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“My name is Laura O’Sullivan, and I am a 39-year-old mother of three from Kilbarrack in North Dublin. On a regular day in June 2023, I was terrified to find a lump in my neck and immediately organised a private scan to investigate further. After the results came through, I was told to go straight to Beaumont Hospital where I was admitted right away for further tests and a biopsy was carried out.
In July 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It was the most frightening time of my life, the prospect of leaving my three girls without a mother. As well as my husband, parents and brother - it was overwhelming.
I attended the Coleman K Byrne Unit every second week for six months, where I received chemotherapy day treatment. This was extremely distressing and for my first treatment I remember how anxious I felt, but the care and love that the staff showed me was unforgettable.
Without the doctors and nurses in the Coleman K Byrne Unit, I wouldn’t be here to tell my story. Not only did they treat me with chemotherapy, but they also held my hand and supported me through every step of the way.
The results of my last scan were so great that my nurse, also named Laura, hugged me and cried happy tears with me. I now attend Beaumont Hospital every three months for a check up and I have also attended counselling sessions which has really helped me on my journey.
I am feeling so good that exactly one year since my diagnosis, I took part in an Abseil Fundraising Challenge this year at Croke Park in Dublin. I was so happy to do this challenge personally and not have someone else do it in my memory.
Anyone who is facing their own journey ahead, all I will say is to take it one day at a time and be assured that you are in the best possible hands at Beaumont Hospital.
The Coleman K Byrne Unit is a Haematology Day Ward at Beaumont Hospital, where a variety of blood and bone marrow conditions and haematological cancers are treated. Approximately five thousand patients attend the unit annually for investigation, blood transfusions and chemotherapy.
As one of Ireland’s major cancer treatment centres, the staff of Beaumont Hospital work on so many levels to make sure that every patient has the best possible outcome, just like Laura. But with resources so tight, spending on upgraded equipment or new and potentially life-saving diagnostic devices, isn’t always possible.
That is why we need to turn to our kind supporters to ask for help. Your support in our Christmas Raffle is essential as we strive to continue to provide the best levels of patient care, supporting the ever-growing needs of Beaumont Hospital.
Every ticket sold will help us to meet the future needs of patients, just like Laura. Please support our Christmas Raffle offering three Cash Prizes worth a total €10,000. First Prize is €5000, Second Prize is €3000 and Third Prize is €1000.
Two raffle tickets can be purchased for €5. Or you can buy a full book of 30 tickets for €75. The raffle draw will take place on Thursday 19th December.
Tickets can be bought here: https://www.beaumontfundraising.ie/category/christmas-raffle