HOPE CENTRE IS A HAVEN OF INFORMATION
HOPE SHOP VOLUNTEER MARIE BYRNE SHARES HER STORY OF BEING INVOLVED WITH THE ORGANISATION
IN JUNE 2013, one week after retiring, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I had been very healthy all my life and it was devastating news. Following treatment in St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, I made a full recovery and seven years later I am still cancer free.
I have worked as a volunteer in the HOPE shop for the past six years. All the money is made from donations of clothes, shoes, bric-à-brac, books and small items of furniture. People are very generous and go to a lot of trouble to have everything clean and ready for sale.
Unfortunately due to health and safety regulations, we are unable to accept children’s toys or electrical goods. Most volunteers work from six to 12 hours per week. It is great to work there and a way to make friends and meet people.
Great bargains are available especially on designer clothes. Our bric-à-brac section is like an Aladdin’s cave. You may find that item you always wanted. We have a very good selection of books for every interest and age group. Do come in and have a look around. The manager. Michelle, and staff will help you in every way we can.
Every day many people get a diagnosis of cancer. The shock, worry and fear is unbelievable. How to tell your spouse, partner, children, and family. How to cope with work, family, transport, extra expense, illness. How will it affect those around me?
If you are in any doubt about your health, go to your doctor. Try to put your fear and embarrassment aside. If you would prefer a male or female doctor, ask the receptionist. In most doctors surgeries there is also a practice nurse. Bring a friend for support.
Men in particular feel fear and embarrassment. May I plead with you to go and have check-ups. Get blood tests early. Your doctor or nurse has heard everything before. Trust them.
A new ‘family’ then enters your life. Hospitals, doctors, nurses, scans, ‘ the team’. and questions – Why is there a delay in starting my treatment? Why is there not a bed available? How am I going to pay? Will my health insurance cover the cost? How will I deal with the medical profession and the new vocabulary? Who do you turn to in the midst of all this trauma and worry?
The HOPE Centre at 22 Upper Weafer Street, Enniscorthy is a haven of information and help. They never turn anyone away.
Manager, Seán McCarthy and his staff at the HOPE centre offer professional care with qualified personnel who provide various therapies to help people with recovery issues during and following treatment.
They also provide transport for patients to attend hospital appointments. To provide this service requires funding. The HOPE and Dream 10 will take place on Sunday, April 5, beginning at the promenade in Enniscorthy at 10.15 a.m. Do come along and enjoy the 10 mile or 10 k walk or run. John, Liam, Nicholas and the gang will be there to encourage everyone to enjoy the experience.
On November 18 last year my beloved husband, Martin, lost his battle with prostate cancer. We are all saddened to have lost such a wonderful husband, father and friend.
Dr Emmet Jordan and his team at UHW made the past few years bearable. Martin took part in many fundraising events locally including the Hope and Dream.
This year many members of my family will take part along with their friends from the GAA, camogie club, Motiv8, Running and cycling groups.
I will not run or walk this year but I am sure Denise will find several ‘ little’ jobs for me to do. I will be there to cheer on my family and give them a hug as they cross the finish line.
Marie Byrne