Local man takes on 20-day challenge for OCF
Lollipop Day, an annual fundraiser of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF), is like many other annual events, unable to go ahead this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, meaning a new initiative will replace the traditional event.
OCF is now running a 20-day challenge to raise €20,000 towards oesophageal cancer research, where participants can decide what to ‘Give Up’ or ‘Take Up’ with the goal of donating €20, which is €1 a day over 20 days.
Fermoy local and Kilworth native, James McDonnell, is a survivor of oesophageal cancer who has taken on the challenge, walking 5km daily for 20 days along with the family dog, Ron, in support of the Give It Up, Take It Up campaign.
James was diagnosed about two and a half years ago and January 2021 marked the two year anniversary from when he underwent an oesophagectomy, which saw his oesophagus removed.
“It was such a big, life-changing surgery and we’re trying to create awareness now more than ever,” James’s daughter, Niamh told TheAvondhu. “He was in his early 50s when he was diagnosed, which is very young and the symptoms are so small, they’re things you could easily just brush off.
“We were told it would take about two years to recover from the surgery alone. No one really prepares you for it, it’s a lifestyle change as well,” she said.
DIAGNOSED IN TIME
Signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer include difficulty swallowing, acid indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t go away, food coming back up, unexplained anaemia, hoarseness that persists, coughing, burping, belching or hiccups that don’t subside, and progressive and unplanned weight loss.
“We’re lucky that it happened two years ago. My dad went to the doctor and the doctor said the fact that he was coming into him at all showed that there was something wrong. With Covid, people might not think it’s serious and might not bother going to the doctor or could put it off,” Niamh added.
Oesophageal cancer affects approximately 450 people in Ireland annually, which is one of the highest rates in Europe, and can affect people of any age, but is most predominant in those in middle-age.
“Ireland have the highest rates in Europe, but we had never heard of this until dad was diagnosed, it didn’t run in our family,” Niamh said.
As a survivor, James is now doing well and is raising awareness in his own community, while also fundraising for OCF. He and his family are encouraging others to get involved too.
Last year, Lollipop Day took place locally in Fermoy with volunteers setting up collection stations in shops around the town to raise funds for the charity. According to Niamh, local volunteers managed to raise around €4,000 for the cause at the time.
To get involved and to find out more about the Give It Up Take It Up campaign, visit www.ocf.ie - #20for20