Our peer to peer support panel is made up of … Read their stories below.
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Aisling Kenna
Age Group: 46- 55
Type of Cancer: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (blood cancer)
I am a friendly, talkative person who is interested in meeting people and offering support and encouragement where I can.
I was young and fit (31 years old) when out of the blue I had difficulty swallowing and breathing. I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoblastic lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Treatment involved chemotherapy, total body irradiation and a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, having the opportunity to talk to someone outside of my family circle about my feelings was not offered to me.
Peer to peer support would have been really helpful. I tried not to show my family and friends that I was worried as if I was upbeat and happy, they would be, too. ‘The circle of worry’, I called it. If I worried, everyone else worried, but if I did not worry, the circle of worry would be broken. Humour is important to me as it helped get me through.
Now 20 years on, I am married with two children, coaching gymnastics and enjoying life to the full, while still working for the HSE.
Amanda McDonnell
Age Group: 46- 55
Type of Cancer: Breast Cancer
Over 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, it “shook me.”
After the initial diagnosis, starting treatment, having surgery, getting through to the other side and back to the job I love, I can safely say it has felt like a rollercoaster.
As a mother, wife, nurse, partner and one time a marathon runner, I have a really good understanding of how to navigate the journey relatively well. From the initial daunting diagnosis, to the starting treatment and finally to return to work, I am here to help guide you and support you through it, too.
Ann Marie Kenna
Age Group: 56 – 66
Type of Cancer: Multiple Myeloma
As a multiple myeloma survivor, I can provide an understanding of the emotions and worries associated with a cancer diagnosis. My journey included chemotherapy treatment and a stem cell transplant.
I can provide reassurance in a non-judgmental way, and signpost you to supports out there to help guide you through this difficult time in your life.
You are not alone and this is not the end.
Bernadette Smith
Age Group: 56 – 66
Type of Cancer: Breast Cancer
I am a mother of four and work part-time. I was diagnosed with breast cancer through the screening programme in 2013. I am very grateful for that and I encourage others to attend these screenings. My treatment involved surgery and radiation therapy.
I love all types of music, and enjoy concerts and drama in our local theatre. I also enjoy gardening, sewing and trying to paint pictures. I listen to the radio during these activities.
I also enjoy the company of others and learning from them. I feel everyone has something to contribute from their own experience.
Cara Cunningham
Age Group: 46-55
Type of Cancer: Breast Cancer (triple positive)
I am a wife, mother of teenagers and a full time HSE worker. Life is busy, but became a bit chaotic when I got breast cancer over the COVID period.
I found great support from doing the ‘Survive and Thrive’ course and also from my local breast cancer support group. I am a good listener, communicator and whilst life is a constant juggling act, underneath it all I like to think of myself as a happy soul.
Catherine Lynch
Age Group: 46-55
Type of Cancer: Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with breast cancer during the summer of 2017. As a result, I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and reconstruction surgery. I am a mum to two boys, who were 11 and 14 when I was diagnosed.
I returned to work part-time after one year off for treatment. I am enjoying life and focusing on staying healthy, including taking up rowing with the Nore Dragon Paddlers.
