Highlight Summer 2014

Highlight www.cancer.ie

A newsletter for friends and volunteers of the National Cancer Charity

Issue 2, 2014

Welcome Irish Cancer Society Service Update Dear Friend,

Thank You! On March 28th, over 3,000 of you took to the streets of Ireland to show you won’t give up until cancer does and help raise vital funds to support the fight against cancer. What a day we had: Everywhere I looked there were people supporting the Irish Cancer Society. After last year’s terrible weather we were keeping an eye on the forecast and praying for a sunny day, and we were lucky enough to have the rain stay away! We saw in abundance the energy, commitment and true spirit of volunteering that has made Daffodil Day such a huge success over the last 27 years. It’s thanks to volunteers like you, who have held events up and down the country, taken to the streets and even helped turn a town yellow, that we are here today.

Whether you volunteered on the day, donated fresh daffodils, held a coffee morning or a special event, planted a ‘daff’ in our Garden of Hope, took part in an event in your workplace, made a donation online, or simply bought a daffodil – from the bottom of our hearts, the Irish Cancer Society thanks you.

Money is still coming in and we are grateful for every euro as each and every one makes a difference. If you still have money to bank, it is important that it is lodged quickly so that we can put that money to work as soon as possible. Without it, the Irish Cancer Society could not continue to provide its free nationwide services to people living with cancer.

So far in 2014 we have had a busy year. We kicked off the year with our very successful Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign. After relocating to Letterkenny Shopping Centre in 2013 due to flooding, the Letterkenny Daffodil Centre reopened in Letterkenny General Hospital in February. The ever-growing Today FM Shave or Dye campaign also took place in February, with another record broken in the Mansion House this year. As the summer neared, we launched the SunSmart campaign with the help of Met Éireann’s Gerry Murphy and Nuala Carey as well as Dublin footballer Ciaran Kilkenny.

If you are interested in hearing more about any of these activities or about any of the work we do, get in touch with us! After all, you make it all possible.

With warmest thanks, John McCormack, CEO Irish Cancer Society

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Cancer Information Service: The Cancer Information Service includes the National Cancer Helpline (Freefone 1800 200 700), cancer chat and social media.

The service is free and confidential, staffed by specialist cancer nurses, providing advice and support to people concerned about cancer. During 2013 our nurses supported 17,469 enquiries. Almost 30,000 people also interacted with our cancer information service through social media during 2013.

Daffodil Centres: Daffodil Centres, an extension of the Cancer Information Service, are walk-in information and support centres, which are based directly in hospitals. In 2013, 35,316 people interacted with our Daffodil Centres across the country. For a full list of Daffodil Centres visit www.cancer.ie.

Booklets and Leaflets: During 2013 the Society distributed over 177,000 cancer information booklets and factsheets to people concerned about cancer across the country.

Cancer.ie: The website www.cancer.ie provides a range of information to people with cancer, people who want to reduce their risk of getting cancer, or people who want to fight back against cancer. The Society is continuously improving this vital resource.

Nursing Services: Night nurses care for cancer patients across the country in their own home during the last days of their life. During 2013 the Society’s night nurses cared for 1,869 patients, providing 7,772 nights of care.

Financial Aid: The Irish Cancer Society’s financial aid programme provides a grant to support cancer patients who are experiencing financial hardship due to their cancer diagnosis. During 2013 financial aid to the value of a1,182,744 was provided to 1,836 cancer patients across the country.

Professor John Fitzpatrick RIP Since we embarked on this issue of Highlight, we regret that our esteemed colleague Professor John Fitzpatrick, Head of Research at the Irish Cancer Society, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 14th 2014. Professor Fitzpatrick’s passion, dedication and drive ensured cancer research became a cornerstone of the Irish Cancer Society in the fight against cancer.

He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends at the Society and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Concerned about cancer?

National Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700

Improving lives

Care to Drive Update The Care to Drive service is once again gaining momentum, with an increase in the number of patients accessing the service. Our 16 partner hospitals are submitting approximately 50-60 new patient referrals a month and, with the addition of the 700 patients who are currently accessing the service, we have begun a volunteer driver recruitment to service this increase in patient demand. The Care to Drive team are in the middle of volunteer driver recruitment in Laois, Wexford, Carlow, Wicklow and Tipperary.

Of the 687 patients who accessed the service in 2013, 870 volunteer drivers transported these patients 675,801km on 12,160 journeys to and from their treatments. Patients are now accessing our free transport service from 24 counties in Ireland with over 1,000 drivers ready and willing to accommodate their treatments. The service is currently available to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments in the following hospitals: St. Vincent’s Hospital, St. James’s Hospital, Sligo General Hospital, Letterkenny General Hospital, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe, Univerisity Hospital Limerick, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, Waterford Regional Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Galway University Hospital, Cork University Hospital, Kerry General Hospital.

Boundaried Services There are also two boundaried services available for patients undergoing radiotherapy treatments who are staying for the full week (Monday to Friday) in Inis Aoibhin in Galway University Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital, Dublin. For patients from Donegal who are undergoing radiotherapy treatments in Galway University Hospital and who are staying in Inis Aoibhin on the grounds of the hospital, Care to Drive volunteer drivers will pick the patient up on a Monday morning in Donegal and transport them to the hospital in Galway. Then on Friday afternoon, once their treatments are complete and they are ready to leave the lodge, the patient is collected and dropped home to Donegal.

In addition to this service, we are also accommodating patients from St Luke’s Hospital who are staying in Inis Aoibhin. We are currently transporting patients who are in need of assistance to the various transport hubs in Dublin on a Friday afternoon. Patients who are interested in availing of the Care to Drive service are asked to contact their treatment teams in our partner hospitals listed above or call the Care to Drive team on (01) 231 0522 for more information.

Affiliation Project Plans: 2014 Activity Schedule for Affiliated Cancer Support Centres Core Skills for Volunteering in a Cancer Support Service Training Programme

Sligo (February) • Carlow (March) Coothill (September) • Kerry (TBC)

Regional Network Meetings

Various

Counsellors’ Training Day

28 February, Irish Cancer Society

Complementary Therapists’ Training Day

16 May, Irish Cancer Society

Group Facilitators’ Training Day

TBC

Governance Training Day

5 April, Ballinasloe

Managers’/Leaders’ Training Day

11 June, Mullingar

Governance Training Day

18 October, Dublin

Managers’/Leaders’ Training Day

12 November, Waterford

National Conference For Cancer Survivorship

19 & 20 September Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Strides for Life Training

17 July, Dublin

National Network Meetings

26 February, 27 May, 19 September.

Find out how you can support the Irish Cancer Society Callsave the team on 1850 60 60 60

Living Life Group

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t is estimated that 700 women develop advanced or secondary breast cancer in Ireland every year and up to 3,000 could be living with advanced or secondary breast cancer. In 2009 the Irish Cancer Society met with a group of women living with this type of cancer. This meeting was held in order for the Society to better understand the issues these women were dealing with because of this lifelimiting diagnosis.

The recurrent themes of isolation, the need for emotional support and lack of information began to emerge.

A very clear message was given to the Society about the need for peer support: this group of women wanted to be able to speak to others in a similar situation.

So the Living Life programme began. Initially, two women were trained to provide peer support through the Society’s Survivors Supporting Survivors Programme. There are currently four new members of the peer support programme. With the programme up and running so successfully, the Society then initiated the next offering for people with secondary cancer.

This offering was a pilot programme that provided people who have recently had a diagnosis of secondary disease with information, support and an opportunity to meet with other people who have had a similar diagnosis.This proved to be a great success, so we are currently planning to offer the programme to our community based cancer support services.

See cancer.ie for details.

Highlight Summer 2014  3

Reducing Cancer Risk The SunSmart Code • SEEK SHADE: when UV rays are at their strongest – between 11am and 3pm.

• COVER UP: by wearing a shirt with a collar and long shorts. Also wear a hat that gives shade to your face, neck and ears.

• WEAR WRAPAROUND SUNGLASSES: make sure they give UV protection.

• SLOP ON SUNSCREEN: Use sunscreen with SPF 15 (SPF30 for children) or higher and UVA protection 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours – more often if swimming or perspiring.

• Keep babies under six months out of the sun.

Skin cancer cases soar to over 10,000 in Ireland for the first time Irish Cancer Society launches SunSmart campaign as a significant increase in skin cancer rates is seen in young people

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kin cancer cases in Ireland have now reached over 10,000 annually for the first time, according to a report from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) highlighting the high levels of skin cancer in Ireland. The Irish Cancer Society has launched its annual SunSmart campaign, urging people to be careful over the coming months and reduce their risk of skin cancer.

The NCRI data reveals that the number of diagnosed new cases of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer in this country reached over 10,000 for the first time in 2011. This

marked an 81 per cent increase since records began in 1994.

The largest increase was found in young people who live in affluent urban settings who are exposed to repeated sunburn, probably from leisure activities.

There were 408 cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer in those aged 15-44 in 2005 compared to in 2011 where there were 569 cases in the same age group, an increase of 39 per cent.

Skin cancer can be prevented in nine out of ten cases by protecting the skin from harmful UV rays in Ireland from April to September. The Society is encouraging the public to follow

Dublin women invited to join free We Can Quit programme

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omen in North-East Dublin and Blanchardstown who are looking to quit smoking can now avail of a new programme called We Can Quit, an initiative of the Irish Cancer Society in partnership with the Northside Partnership, the Blanchardstown Area Partnership, the HSE and the National Women’s Council of Ireland.

The new service offers women a supportive environment in which to overcome the barriers to quitting smoking. The free 12-week programme is group-based so that women can join forces with other women as they quit together.

Women who sign up to We Can Quit will be offered up to 12 weeks’ nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to the value of a450, free of charge. Research has shown that smokers who use a combination of group support and two NRT products for a 12-week period are four times more likely to quit and stay smoke-free.

They will also receive plenty of support and information about how to increase their chances

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of quitting successfully. They will have access to GPs, attend weekly group sessions and have one-to-one support meetings. They will also be able to access telephone support with a smoking cessation counsellor.

The programme is open to female smokers living in the areas of Darndale, Kilmore and Bunratty in North-East Dublin and women in the Blanchardstown area, Dublin 15, who are over the age of 18. All female smokers are welcome, those who have tried to quit many times before and those who haven’t.

Anyone from Dublin North East interested in finding out more can contact Bernie McDermott or Maureen Downey at (01) 877 1507 or call into: •N orthside Partnership, Coolock Development Centre, Bunratty Drive, Bonnybrook.

•D oras Bui, Bunratty Drive, Bonnybrook.

•D arndale Belcamp Resource Centre, Darndale Village Centre.

Women in the Blanchardstown area can call Veronica on (01) 820 9550.

the four steps of the SunSmart Code for the best protection and to check the Society’s UV index daily to find out how high UV levels are in their area.

The UV Index People can view the UV Index, which is kindly supported by Leo Pharma, by visiting the Irish Cancer Society website www.cancer.ie/uvindex to check the UV level in any area in Ireland on any day. If the UV Index is three or higher it is important to protect the skin when outdoors by following the SunSmart Code.

Irish Cancer Society donates €1 million to National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

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owelScreen is a Government-funded service delivered by the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS), which began offering free bowel cancer screening to people aged 60 to 69 in 2012. It is planned to extend the programme to those aged 55 to 74. The donation from the Irish Cancer Society will be used to fund the improvement of endoscopy services in hospitals around Ireland.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland. Each year over 2,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed and 900 people die, partly because more than half of people with bowel cancer are diagnosed in the later stages of the disease.

Diagnosed with cancer?

National Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700

Leading Excellent Collaborative Research

NEW €7.5M CANCER RESEARCH FUND ESTABLISHED Irish Cancer Society and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to jointly fund cancer research through important new Collaborative Cancer Research Centre.

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uilding on the success of the Irish Cancer Society’s first Collaborative Cancer Research Centre (CCRC), BREAST-PREDICT, the Society has announced an exciting funding partnership with Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) that aims to fund the establishment of a second CCRC in Ireland. The CCRC, which will focus on addressing areas of unmet clinical need in cancer, will be jointly funded by the Irish Cancer Society, SFI and industry to the value of a7.5 million over five years.

The CCRC will bring together researchers from a wide range of research disciplines from across the country and will establish important partnerships with industry and healthcare organisations to drive research towards the development of new approaches and advances that will help reduce the burden of cancer in Ireland. The CCRC model, which is the first of its kind in the world, harnesses the very best researchers and data from

Irish Cancer Society funds innovative prostate cancer research

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Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland with Professor John Fitzpatrick, Head of Research at the Irish Cancer Society and John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society.

around the country to make discoveries that will enhance cancer care both in Ireland and internationally.

The Irish Cancer Society announced its intention to establish a series of CCRCs in 2013 and aims to fund up to five CCRCs by 2017.

Dr Britta Stordal awarded ‘Researcher of the Year’ Breast and ovarian cancer researcher Dr Britta Stordal has been announced as the Irish Cancer Society’s Researcher of the Year 2013 at the Society’s Celebration of Research event in April. Dr Stordal scooped top prize for her research entitled ‘Avoiding BRCA blind alleys in cancer research’.

Mutations in the BRCA genes increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Dr Stordal examined the BRCA genes of most of the ovarian cancer cell lines used in research worldwide, which is the first study ever to do this.

Unexpectedly, Dr Stordal found that BRCA mutations were less common in cell lines in the laboratory than in ovarian tumours. Only one out of 33 cell lines had a mutated BRCA gene, but one in six ovarian cancer patients have this mutated gene. This may be because an ovarian tumour can contain a mixture of cells, some with and without BRCA mutations. When tumours are grown into cell lines in the laboratory, the slowergrowing BRCA-mutated cells are less likely to survive.

This is an important discovery for scientists and oncologists because if the BRCA status can change in cells grown in the lab, the BRCA status of tumours might also change in patients as the tumour grows, is treated with chemotherapy or recurs. Dr Stordal’s research will help scientists avoid blind alleys, raising standards and allowing research to focus on personalised treatments for ovarian and breast cancer.

Find out how you can support the Irish Cancer Society Callsave the team on 1850 60 60 60

n December 2013, the Irish Cancer Society, in collaboration with the Movember Foundation, announced the award of a significant fund for innovative prostate cancer research that has the potential to realise breakthroughs and transform current prostate cancer care.

In line with the Society’s core principle that collaboration in research across Ireland will increase the path of discovery and results, the Prostate Cancer Transformative Programme grant has been awarded to one multidisciplinary team working across three innovative prostate cancer research projects centered on a common theme.

The grant, worth a750,000 over two years, has been awarded to the Irish Programme for Stratified Prostate Cancer Therapy (iPROSPECT) led by Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Ray McDermott. The iPROSPECT programme consists of connected and supported projects, all of which are integrated to bring about a transformation from current practice to a more individual and personalised treatment of patients with metastatic prostate cancer in order to improve patient outcomes.

The Society also recently awarded a350,000 in funding to Molecular Medicine Ireland led by Consultant Urologist Dr David Galvin, Chairperson and Clinical Lead of the Prostate Cancer Committee, National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), to establish the first Irish Prostate Cancer Outcomes Research (IPCOR) in Ireland that will monitor, benchmark and publicly report annually on outcomes of prostate cancer treatment and care.

Funding for a further four years will be made available, subject to satisfactory reporting, to bring the total IPCOR fund amount to a1.75 million over five years.

Highlight Summer 2014  5

DAFFODIL DAY

Daffodil

Day 2014 rne and Jenny 2FM’s Nicky By their support Greene showing 14.

20 y Da dil for Daffo

The Irish Cancer Society’s 27th Daffodil Day, which is kindly supported by Dell, took place on Friday March 28th. On the day, people from all over Ireland got involved – selling daffodils on the street, organising events, getting their workplace involved or donating online. People went above and beyond in fundraising for Daffodil Day 2014, and these vital funds enable us to continue to offer our free cancer services. We wish to thank and commend everyone who supported our campaign.

Daffodil Day volunteers Aisling O’Connor and Liz Brohoon at the Molly Malone statue on Daffodil Day.

Daffman James

Dublin Gilleran from y. on Daffodil Da

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Irish Canc er Society CEO John McCormack and Dell General Manager Ireland Liam Halpin with some little helpers from our lead partn er, Dell: Denis Lucey (2 years), Rebecca Moore (8 years) and Ethan Moore (4 years).

and onnell, Colette Fitzpatrick Majella and Daniel O’D ch laun pin Hal Ireland Liam Dell General Manager paign. our new advertising cam Daffodil Day 2014 with

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Dell Employees Co lette Mason, Sinead McAllister, Gemm Ian McEntagart an a Smyth, d James Barbour launch the Irish Ca fundraising campa ncer Society’s ign ‘Our Compan y Cares’, appealin g to companies to show they care and support Daffo dil Day.

Caring for someone with cancer?

National Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700

DAFFODIL DAY

Daffodil Day volunteers Ciana Casey, Jeff Reisch, Andy Poole, Eimear Kelly and Simon Leader take a Daffy as they sell daffodills outside Leinster House.

Ola Onipede from Swords takes a Daffy with ‘Daff Man’ James Gilleran on O’Connell Street in Dublin during the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day 2014.

e and Daffodil Day volunteers Anna Dunn trying Anne Murphy from Rathfarnham, to raise a3.45m for the Society’s free rch. nationwide cancer services and resea

dil Day 2014.

Daffo 2FM’s Breakfast Republic support

Daffodil Day volunteers Jackie Byrne from Drimnagh, Eileen Carass from Green hills and Miriam Donnelly from Kilmessan, Co Meath are pictured in Dublin as they sell daffo dils to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

s Oliver Mason, Angu nnell with Ruby Do O’ l nie fic Da ), of ially Majella and Dell employees (the children of ple m y.

Te Da ck dil Ja and ty’s 27th Daffo h Cancer Socie launch the Iris

Find out how you can support the Irish Cancer Society Callsave the team on 1850 60 60 60

Every cent counts, so don’t forget to bank your Daffodil Day funds if you haven’t already.

Please lodge all your collections as soon as possible, so we can put that money to work.

Highlight Summer 2014  7

Influencing Public Policy

A Changing Health Landscape

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he Irish Cancer Society is taking an active interest in the Government’s health reform plans, a significant part of which is the introduction of a Universal Health Insurance (UHI) scheme. The intention is that everyone will have equal access to a single-tier health service based on need, not ability to pay. This is a radical overhaul of the health system in Ireland which will eliminate the current two-tier system.

In April 2014, the Minister for Health announced the key steps in the introduction of UHI and stated that a consultation period would begin with all interested groups. The Irish Cancer Society will be making a submission on UHI in the coming months.

The number of cancers diagnosed in Ireland is rising. We expect that 43,000 people a year will be diagnosed with new cancer cases in 2020. The number of people surviving cancer is also rising – almost 60 per cent of people will live for five years or longer post-diagnosis. In order to manage these challenges, significant changes in the delivery of healthcare will be needed.

We believe that everyone diagnosed with cancer should have the best treatment available leading to the best outcome. The Irish Cancer Society will be advocating the best way forward for cancer patients.

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Plain packaging moves closer The Irish Cancer Society has been advocating for the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco in Ireland.

Tobacco companies need 50 new smokers every day to replace those who die or quit, and they are targeting young people to recruit. Plain packaging will reduce the appeal of tobacco to young people by removing the colourful graphic cigarette packs currently on sale and replacing them with a uniform pack, which will be an olive green or brown colour with stronger health warnings.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health held a consultation on plain packaging at the beginning of 2014, which heard from all interested parties – such as medical professionals, retailers, tobacco companies, and, of course, the Irish Cancer Society.

The committee has now produced a report which gives the green light for the Minister for Health to take the next steps in introducing plain packaging. It echoed the recommendations made in our submission, such as the inclusion of a quitline on the new packaging. When plain packs were introduced in Australia in 2012, there was a 78 per cent jump in the number of calls to the quitline printed on packs. The committee report also reflected our submissions that all cigarette packs should be the same size, ending the sale of ‘slim’ cigarettes sold in small boxes. The Irish Cancer Society will continue to advocate until the new packs are on the shelves.

New laws on using sunbeds Following years of campaigning by the Irish Cancer Society, the Minister for Health has brought forward a bill that will introduce regulations on the sunbed industry for the first time. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. In 2010, 9,450 people were diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland, and of these 896 were diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

The Public Health Sunbed Bill 2013 will: • prohibit operators of sunbed premises from allowing anyone under 18 years of age to use a sunbed on their premises

• prohibit the use of sunbeds in unsupervised premises • require sunbed operators to make users fully aware of the risks involved • require warning signs to be in place in all sunbed operators.

However, the bill does not prohibit people with Type 1 and Type 2 skin, the fairest skin types, from using sunbeds as is the case in Australia. The evidence shows that people with fair skin or skin that burns easily, rather than tans, have an increased risk of developing cancer.

The Irish Cancer Society is

advocating for an amendment to the bill to prohibit those with the fairest skin types from using sunbeds.

We are in contact with TDs and Senators and asking them to back such a ban. TDs have already raised the matter with Minister James Reilly and we will continue to campaign as the bill goes through the Oireachtas.

Concerned about cancer?

National Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700

Save the Date!

! e t a D e h t e v a S The X-HALE Film Festival, which will take place on Tuesday July 1st, is part of the X-HALE Youth Awards, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society that works with young people to develop antismoking campaigns to be run in their own communities. The Film Festival will be the culmination of months of hard work by the youth groups in creating short films on the issue of smoking. As the red carpet is rolled out it promises to be a night to remember, with plenty of awards on offer and a few celebrities in the mix as well!

coming months: • Relay For Life Donegal, Letterkenny IT, May 31st – June 1st • Relay For Life Carlow, Ducketts Grove, June 14th-15th • Relay For Life Dún Laoghaire, Blackrock Park, July 5th-6th • Relay For Life Kilkenny, The Watershed, July 19th-20th • Relay For Life Ballyfermot, The Lawns, August 9th-10th • Relay For Life Achill, Achill GAA Pitches, August 16th-17th • Relay for Life Kildare, The Curragh, September 6th-7th

T rinit y C oll e g e D ublin • Who should attend: Health professionals, scientists, cancer clinicians, clinical nurse specialists, allied health professionals, representatives from pharmaceutical companies, policy makers, undergraduates & postgraduates in science & medicine.

• Theme: Living with Cancer in the 21st Century

• Relay For Life Dundalk, Dundalk Stadium, October 26th-27th Anyone interested in getting involved in upcoming Relays can enter a team in the event, volunteer to help on the day, or simply join in the fun and visit a Relay event. If you are a cancer survivor, you can register with your local Relay in Ireland and walk in the Survivors’ Lap that kicks off every event.

Callsave 1850 60 60 60 or email fundraising@irishcancer.ie to find out more!

In Loving Memory By donating in memory of a loved one lost to cancer, you can honour their life and leave a lasting impact on the lives of others by support our vital services.

For more information, you can call us on 1850 606060 or visit www.cancer.ie.

Find out how you can support the Irish Cancer Society Callsave the team on 1850 60 60 60

17th-20th Sept 2014

17th-18th September

Relay For Life Relay For Life – the 24-hour community event that celebrates the lives of survivors who have battled cancer, remembers those lost to cancer and raises vital funds for cancer services and research in Ireland – is going strong once again in 2014. There are now 12 Relay For Life events taking place across the country.

We have already seen four successful Relay celebrations take place in University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and NUI Maynooth earlier this year, with eight other Relays ahead in the

Save the Date!

• Sessions include: - State of the art in planning cancer services - Lifestyle, immunology and metabolism - Drug discovery - Cancer & the environment - Major therapeutic advances - Emerging challenges for childhood cancer - Survivors - Circulating tumour cells

www.cancerconference.ie

National Conference for Cancer Survivorship 19th-20th September

Av i va S tadium • Who should attend: Patients, carers, health care professionals, members of community-based cancer support services • Theme: Living Well after Cancer • Sessions include: - Promoting behavioural change after cancer - Late effects of childhood cancer - Dealing with lymphoedema - Cancer treatments - Learning to deal with cancer-related stress - Sexuality and body image

www.cancer.ie/nccs

Highlight Summer 2014  9

OUr Events

Hit the

The Colour Dash is back and it’s bigger and better

Trails and Raise Money for Cancer Research The Irish Cancer Society is asking people to make 2014 a year to remember by taking part in their exciting new treks. Treks this year include Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (June 11-21st, September 10-20th and October 15-25th), The Grand Canyon in the United States (September 13-20th) and Little Tibet, Delhi (October 2-12th). Not only is it a the chance to see the world with a group of like-minded people, but it also gives the opportunity to raise vital money for cancer research.

One of this year’s thrilling new treks is taking place in the shadow of the mighty Daula Dhar; a five-day trek in the Indian Himalayas. The perfect opportunity to experience the unique culture and tradition of the high Himalaya, Little Tibet offers a trek through the home of many thousands of Tibetan refugees, amongst them the Dalai Lama. From snow-capped peaks to patchwork green village fields, this challenge takes you through villages, forests, crossing rivers and streams.

The next of this year’s new treks is to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon in the USA. Finally, we return to the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro: a challenging but rewarding trek, this is sure to make 2014 a year you will never forget.

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he Irish Cancer Society’s hugely successful Colour Dash is returning to the Phoenix Park on July 26th, following a sold out event last year. This year the Society is pleased to announce that the popular event will be expanding, with Dashes coming soon to Cork and Limerick.

The unique 5k ‘dash’ will see participants of all ages running, jogging or walking the course.

‘Dashers’ will start the route wearing a white t-shirt that is quickly transformed into a colourful work of art. At each kilometre, a different colour – representing a different cancer – of powder paint will be thrown at participants, creating a kaleidoscope of colour. The Colour Dash is kindly sponsored by Crown Paints and supported by our media partner Spin 103.8, sign up today to take part in the Irish Cancer Society’s Colour Dash. To register for your place CallSave the team on 1850 60 60 60 or visit www.cancer.ie.

Run4Life Programme Underway

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peration Transformation’s Fitness Expert Karl Henry has launched the Irish Cancer Society’s marathon and running programme Run4Life.

Every year over 300 people take part in a marathon at home or abroad to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society.

Whether you are fundraising for your first marathon or you haven’t done anything like this before, the Irish Cancer Society will support you every step of your journey. There are many events, big or small, for which you can sign up to as part of Run4Life, and they include: • Cork Marathon on June 2nd • Dingle Marathon on September 6th • Berlin Marathon on September 28th • Dublin Marathon on October 7th • New York Marathon on November 2nd Fergal Mullen, participating in the upcoming Boston Marathon for the Irish Cancer Society and Dana Farber Marathon Challenge said: “My wife Janey was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and spent much of the year in treatment and

recovery. Her diagnosis was a terrible shock though thankfully, for me and our wonderful children, she has come through and is well again.

To show my love for her, and our family, I wanted to do something significant to fight back against cancer and came up with a fundraising idea.

“This year I am taking on three big challenges for three great organisations who are working to combat cancer. I am aiming to raise e100,000. The first of these challenges is the Boston marathon later this month which I will run with six friends under the ‘Team Janey’ banner. Eight days later I will take on the Patrouille des Glaciers from Zermatt to Verbier and then later in July, I will participate in the Etape de Tour de France. The Irish Cancer Society will receive one third of all funds that I raise.

To make a donation and help me reach my target please visit my JustGiving.com page and go to the ‘Team Janey Kent Mullen Challenge Fund’.”

Diagnosed with cancer?

National Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700

Community Thank You

Pink Ribbon Walk Many thanks to the Kinsale Pink Ribbon Walk Committee for organising yet another successful Pink Ribbon Walk.

On Sunday March 2nd, 1,000 walkers took part in the third Kinsale Pink Ribbon Walk and so far have raised over a50,000 for the Irish Cancer Society’s Action Breast Cancer programme. The Pink Ribbon Walk in Killaloe is expected to attract record crowds this year as the events in Kenmare, Killaloe, Kinsale and Kells aim to reach a1 million in funds raised for Action Breast Cancer this year. For more information on the Pink Ribbon Walks log onto www.pinkribbonwalk.ie.

Shannon Estuary Memorial Run

Great Island 10 Mile Road Race

The Nestor Family in Foynes co-ordinated a 5k memorial run and fun day on March 16th, raising over a18,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.

The event saw over 1,000 people descend on the County Limerick village for a family event that exceeded all expectations. A great day was had by all. Pictured at the cheque presentation to the Irish Cancer Society are members of the organising committee with Joanne Murphy, Fundrasing Coordinator. (L-R): Conor Nestor, Brid O Donnell, Joanne Murphy (Irish Cancer Society), Teresa Nestor, Grainne Walsh, Fiona Nestor and Eamon Nestor.

A massive thank you to Roslyn and Eamonn Crotty, the organisers of the Great Island 10 Mile Road Race.

This year over 600 runners took up the challenge and raised money for the Irish Cancer Society. The race has raised over a100,000 over the years and is on track again to raise between a15,000 and a20,000 this year. Thanks to the community of Cobh for supporting the event, the 80-plus volunteer stewards, the sponsors and a special thank you to Sonia O’Sullivan for lending her support to the race.

Kilmore GAA Club, Roscommon Four members of the Kilmore GAA Club in Roscommon embarked on a 24-hour challenge to travel the 32 counties of Ireland, meeting politicians and sport stars in each county along the way in a bid to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. The team of Brian Carroll, Clare Caslin, Trevor Hunt and Gary Vesey drew massive support throughout their fundraising campaign, raising a5,747 for the Society.

Shave or Dye: St Michael’s National School, Sneem, Co Kerry Well done and thank you to the pupils of St Michael’s National School who, together with the support of the local community, raised a11,144 as part of the Shave or Dye Campaign. On February 19th the 66 pupils arrived to school with their hair dyed every colour of the rainbow and 14 volunteers shaved or dyed their hair. Thank to everyone involved, and the community of Sneem for their support.

Irish Cancer Society Wedding Favours How to order:

Daffodil Day: Hannah Kent Hannah Kent from north Dublin, along with her younger siblings and friends, organised a bake sale for Daffodil Day and raised a2,700!

Find out how you can support the Irish Cancer Society Callsave the team on 1850 60 60 60

You can order packs of small tent cards that recognise that you have made a contribution to the Irish Cancer Society in honour and appreciation of your guests and thanking them for being part of your special day. Or, call pins and phone charms that you might like as a favour for your day.

Contact details : Phone line 1850 606060 North: +353 12310500 www.cancer.ie/catalog/wedding-favours

Highlight Summer 2014  11

Events

calendar of events June 1

July 20

Sept 19

Relay For Life Donegal

Relay For Life Kilkenny

June 2

July 26

National Conference for Cancer Survivorship

Flora Womens’ Mini Marathon Dublin

Colour Dash Dublin

Oct 1

Oct 2-12

June 11-21

International Lung Cancer Awareness Day

Trek4Life Kilimanjaro

Aug 2

Oct 3

Hurling for Cancer Research (Aug - Date TBC)

Get the Girls Day

Aug 9-10

Trek4Life Kilimanjaro

June 9 Men’s Health Week

June 14-15 Relay For Life Carlow

June 29-30 Relay For Life Tralee

July 1 X-HALE FILM FESTIVAL Dublin

July 5 Relay For Life Dún Laoghaire

July 6 Relay For Life Dún Laoghaire

July 19 Relay For Life Kilkenny

Aug 1

Relay For Life Ballyfermot

Aug 16-17 Relay For Life Achill

Sept 6-7 Relay For Life Kildare

Sept 10-20

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Trek4Life Little Tibet

Oct 15-25

Oct 26-27 Relay For Life Dundalk

Oct 27 Dublin City Marathon

Nov 1

Movember

Trek4Life Kilimanjaro

Nov 2

Sept 13-20

New York Marathon

Trek4Life Grand Canyon

Bag a Bargain in Your Local Irish Cancer Society Shop Calling shopaholics and bargain hunters nationwide: now is the time to get your hands on some fashionable finds in one of our 20 charity shops. Our shops offer superb value and style and all sales go towards supporting our cancer service, patients and their families. For those of you planning a little spring-clean, why not donate any clothes, shoes, books, bric-a-brac or gifts that are in good condition? Visit www.cancer.ie for a full list of shop locations. For more information on how you can support our work, visit www.cancer.ie, email fundraising@irishcancer.ie or CallSave 1850 60 60 60.

12  Highlight Summer 2014