Feeling the love for patient comfort funds
- Róisín McManus -
On Valentine’s Night, hundreds of people gathered in the Cranaghan suite of the Slieve Russell Hotel, not to celebrate St Valentine’s Day, but to celebrate the remarkable journey of local woman, Anne McGoldrick.
In her own words, Anne’s world was “turned upside down” in March 2023 when she discovered a lump in her breast. Shortly after a visit to her GP, Anne was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that requires immediate and intensive treatment.
What followed was months of treatment in the Mater and Cavan General hospitals, where Anne received the incredible care that helped inspire the St Valentine’s Charity Gala.
The gala has raised €64,000 for Cavan Oncology and the Mater Oncology units.
Speaking to the Celt after the gala, Anne spoke about her experience.
“During my stay in St Vincent’s Ward in the Mater Hospital, I saw first-hand how patient care funding can transform a hospital experience,” she tells the Celt.
“Simple comforts such as a personal fridge, smart television and comfort chairs for comfortable seating made a meaningful difference to daily life during my recovery.
“Seeing how this funding directly improves both patient comfort and clinical care has shown me just how valuable and meaningful these contributions are for patients and this is what inspired the St Valentine’s Charity Gala.”
On the night, the swarm of guests were greeted by a performance by the Cavan Rugby Club Male Voice Choir in the foyer of the Cranaghan suite.
After enjoying the melodic voices of the choir, guests were ushered into the vast Cranaghan suite that was easily filled by the numbers in attendance on the night.
“Anne’s story reminds us of how fragile life can be,” MC Seanie Cassidy tells the crowd, as the significance of the occasion hits home.
Joining Seanie on stage are Angela McNulty, Community and Events Specialist in the Mater Hospital; Margaret Gilmartin, Clinical Nurse Manager in Cavan General Hospital and Anne.
“What a day and what a lady,” says Angela, who spoke first.
Angela spoke passionately about her work and her patients.
“Our patients are our inspirations,” she says, speaking about those that receive cancer care in the Whitty Wing of the Mater Hospital, where Anne was a patient.
“Thousands and thousands of people walk that corridor from Monday to Friday.”
Margaret speaks next, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and funding for cancer services before warning us that cancer cases could double by 2045.
“We should be able to provide care closer to home,” she says.
The remit of Cavan Oncology extends to a population of around 250,000 people across counties Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Longford, Meath and Westmeath.
As the final speaker on the night, Anne McGoldrick is met with rapturous applause.
“I spent over six and a half months in hospital. During that time, I received exceptional care. My world was turned upside down, not only mine but that of my family and everyone who knew me.”
Anne tells us how people helped her during this difficult time. “Through this illness, I have witnessed something extraordinary and that is the very best in people. Tonight is about hope and reminding every single person affected by cancer that they’re not alone. Thank you for being part of this journey that I will never forget.”
After dinner, guests were entertained by Belturbet comedian Fiona Fitzpatrick and Leitrim band The Basskillers. They danced the night away with a renewed appreciation and gratitude for life.