The Ring of Kerry 170Km cycle took place for the first time in person since 2020, after being side-lined due to the pandemic for the past two years. We were thrilled to have over 1,300 cyclists taking part on behalf of Breakthrough Cancer Research. Amongst the cyclists were our fantastic ambassadors Paschal Sheehy and David Gillick.
Whether you cycled it, supported a cyclist or helped out on the day at registration, food stations or the finish line, we’re so grateful for your help!
Last week, the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle committee made their cheque presentations to ourselves and all the charities involved. We were absolutely astounded and overwhelmed by the amount raised for Breakthrough Cancer Research –a staggering €319,847.25!
We were really ambitious this year and hoped to raise over €200,000 from this event for our Microbes and Cancer project, so to have surpassed that by over €100,000 is truly amazing.
The Microbes and Cancer projectis part of a national Precision Oncology Ireland programme. Precision (or ‘personalised’) medicine uses data about a person’s genes, immune system and microbiome, along with additional information on their cancer, to understand the unique pathways of a disease or treatment response in that person. Then it uses the information to target the person’s treatment.
Precision Oncology Ireland will use cutting edge technologies to generate unique genetic and molecular profiles for each person’s cancer. This helps us understand what drives each individual cancer. The results will be better cancer diagnostics, personalised cancer treatment, and faster drug development.
We are so grateful to you and assure you that the €319,847.25 raised will make a great difference to the Microbes and Cancer Project, which in turn will make more survivors.
HAVE A BALL & MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
We are on the countdown to our Winter Ball which takes place on Friday, 11th November 2022in the five-star Fota Island Resort, Cork. This ball forms an integral part of our 10-year anniversary celebrations.
Broadcaster Jonathan Healy from Newstalk and TV3 will be MC for the night, with special guest, the hilarious Reggie, Blackrock Road (@AskAudreylike) as entertainment. It’s always a fantastic social night so treat yourself, your loved ones or friends to a wonderful evening comprising of an arrival drinks reception, amazing goodie bag and prizes, a sumptuous four-course meal, excellent entertainment, and music from the Ian Hendrick band - who are sure to have the dance floor rocking!
Tickets to this special fundraiser are €175 per person and can be booked through mary@breakcancer.ie or contact Mary on 021 422 6655.
How a Survivor of Leukaemia is Working for Better Lives for Others
Over the coming months, we are excited to share a number of new research projects with you. These projects, in partnership with the Irish Research Council, focus on a range of cancers and their impact on people’s lives. First up, meet cancer researcher Avril Deegan.
At age 5, Avril was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Her PhD is focused on “Investigating Resilience, Social Support and Quality of Life Amongst Childhood Leukaemia Survivors and their Parents”
“As a childhood Leukaemia survivor, I feel I have a lot to offer to the research.” Avril is researching resilience, social support, and quality of life amongst childhood leukaemia survivors and their parents.
Public and patient involvement (PPI) in research is crucial. Researchers like Avril are more likely to ask appropriate questions, grounded in their experience. They’re also more likely to ensure the research has a practical focus, understand the relevant healthcare context, and call on a network of other 'experts by-experience'.
Avril will be working alongside Dr. Simon Dunne in Dublin City University, and she is excited for her research to hopefully change the treatment experiences for other people with leukaemia.
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