Conor Cusack is one of the most well-regarded figures in the Irish music industry.
He’s a Dublin-based artist manager, founder of Merchy Christmas and a musician in his own right, most recently with DIVIL, previously with SPIES.
A GoFundMe has just been launched to support Conor and his family ahead of major surgery this week.
Conor was diagnosed with stage IV thymic carcinoma – a rare form of cancer – that affects on average less than 1 person per million each year – in March 2024 at age 32, was told at diagnosis it was inoperable and incurable and could only be treated systemically with chemotherapy, and has now been given the opportunity of surgery by a leading surgeon at the Mater’s Cardiothoracic team in Dublin.
The surgeon took a special interest in his case and began speaking with their fellow surgeons globally, researching cutting-edge procedures which might improve his outcome. This resulted in an introduction to Prof. Ceulemans at UZ Leuven, Belgium who has pioneered a new surgical technique paired with a novel heated chemotherapy (HITHOC) administered directly into the chest cavity following the surgery. This procedure has been drastically improving survival outcomes among his patients.
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Conor has been scheduled for emergency surgery this week on May 28th. Four years ago, this surgery would not have been possible with Conor’s case.
The GoFundMe has already raised €44,486 out of a target of €100,00.
Full info:
We are raising money to support our dear friend Conor and his family during a very challenging period in the coming months. As some of you may know, Conor was diagnosed with advanced (Stage 4) Thymic Carcinoma in March 2024 aged 32. This is an incredibly rare cancer that affects on average less than 1 person per million each year.
At the time of diagnosis, Conor was told that his cancer was inoperable and incurable and could only be treated systemically with chemotherapy. Conor has undergone 7 rounds of chemotherapy since then and his illness has remained stable. Last year, Conor met with a leading surgeon on the Mater’s Cardiothoracic team in Dublin. This surgeon took a special interest in his case and began speaking with their fellow surgeons globally, researching cutting-edge procedures which might improve his outcome. This resulted in an introduction to Prof. Ceulemans at UZ Leuven, Belgium who has pioneered a new surgical technique paired with a novel heated chemotherapy (HITHOC) administered directly into the chest cavity following the surgery. This procedure has been drastically improving survival outcomes among his patients. After a meeting last week with the Leuven team, Conor has been scheduled for emergency surgery on May 28th. Four years ago, this surgery would not have been possible with Conor’s case.
The surgery will most likely involve the full removal of his right lung & pericardium, major reconstruction of his superior vena cava and other blood vessels in the chest as well as potentially his heart. We are hopeful that the surgery’s outcome will be positive for Conor and his family. However, the recovery will be intense, possibly stretching to six months before he is able to resume a normal life.
The surgery costs themselves are covered by the HSE. However, Conor must cover the costs of his and his family’s stay in Belgium for at least 6 weeks before he is fit to fly. He will also need to return to Belgium regularly for follow-up scans & reviews for at least 10 years. This presents a significant financial burden for Conor and his family.
The money we hope to raise will cover expenses to ensure Conor is comfortable and supported by his family. Your generous contributions will help fund a flat in Brussels for Conor, Meghan, baby Iris, and their parents, flights for immediate family, transport to and from the hospital, and any other unforeseen expenses that may arise. The money raised will also provide financial security while Conor is unable to work, potentially for this entire period. Any additional donations over our target will be put towards future healthcare costs and follow up appointments required in Belgium.
Because this is such an intensive surgery, we want to ensure that financial stress is the last thing on Conor or Meghan’s minds. We greatly appreciate your support and your donations, whether big or small.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
