“IN 2020 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and thankfully I have made a full recovery.”
Those are the words of Stephen Keary, who is organising a coffee morning fundraiser in aid of the Mid Western Cancer Foundation.
The Adare Rathkeale councillor says that he is organising the charitable event for two reasons – to raise money for the foundation and to raise awareness of cancers.
“If me having this event encourages one person to go and get screened, and as a result a treatable condition is detected, it will have been worth it,” Cllr Keary said at the start of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, taking place across April.
According to a 2023 National Cancer Registry of Ireland report, bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in this country with 2,560 men and women diagnosed each year.
“Cancer has touched so many families and communities across Limerick, there is hardly a house I have been in as a public representative that has not been visited by the illness,” Cllr Keary said.
“And while I am one of the lucky ones, I know that for so many families, the disease has left terrible grief behind it.”
The event will be held in aid of the Mid West Cancer Foundation, whose work includes raising awareness and projects with the oncology department at University Hospital Limerick.
“So many people were so good to me during my journey through cancer, which coincided with Covid. I want to use the opportunity to thank all those who treated and looked after me during my illness, and to encourage people to get regular health checks and screening. It could save your life,” Cllr Keary added.
The coffee morning will take place from 11am on Sunday April 14 at the Croagh Community Centre. Donations and contributions can be made in advance on gofundme.com/f/coffee-morning-in-aid-of-mid-western-cancer.
