On Thursday, October 3, a fundraiser will be held in Rosie O’Grady’s to support Eugene Flanagan, a much-loved member of the Irish community in the US. 

The Irish communities in New York and Boston established a new fundraising campaign this week to aid much-loved friend Eugene Flanagan. 

Once part of the beating heart of the Irish community in New York, Flanagan relocated to Boston when his son Owen was born ten years ago, both throwing himself into his new life in Boston and remaining a friend to those in New York. 

Two years ago, however, Flanagan was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, an incurable disease that falls under the umbrella of FTD (frontotemporal dementia).  The disease will affect him for the rest of his life, already causing his brain to fail him, and he will never be able to work again.

In support of their friend and his family, a fundraiser is to be held this Thursday, October 3, at The Manhattan Club in Rosie O’Grady’s, 201 West 52nd Street, from 6 pm until 10 pm. The suggested donation at the door is $50 and raffles will take place throughout the night. 

For those unable to attend the fundraiser, a GoFundMe campaign has also been launched, already raising over $4,000 of their $25,000 goal.

You can find more information on the fundraiser here and on the GoFundMe here. 

This year’s recipient of the Irish Business Organization's 2019 Celtic Spirit Award, Flanagan worked with the IBO while in New York, as well as being a board member of the Irish Arts Center and a member of AOH Div 7. 

His many friends are now rallying together to help support him and his family including his wife, Kim, and their 10-year-old son, Owen, as he battles with what has come to be known as the most common dementia for those under 60 years of age and “the cruelest disease you've never heard of.” 

“Eugene is one of a kind - hard-working, loyal and fun and he was never ever one to miss a good time!” the GoFundMe reads. 

“Eugene was diagnosed just about two years ago with Primary Progressive Aphasia and it is an incurable disease that falls under the umbrella of FTD ( frontotemporal dementia ). His brain is failing him rapidly and it is unbelievably unfair. Eugene will never work again which is impossibly hard for someone with an incredible work ethic. 

“Daily life has become a little confusing and even small things are heartbreakingly hard but as always, Owen keeps him busy! Thanks to a huge family and thousands of friends, life is still good! Eugene will never miss a game or meet for as long as he can and everyone hopes he can live at home for as long as humanly possible.

“This campaign is for Eugene. He has always been one of the most generous guys out there and this is our chance to give back. Every memory made going forward is more important than the last one made!”

You can donate here or find more information on the fundraiser here.