Touched By Cancer Cork was set up in 2010 by the Sisk family in memory of our mum, Mrs Mary Sisk. Mum had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and sadly passed away on St. Her family spent her final three days in CUH at her bedside, never leaving the hospital day or night. We found the facilities at the time that were available for families in our position very poor, so as a result we set
up a fund raising charity and called it 'Touched By Cancer Cork'. As a result of our own experiences our first task was to fund raise to completely refurbish the family rooms in wards GA/GB in Cork University Hospital. We were aiming to create a homely and comfortable place for families to go to during their darkest times, a place designed to be as peaceful and calm as possible. Ger Markey is the nurse in charge of ward GB and she tells us that some of the patients go to sit in the family room, saying that's it feels like being in their 'own' front room, and now to enhance that feeling a little garden has been planted to be seen out through the window. Because of the demand and constant use this room gets we are currently in the process of giving this room another revamp. It is so well appreciated by all those that use it. We are also in the process of completing a consultation room for doctors and patients where they can go for test results or discuss treatments. We were hoping to get this done for Christmas but it will now be the middle of January before it is completed. We always consult with staff and talk to patients, and try to find out what will help make a difference to their experience of dealing with cancer. Then we fund raise to make it all happen. We have organised many charity events, and we find that people are very generous as all the funds raised go directly to fund the work of Touched By Cancer Cork. As well as refurbishing the family rooms we have also funded:
2 Baxter pumps for complex chemotherapy.
3 Syringe drivers for pain relief.
1 Blood warming machine
1 Bladder scanner
2 Blood pressure machines
4 televisions
4 portable systems with wifi, etc.
4 comfortable leather chairs for patients
Some of the events we have been involved in includes the Evening Echo Cork mini marathon, hosting very popular musical concerts, and most recently we held a 'Ladies Lunch' at Sunday's Well RFC, which raised € 1,500. But by far our biggest fundraiser is the Touched By Cancer Cork Christmas Morning Swim! This year we are starting at 11.00 am at Myrtleville Beach. It is a fun filled family festive morning. For those that can't bring themselves to plunge in and brave the cold waters hot drinks are provided to everyone, spectators and participants alike. We love to see spectators cheering on their 'mad' friends and families, it's a wonderful event for all! Year after year the feedback we get from the swimmers is the sense of accomplishment they feel, satisfaction, and pride at having been able to give their time and for such a worthy cause. They strongly feel that Christmas for them has really been a 'time for giving'. This year, due to the increase in the number of people being treated for cancer in CUH on ward GB they need another Baxter pump for chemotherapy. So come along everyone to Myrtleville Beach on Christmas morning, strip off to your swimming suit or wet suit (Santa costume optional!) and give it a go – you will feel great afterwards and will have helped out a very worthwhile charity. To get sponsorship cards, or for more information or contact Hazel 087 1213237. See our page: www.facebook.com/touchedbycancercork or our website:
https://touchedbycancercork.wordpress.com for more details of our story so far.
