CAROLINE FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT SCIENTIST’S WORK
DR NORMA O’DONOVAN INVOLVED IN CANCER RESEARCH FOR 10 YEARS
DR. NORMA O’Donovan is the scientist whose work is to be supported by The Caroline Foundation, which was establised in memory of Greystones woman Caroline Dwyer-Hickey.
For over a decade she has worked in cancer research and has seen significant breakthroughs in that time.
Based in Dublin City University, the research is carried out by the National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology and Norma’s position is funded by the Clinical Cancer Research Trust.
Caroline Dwyer-Hickey passed away last year after a nine-year battle with breast cancer. Her parents Dermod and Helen founded the foundation in her memory. She benefitted directly from Norma’s work and that of her team of 10 people. ‘We believe her life was prolonged by around five years,’ said Helen.
Cancer was always something in which successsful scientist Dr O’Donovan wanted to specialise. She studied at UCC before going on to St. Vincent’s and now DCU.
The research involves testing drugs which target particular cells, and analysing the behaviour of cancer cells following treatment in order to give the patient alternatives.
‘After Caroline had passed away we wanted to give something back to the CCRT,’ explained Helen. ‘We wanted to fund one particular researcher.’ She and Dr. O’Donovan never met during Caroline’s life however know each other well now. ‘ We were thrilled to appoint Dr. O’Donovan both because of her years of experience and because of Caroline’s treatment.’’
A record-breaking attempt to bring awareness ribbon along the Cliff Walk from Bray to Greystones will be held on Sunday May 11 and people can still come forward to take part. Businesses can also sponsor a marker along the route on the day.
The Cliff Walk will be closed to the public up to 3 p.m. that day. The fivemle ribbon chain will be created by sewing 39,000 bands of 10 inch ribbon lengths togehter.
To register email helen@thecarolinefoundation.com or talk to Bray or Greystones Cancer Support Centres.
A registration fee of €10 will support The Caroline Foundation Fellowship and Dr. O’Donovan’s continuing work.
Signing in on the day begins at 10 a.m. at the Bray Seafront and Greystones Harbour.