Young Rhona Reilly who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Passing on goodwill in Rhona’s memory

Among the large crowds stepping out for the Killeshandra Camino on Saturday, June 17, this year will be a Redhills couple on a very special mission in memory of their six-year-old daughter who died in February.

Sheila Reilly and Ross McKiernan will undertake the 35km walk to raise funds for three Cavan organisations that helped their daughter Rhona Rose in the final months of her life. The fundraiser, Hitting the Cavan Camino for Rhona McKiernan, has generated over €21,000 to date and all monies raised will be divided evenly between Cavan and Monaghan Palliative Care Fund, Cavan General Hospital Paediatrics Ward and Cuan Cancer Support Centre in Cavan.

“We have been astonished and overwhelmed by the success of the fundraiser so far,” Sheila told The Anglo-Celt this week. “People have been incredibly generous, and we are so grateful. We have seen first-hand the work these organisations do, and we know this money will be well-spent helping others at the worst time of their lives.”

Rhona was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last July and after spending time in Temple St and Crumlin Children’s Hospitals, she underwent radiotherapy in St Luke’s. Sheila says they received wonderful care and support throughout their time in Dublin but the day came when their worst fears were confirmed.

“We were devastated when we were told that Rhona’s cancer had progressed and that she had just a short time left to live,” Sheila continued. “We knew she wanted to come home to Cavan so the Palliative Care team under Dr Wilhelm and the team in Cavan Paediatrics Unit worked together on a care plan that enabled her to be at home with us in Redhills while having access to the hospital whenever she needed it. We have no doubt that this plan extended Rhona’s life because she was happy at home surrounded by the people she loved.”

Good hands

Sheila says it took just one phonecall to Cuan, the Cancer support centre in Cavan, to organise help for Rhona when she came home.

“From the moment I spoke to Maria in Cuan, I knew we were in good hands,” Sheila said. Rhona attended Cuan for weekly reflexology sessions, which she loved, and play therapy. “Rhona was very much at home at Cuan and the team were, and continue to be, very supportive to us.”

Following Rhona’s death, Sheila and Ross wanted to do something to acknowledge the care Rhona received in Cavan.

“Rhona loved her surroundings and was very conscious of nature and the environment. We had lovely times walking in the local forests with her and her brother Cillian so that’s why we liked the idea of walking the Cavan Camino in her memory.”

Goodwill

The fundraiser has gone from strength to strength since it was launched.

“Ever since Rhona was diagnosed, we have been wrapped in the goodwill and support of people from near and far. We could never thank everyone who helped us along the way,” Sheila stated. “But we want to pass on some of that goodwill in Rhona’s memory by helping other patients and their families.

“Rhona left an impression on everyone she met,” her mother said. “She had a great personality and really enjoyed life. She told us many times that she had a lovely life before all this happened. She really loved and appreciated her world but she was taken from it far too soon.”