Trish supporting the ‘Butterfly Wings’ programme
OVER the years the 2006 Rose of Tralee, Cobh native Trish Carlos, has been involved in numerous community endeavours and fundraisers.
One of the projects most dear to her heart is ‘Butterfly Wings’ an organisation that fundraises specifically for the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nurse Programme.
“For the last 14-years we have hosted our annual ‘Butterfly Ball’ to raise money for this amazing service that allows families keep their loved ones at home until they pass away,” Trish told the Corkman.
This service is not funded by the HSE but is run by the Society through funds raised by companies and the public.
Since the Covid 19 crisis began the demand has risen by 20 per cent but the Irish Cancer Society has been hit by cancelled fundraisers, including the Butterfly Wings Ball which has also fallen victim to the lockdown.
“I turned 40 on Sunday, normally I would have been celebrating with family and my beautiful aunt who would have turned 60 the following day. However, we don’t live in that world anymore. We lost my aunt in February to bowel cancer. We shared a precious week at home with all her family surrounding her and on February 7, with the help of the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nurses, we kissed her goodbye, tucked up in her own bed surrounded by everyone she loved and let her go,” said Trish.
“Looking back now we were so lucky, as a large family we were all together, laughed, joked, cried and were there to hold hands, wipe tears and make tea. We were lucky, so many families do not have that luxury to get to be together now to say good bye, Families all over the country with terminal mothers, fathers, sons and daughters are making the difficult decisions to admit them to hospital and hospices, having to say goodbye through glass windows and visors, we’re hoping we can ease some of that pain by providing this service.”
Trish and her helpers are running their #maythefourthbewithyou campaign this week in the hope of raising €40,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.
They are asking people (within their 5k) to walk/run/skip/cycle 4K and Donate €4 to the #40for40 GoFundMe page.
Nominate four people and tag @butterflywingscharity #maythefourthbewithyou.