Chelene’s wish of a trip of a lifetime for family
LOCAL Mother Chelene Mohan (45) is fundraising for a trip of a lifetime to make memories with her family after the devastating diagnosis of secondary breast cancer.
Chelene moved many to tears last year when she spoke movingly on Ryan Tubridy’s show about the sudden death of her five year old daughter Niamh and her subsequent diagnosis with breast cancer in 2012.
Last January, Chelene spoke to Ryan Tubridy about how much a letter to her from the classroom assistant who had been with Niamh in her final hours had meant to her as it outlined everything that happened on the fateful day in 2004. On the show, Chelene also revealed she had faced her own battled with breast cancer in 2012 but had beaten the disease.
However, Chelene has now revealed that she has been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in her chest cavity, bones and liver.
On her Go Fund Me Page Chelene said while recovering from her initial breast cancer she made a resolution to start camping with her family, which she stuck to.
She now wants to raise enough money to travel with her two daughters aged 21 and 19 and her two sons aged 14 and eight, around Ireland in a campervan to create ‘ happy childhood and family memories’.
‘I want to create even more happy childhood and family memories and take time to talk, play card games, light fires, bbqs....no tv, no computers and just let our bodies go with nature and enjoy a very special summer as a family,’ said Chelene.
Niamh had started primary school just two days before she passed away after taking a turn in her classroom in Clogherhead in 2004.
Speaking on the show last January, Chelene described Niamh, who had medical issues from birth leading to bleeds on the brain, was ‘determined and happy’ and would always fight her way forward after each setback.
CHELENE’S family campervan dream is to spend quality time with her family and she is currently in treatment consisting of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to ‘ help hold back the tide of cancer in my body. It’s not curable, but managable,’ said Chelene.
‘Our family dream is to travel this summer, while I’m reasonably well, with the children, around Ireland in a campervan as I couldn’t physically manage camping now. (Just big enough to take the 6 of us together, I know a big ask),’ said the 45-year-old on her GoFundMe page.
‘ It’s so heartbreaking for us all, yet I want to give my family happiness and memories to enjoy now and for the future to come....I would to see their faces light up if I can pull this off.......my gift to these very special 5 people who fill my with so much love. They are my strength in every way, every day.’
The local Mum has so far raised €1,398 of her €7,000 goal.
To contribute to Chelene’s campaign go to https://www.gofundme.com/chelenes-family