Marie Keating Foundation

#NoRegrets Bowel Cancer Awareness Ambassador Helen Dunne supported us at Bloom this year as we highlighted the importance of Early Detection when it comes to Cancer. School teacher and mum of 3 daughters under 6, Helen Dunne was just 36 when diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. The young mum thought that her initial symptoms were down to hemorrhoids but thankfully her doctor felt that further investigation would be beneficial. “I was experiencing bleeding during my last pregnancy and after. I was told I had hemorrhoids which I did. The bleeding turned a little darker, so I went to my GP she examined me and said it probably was hemorrhoids but said any bleeding she liked further investigation. They found something during my colonoscopy, and I had to wait a week for results I was devastated to hear it was rectal cancer my youngest daughter was 7 months old. I had just gone back to work after maternity leave, I am a primary school teacher." "If I were to make one final point it is that you are never too young to get bowel cancer and get checked if you have symptoms. ” Helens story https://lnkd.in/etvPzecW #BowelCancer #ColorectalCancer #EarlyDetection

A cancer diagnosis can place a huge strain on the person diagnosed both physically and emotionally, but with the inability to work, and the additional costs associated with treatment, cancer patients can also experience a lot of financial strain during this period. The Comfort Fund was designed to try and meet this need and provide grants for those experiencing financial difficulty as a result of cancer treatment. Since 2014 the Foundation has been able to provide financial assistance to over 5000 families coping with cancer treatment. We could not have done this without your support. Over the years, the demand for this service has grown exponentially, and the current cost of living crisis is further increasing the pressure on the fund. The Comfort Fund is entirely fundraised and receives no Government funding so is heavily reliant on the generosity of the public and the Foundation’s corporate supporters. For more information on how to apply or to donate and support this service click the link https://lnkd.in/eSk9P8E2 #CancerSupport

1)   Launching today! We partnered with Mediaplanet to bring together the Respiratory Health campaign – aiming to raise awareness of lung illness prevalence in Ireland and promote proactive health management. Visit Https://tinyurl.com/bxky6zx3 to read more or find a copy inside the Irish Independent #RespiratoryHealth2024 

Gerry Kelly, a father of two and proud grandfather of four, was only 63 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a regular blood test that showed elevated PSA levels. As part of his managing his mental wellbeing throughout his treatment he wrote a book called 'Prostate, Piddling and Passion' to help normalise all things Prostate Health! Gerry's story "If I waited for symptoms, I could be dead now. I say that because 25% of my prostate had cancer and my diagnosis came about as a result of blood tests carried out by my doctor. So if you are a healthy young man, get yourself checked anyway. If there’s nothing there, good for you. If you find something amiss early stages, it can be fixed so that you will live, laugh and love for years to come. If you have a brother, a father, a partner, or friend who is shy of doctors, nag him or drag him to his local GP. Get tested, live longer. Stand Up for Your Prostate!" Read Gerry's full story here: https://lnkd.in/edmS6Cea #StandUpForYourProstate #ProstateCancer #PSA

Our exclusive limited print Marie Keating Foundation 2025 calendar is now available for purchase on our website. All funds will support our outreach and support services. This calendar has been put together in memory of Denise French who was a much loved member of our Positive Living Community and a dear friend to the Foundation. The calendar has 12 carefully selected pieces of art created by Denise brought together with the support of Denise’s family. You can purchase yours here: https://lnkd.in/ecGdz6jn #Calendar #Support #ChristmasGift

The Marie Keating Foundation holds free Positive Living meetings for men and women living with metastatic cancer. We urge people who are living with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis to reach out and engage with a community that understands the challenges this diagnosis presents. This programme offers attendees both established and new, a chance to meet and talk with others affected by the disease and receive expert advice and information safely. Positive Living is free to attend but registration is essential. Our next meeting is December 11th https://lnkd.in/e7DN4TXg #CancerSupport #Community

It is with the heaviest of hearts we share news of the passing of patient advocate, ambassador, and dear friend Clodagh Downing. Everyone at the Marie Keating Foundation who had the privilege of knowing Clodagh is heartbroken by her loss. Our entire team and board send their deepest condolences to her beloved husband Daniel, her adored son Fintan, sister Caroline, brothers Joseph and John, extended relatives, and many friends. Clodagh was a ray of light in every room she walked into and a joy to be around. Even when she lost her voice, she still commanded attention with her vibrant energy, warmth, and powerful presence. Her joyful demeanour, quick and wonderfully cheeky sense of humour could bring a smile even at the toughest of times. If you know Clodagh’s story, you will know she faced challenges no one should have to face, and she did it with strength, grace, and a wicked sense of humour. She loved life and spoke with such adoration for her husband Daniel and son Fintan, her pride and joy. Clodagh was a friend to many and a fierce supporter of others as every person who joined the Bowel Cancer Ireland community can tell you. She was always there to offer support and advice. With the support of our Director of Nursing Helen Forristal, Clodagh was a valued member of our Positive Living community who will all miss her dearly. Clodagh took a stand and forged forward towards change, and she has been a driving force towards such change on a national level. Changes in public awareness driven by Clodagh and Bowel Cancer Ireland, with our support every step of the way. It has been a privilege for us to stand behind and alongside her, we are profoundly grateful for all her support, time and the commitment she gave to anything we ever asked of her. Rest peacefully Clodagh, your power and radiant energy will remain a driving force for all who knew you. You are an inspiration, you have taught people to live with joy, humour, compassion, and an inspiring determination to fight for what they believe in. Your light will remain with everyone who was gifted with its presence. Go gently Clodagh to your resting place, we will remember you always. With love. Read Our full tribute here https://lnkd.in/ePe2Qgp5 #RestPeacefully

Hazel Skelton was only 36 when in 2020 she found a lump in her right breast. Hazel was diagnosed with Her 2 + Breast Cancer and started treatment which continued through to January 2022 when Hazel completed treatment for cancer and was focusing on moving forward to life after cancer. In early 2022, however, Hazel started to experience headaches and noticed changes in personality, which caused her serious concern. This is her story "The chances of breast cancer metastasizing to the brain in someone my age, who had a complete response to the chemo, are below 1%. However, I started to get terrible headaches, noticed personality changes, amongst other symptoms in early 2022 when I had been told I was cured and most likely would live a very long life as a breast cancer survivor. Unfortunately, we think it had already spread to my brain. I was diagnosed with a large tumour on my frontal lobe and two small ones on my cerebellum after a trip to ED in March 2022. " "I heard about the Marie Keating Foundation Positive Living Community while reading an interview with another member in the Irish times. It has been such great support. If I had one piece of advice or support to offer anyone out it is that, having a life limiting disease isn’t as scary as it seems and support groups like Marie Keating’s Positive Living Support Group helps make that clear. You meet people living well with cancer and recognize that it is possible to do so, for a long time.” Read Hazels story in full here https://lnkd.in/dTPaVc33 #MBC #BreastCancer #Cancer

HSE For Survivors by Survivors – Pilot initiative for HSE Staff If you work within the HSE and been diagnosed with Cancer you can avail of this supportive service as a befriending and signposting service at any time along your cancer journey. You can learn more here https://lnkd.in/ePuXgRCR #CancerSupport #Survivorship #PeerSupport #HSE

Mother of 3 Susan Leatham is lending her support to The Big Check Up 2024 , to help everyone learn how to "Look Out For Lung Cancer" This is her story. “My cancer journey started in July 2021, when I was 64, I was referred by my GP to a Rheumatologist as in the past year I had developed Raynaud’s Phenomena. One of the symptoms I had was bone pain, I was not coping very well. I am so thankful that she sent me for a CT scan, because it was then found that there something in my Lung which needed investigating. I was immediately referred to the Rapid Access Lung Clinic in St Vincent’s Hospital, where after 8 weeks, biopsy and numerous tests it was found I had a 2.2cm non-small cell lung cancer. I was told that it was caught in the early stages, and it was not in the Lymph nodes. While I had no respiratory symptoms, I would urge anyone, if you notice any changes to your health, any cough that won’t go away, just any change that persists and is not getting better. Please get it checked out with your GP. Do not ignore it as Lung Cancer caught in the early stages has a higher percentage of progression free survival. I am thankful for all the research and advancement in Cancer treatments, which allows me to be here today. Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.” Read Susan's Story here https://lnkd.in/djaxC-K9 #LungCancer #EarlyDetection #LCAM #TheBigCheckUp24