so families can focus on being with their child rather than worrying about how to cover the next bill.
The Hidden Cost of Caring for a Sick Child
Since 2007, Cliona’s Foundation has provided financial assistance to hundreds of families across Ireland caring for a child with a serious or life-limiting illness. The need is significant: thousands of children in Ireland are currently living with a life-limiting condition, and many families face an estimated cost of around €10,000 a year in non-medical expenses simply to care for their child.
Often, one parent gives up work to be with their sick child, which means household income drops just as costs are rising. For families who live outside Dublin and have to travel regularly to visit their child in hospital, non-medical costs such as travel, parking and accommodation can run to as much as €160 a day. For some families, this financial strain makes it genuinely difficult to be at their child’s bedside as often as they need to be.
Cliona’s Foundation receives no state funding, so every bit of support it offers families comes directly from public donations. That financial help takes some of the pressure off parents, giving them the freedom to focus on their child and the emotional lift to keep going through an incredibly difficult time.
The Story Behind Cliona’s Foundation
Cliona’s Foundation was set up in memory of Cliona Ring, daughter of founders Brendan and Terry Ring. Cliona was treated for eight years for an inoperable brain tumour, and during that time her parents met many other families quietly struggling with the hidden costs of caring for a seriously ill child.
Cliona passed away in 2006, just three weeks before her 16th birthday. In the year that followed, her local community came together and raised €50,000 in her memory. Brendan and Terry used those funds to establish Cliona’s Foundation, turning their own family’s experience into lasting support for others facing the same journey.
How You Can Help or Contact Cliona’s Foundation
You can help seriously sick children and their families by making a donation to Cliona’s Foundation. To learn more about the charity’s work, visit the Cliona’s Foundation website, or get in touch with the team directly by [email](mailto:info@clionas.ie).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cliona’s Foundation?
Cliona’s Foundation is an Irish charity that provides financial support to families caring for a seriously sick or life-limiting ill child, helping to cover non-medical costs such as travel, childcare and accommodation.
What kind of costs does Cliona’s Foundation help with?
The foundation focuses on the everyday, non-medical costs of caring for a sick child, including travel to and from hospital, accommodation near treatment centres, and childminding for siblings, which can add up to a significant amount over the course of a year.
How can I donate to Cliona’s Foundation?
You can donate directly through Cliona’s Foundation’s official donation page. As the charity receives no state funding, public donations are what allow it to continue supporting families.
Who founded Cliona’s Foundation, and why?
The foundation was set up by Brendan and Terry Ring in memory of their daughter Cliona, who passed away in 2006 after an eight-year illness. It was founded using funds raised by their community in her memory.
Related Reading
- Charities Supporting Families in Ireland
- Simple Ways to Give Back as a Family
- Community Fundraising Ideas for Families
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