CERVICAL CANCER SURVIVOR YVONNE IS NAMED GLOBAL HERO OF HOPE
Cervical cancer survivor Yvonne Keane from Wexford town has been named as one of three Irish ‘Global Heroes of Hope’. Heroes of Hope are cancer survivors who in- spire hope, courage and determination in the fight against cancer. The dental nurse and mother of one joins Heroes Bernie Gallagher from Donegal and Luciana Souza from Kilkenny along with people from other countries who have been recognised by the American Cancer Society.
All Heroes are actively involved in their local Relay For Life - a community event that celebrates the lives of cancer survivors, remembers those lost to the disease and encourages people to fight back by raising awareness of cancer and funding vital research and support services of the Irish Cancer Society.
Yvonne was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 when her son Sean was just seven months old. She underwent a radical hysterectomy and five weeks of radiation. During treatment she suffered acute renal failure and spent weeks in isolation.
‘ Thankfully I got through it and came out the other side with the help, love and support of my family and friends. Side effects of treatment will always act as a reminder, not of those bad days, but a reminder that I got through it. I survived and I plan to keep on surviving’, said Yvonne.
‘ Before I became sick I was very active in the gym and I said when that when I recovered I would do a big run for the Irish Cancer Society. Unfortunately the side effect wouldn’t allow this so I decided to search the Irish Cancer Society’s website for other fundraising ideas. Relay For Life jumped out at me and I signed up as a team captain and have continued in this role for three years now.’
‘ What better way to bring positivity back into your life than fundraising to help others going through treatment. This year 40,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Ireland. The money we raise will help fund vital research to treat cancer better and services to help others affected by the disease’, she said.
Mary Quinn, Relay For Life Fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society described Yvonne as a very deserving Hero of Hope. ‘ We are thrilled that she has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Relay For Life Wexford. Despite her cancer diagnosis and the ongoing impact this has had on her life, Yvonne has maintained a positive attitude and is a beacon of hope for people affected by cancer’, said Mary.
Whether you have been directly touched by cancer or would just like to be part of a special event, you are invited to join Relay For Life Wexford on July 13 & 14 July in Páirc Charman. For information visit www. cancer. ie/relayforlife