Former Dublin footballer was diagnosed with cancer just months after becoming a father

A former Dublin footballer has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just two months after welcoming his first child into the world.

Keith Gorman and his partner Karen had been trying to start a family for five years before welcoming their daughter Kaelan in March.

A former Dubs goalkeeper, Keith played for the Dublin under-21 football sides in 1998 and 1999.

However, shortly after Keith welcomed their daughter, he suffered a sudden weight loss. Although he put it down to being a first-time father, Keith was persuaded to undergo tests.

After several tests and scans, Keith was confronted with the devastating news that he had pancreatic cancer, which had spread to other organs, including his lung.

In an attempt to spare another family the turmoil they have suffered, the Dubliner is keen to highlight some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer as he and his wife hope a screening program will be put in place.

In a new interview, Keith opened up early on about dismissing his symptoms, attributing them to the stress and strain of being a father for the first time.

He told RSVP Live: ‘I was off work for five weeks and completely out of my routine. I became a father for the first time with two and three hour night feedings. I was having breakfast at 2 p.m. I was running around and not doing the normal patterns.

‘I had some problems with my back, but I am 45 years old, have worked all my life and also played football. I’m sore all over, so I didn’t think about it.’

Keith went on to explain that his concerns increased after he continued to lose weight, despite returning to his normal routine after paternity leave.

As a result, he went to the doctors, who advised him to go to the emergency room after losing twenty kilos in eight weeks.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Keith was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the same disease that had killed his uncle just five weeks earlier.

‘My uncle was told there was no treatment for him because it had gone too far. The first question on my mind was, “Can they treat me?” The doctor said yes.

“That was it for me, once they said there were treatment options that could make me better, that’s all that matters to me.”

As the family navigates their lives post-diagnosis, they have been inundated with love and support from thousands of people across the country.

After setting up a GoFundMe page earlier this summer, Keith has raised €70,745 towards his treatment.

“Keith faces a long and challenging road and Karen will support him all the way. Such support is difficult when both are away from work. This fund will help alleviate the financial burden they will have to bear while Keith receives treatment,” the fundraising page reads.

“While this GoFundMe cannot take away the pain, all donations will alleviate one concern and allow Keith and his family to focus on what really matters: his health and treatment.”

You can read more about Keith’s journey here.