In July 2017, my dad Michael started his journey with cancer. We were all so shocked upon his diagnosis as he was such a fit man, working as a project manager on construction sites and going on 80km cycles on a regular basis. His diagnosis shook our family to the core.
The following year was a series of ups and downs. Treatment after treatment, test after test my Dad fought with such courage and bravery.
In April/ May 2018 my Dad had the opportunity to receive a bone marrow transplant, a gift he received from his brother Tom.
We spent a lot of time in St. James Hospital Dublin. Coming from Galway, my Dad and Mam were completely out of their comfort zone, having to stay in Dublin for an extended period of time. We were so grateful to Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust and St. James’s Hospital for giving us the use of an apartment close to the hospital during this difficult time. I know this was vital in Dad’s hope for recovery. Dad and Mam didn’t have the stress of looking for suitable accommodation for Dad’s recovery and me and my sisters were able to stay and provide distraction and encouragement when needed. Unfortunately, Dad passed away on the 15th of July 2018.
On the 15th July, I will be summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro and hope to raise some much needed funds for Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust. Hopefully, a small token of thanks for the comfort we were given and a chance for others to experience the same comfort when needed. My idonation link is https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/KiliforBMLT
