Brave mum’s fundraising drive after her cancer diagnosis

Brave mum’s fundraising drive after her cancer diagnosis

17 July 2019

ONE year ago, Ballygowan mum Laura Kane was given devastating news just weeks after she had given birth to twin daughters.

At one of the most demanding times of her life, as she had already two young sons to care for, Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After going through what she called a treatment “whirlwind” of three surgeries, Laura has come through it all and is now cancer-free.

Thankful for the support and help she got from Action Cancer, the 36 year-old and her husband Stephen recently organised a fundraising quiz, disco and karaoke night.

A fantastic £2,900 was raised with £1,500 going to Action Cancer’s services and the remainder being split among other local cancer charities.

Laura said that her diagnosis knocked her for six when the diagnosis was made last summer because of her relative youth and as she had none of the risk factors associated with disease.

The local health visitor said: “My daughters Chloe and Kara were only 11 weeks when I felt something as I lay in bed.

“I went to see my GP and I was very lucky that I was seen and diagnosed very quickly. When I was told, I just sat there and I couldn’t take it as as it’s meant to happen to other people and you never think it can be you.”

Laura underwent three operations over the next few months in order to remove her tumour. 

She said: “I was lucky enough not to have needed any chemo or radio therapy. But with me needing the surgery and having the twins, there was a team of people, family and friends, who were in my home all day every day to help us cope.

“I really can’t thank them enough. They know who they are and they were there for us when we needed them.”

Following these operations, she got in touch with local charity Action Cancer who provide a specialist physiotherapy service to people affected by cancer. 

Laura added: “The physiotherapy I received at Action Cancer was fantastic. I was having trouble with mobility and stiffness following my surgeries and the sessions made such a difference. I then went on to have complementary therapy there which did wonders in helping me to relax and de-stress during a really tough time.  

“I also can’t thank Action Cancer enough for everything they did. 

The treatment I received there made such a difference to my recovery and helped put my mind at ease about the future.”

While Laura ended the surgical part of her recovery in January and her twins aged 14 months with sons Daniel and Dylan aged six and three respectively, she admits she is still coming to terms with the emotional part of her illness.

“I would say to any person is do not become complacent about your health and if you have any concerns, get them checked out immediately as cancer can happen to you,” Laura advised.

Action Cancer’s community fundraising manager, Leigh Osborne, said: “Action Cancer are delighted to receive this fantastic sum of money which will provide 37 complementary therapy sessions for people just like Laura. 

“Laura and Stephen worked very hard to put together a great night with the support of many local retailers who provided prizes for the night.  

“Thank you to everyone who came along and made donations. Action Cancer receive no government funding and so rely entirely on support like this in order to raise money so we can continue to deliver our range of services across Northern Ireland.”