Family remember Robert
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A Walkinstown family switched on the 9,000 lights on the Irish Cancer Society’s Christmas tree at a closed ceremony earlier this month.
The 9,000 lights are to commemorate all those who have passed away from cancer this year, and to show support for the 44,000 people who received a cancer diagnosis in 2020.
Angela Kinsella & Robert
For the Kinsella family from Walkinstown, who switched on the lights, it was a moving moment as they remembered their beloved husband, father and grandfather, Robert Kinsella, who passed away from esophageal cancer in August.
Robert’s daughter, Sandra, spoke about the difference the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nurse service, which provides palliative care to cancer patients in their own homes, made to her father in his final weeks.
She said: “When Annemarie [Ward], our Night Nurse, knocked on the front door of our family home that dark night, everything quickly changed for the better.
“After almost four months of caring for our Dad at home, both day and night, my mam, sister and I were pretty much burnt out.
“What Annemarie created – despite the sadness – was a special and reassuring place, somewhere you knew everything would be okay and it made us so incredibly happy to watch Annemarie treat our dad with so much dignity.
“When our beautiful, charming dad passed away, it was a truly heartbreaking experience.
“But it was something that brought a lot of comfort too, because he died peacefully, in his own bed, surrounded by 11 members of his adoring family.
“His dying wish was to spend his final days in his beloved home of 80 years. A wish that came true, thanks to the support of the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing service.”
Conor King, Irish Cancer Society’s Acting CEO said: “As 2020 draws to a close, we reflect on what has been an extremely difficult year for cancer patients and their families.
“It has been a year where cancer patients were forced to stay apart from friends and family when they badly needed emotional support, where treatment plans were changed and patients attended appointments alone.
“We remember the 9,000 people – that’s 25 people every day – who died from cancer, and pay tribute to all those who heard the words ‘you have cancer’ this year.
“Although this has been an unprecedented year for the cancer community in Ireland, with thanks to the continued generosity of the Irish public, we have been able to continue to provide vital services to cancer patients, when they need it most. Ensuring that nobody in Ireland has to face cancer alone.”
The Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line is available to help anyone affected by or with a concern about cancer. You can contact the Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email supportline@irishcancer.ie.
To learn more about how you can support cancer patients across Ireland, visit www.cancer.ie.
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