TWO Northside sisters joined forces recently for a fundraising event to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).
Breast cancer survivors Leah Harrington and Evelyn Moher, from Artane, were diagnosed with the disease in August 2011 and August 2017 respectively.
They decided to hold four fundraising coffee mornings, ‘Cups Against Breast Cancer’, to give something back.
By hosting the coffee mornings, Evelyn and Leah are helping the Irish Cancer Society to fight against breast cancer by supporting patients and their families.
The donations from the coffee mornings will fund research and support services for breast cancer patients across Ireland.
For the sisters, it was an easy decision to partner with Slimming World in Artane, as they have both been following Slimming World since their diagnosis and have lost over nine stone between them.
Artane Slimming World consultant Susan Fitzgerald was delighted with their decision and facilitated the coffee mornings within her four group sessions on October 15 when they turned Artane pink!
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women. Five years ago, the Irish Cancer Society established BREAST-PREDICT and has funded the work of over 50 breast cancer researchers across the country.
Evelyn told Northside People: “Without research many people would not be able to carry on with their daily lives and would not be here today.
“Just recently, new research supported by the Irish Cancer Society shows that women who take Vitamin D after being diagnosed may have an increased chance of survival.
“Patients survive cancer and many can live quite normally alongside cancer. Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a life-changing experience and the news can be hard to handle at first.
“While everyone’s path is unique, knowing that others before you have been through something similar can give you the strength to keep everything in perspective.”
Her sister Leah said she was delighted with the businesses who donated vouchers and gifts for the raffle prizes and hampers.
“I was blown away by their generosity,” said Leah, adding that it was really hard to go through breast cancer and then hard to watch someone you love go through it.
“I have been on both sides of the coin,” she added.
A total of €1,100 was raised and Evelyn and Leah agreed that this now will be an annual event.
Evelyn and Leah would like to thank their families and friends for their continued support along with Susan Fitzgerald of Slimming World Artane and for everyone who came along on the day to show support, especially the Slimming World members and also those who donated online.
The sisters would particularly like to thank all those businesses who sponsored the event.
• If you would like to donate to the Irish Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.ie CallSave 1850 60 60 60 or text 50300 to donate €4.