‘Don’t take the chance’
Cancer plea from student Mairead
A veterinary student had to put her life on hold after she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 20.
Mairead Stirka was told in March that she had lymphoma and needed to take time out from her course.
The Glasgow University student was told that she needed to attend hospital every two weeks for treatment after she discovered a lump on her neck.
However, she is now in remission and wants to make sure that anyone with doubts about any small lumps makes an appointment to get checked at a doctor right away.
She advised: “Definitely get anything checked that you are unsure about.
“Who knows what could have happened if I just ignored the lump.
“It was devastating, but you just have to stay positive.”
Mairead is also looking forward to an African safari adventure with the Dreams Come True charity.
She said: “Going on a safari is something that I have always wanted to do.
“It’s such a great opportunity to see these animals in the wild, and it will help me in my career.
“Because I have had to take some time out from uni, this will help me to get back into all my studies.”
Treatment took its toll on Mairead and left her feeling down as there were so many constraints on what she was able to do.
She wasn’t able to go out with friends or travel due to risk of infection and couldn’t take part in her practical university exam, meaning she had to sit the year out.
The Bellshill student said: “It was really tough.
“Getting treatment and not being able to the things that my friends were doing was really hard.
“I was too ill to be able to do some of my exams at uni so that had to go on hold too.”
During her treatment, Mairead discovered Dreams Come True, who are now on a mission to send the budding vet on an African safari adventure.
She has wanted to visit Africa for as long as she can remember, to see all the spectacular wildlife up close.
After going through a lot of treatment and being told last week that she was in remission, Mairead says this will make her happy after all the difficult times this year.
She added: “Having my dream come true will put a positive spin on the last year which has been really hard.”
Dreams Come True are fundraising for Mairead and another 11 youngsters from across the country, to give them a special treat for Christmas.
Peter Newman, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Mairead has had to put her life on hold unexpectedly this year and hasn’t been able to do all the things a 20-year-old should be enjoying.
“This trip would be a fantastic way to re-engage her with her studies and get back on track to become a vet.
“Dream fulfilment is very powerful, so we need your help to fulfil dreams like Mairead’s.”
To donate to Dreams Come True’s Christmas appeal, visit www. dreamscometrue.uk.com or text TRUE12 £5 to 70070.
Who knows what could have happened if I ignored the lump