Benefit night to be held for Yvonne

A MAJOR fundraising event is being held this weekend to raise funds for a Northside woman’s medical expenses as she battles illness in Australia.

On December 30, 2013, Yvonne Tuohy Nicol and her Australian husband, Iain, were married in a beautiful ceremony at Whitehall Church.

A large number of lain’s family and friends travelled from Australia for what proved to be a memorable occasion, and the happy couple were looking forward to a bright future together in Melbourne.

However, just seven days later, on the first day of their honeymoon, Yvonne discovered a lump in her breast. A mere 17 days later, two days shy of her 31st birthday and upon returning to Australia, she was formally diagnosed with grade-three, triple-positive breast cancer.

Yvonne, who grew up in Santry, has since undergone a bi-lateral mastectomy and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

This will be followed by a year of treatment involving a highly successful drug called Herceptin which is specifically designed to target the aggressive cells of her cancer.

As Yvonne, a former Ulster Bank employee, is living in Melbourne on a sponsored Visa (like many other Irish emigrants), she and her husband have to cover the considerable gap between the costs charged by the medical specialists and those covered by her visitors’ health insurance.

Yvonne’s friends and family living in Ireland are rallying around to try and help her and her husband cover some of these costs.

A Benefit Night has been organised for this Friday, May 30 at the Maldron Hotel, Dublin Airport, at 8pm. Tickets, which can be purchased at the door on the night, cost $10 and all proceeds are going to the fund. Music is by

‘No Trax’ and special guests.

No expenses have been incurred to hold this night with everyone involved, including the musicians, giving their time free of charge.

Hollywood Lakes Golf Club have generously donated a year’s full membership which will be put up for auction on the night, along with a host of other items generously donated by those wanting to help. These items include:

?¢ ‘The Lighthouse at Howth Harbour’, a painting by Jim McPartlin

?¢ One year membership in ALSAA Sports Complex

?¢ Carton House voucher for dinner, overnight stay and breakfast for two.

?¢ Signed Leinster rugby jersey

?¢ Signed Irish rugby jersey with special message from Brian O’Driscoll and

?¢ Signed Dublin GAA jersey

Yvonne’s father, Dominic Tuohy, said his family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received in the local community as they try to meet his daughter’s medical bills.

“They have been absolutely brilliant and we’re very grateful,

? Mr Tuohy told Northside People.

Details of the special event and the items up for auction, as well as details of ways to donate, can be found on www.yviesfundraiser.wordpress.com