Help Us to Support Families Affected by Cancer

My name is Hannah and I am 18 years old. I first found out about Purple House Cancer Support when my Dad, Paddy, was diagnosed with cancer when I was 8 years old. At that time my brother, Mum and I didn't know where to turn for emotional support and practical help. My Dad also availed of the services and he enjoyed getting reflexology which helped him after his chemotherapy that was very tough on him. I felt comfortable talking with other people who had experienced cancer. The staff were so kind and helpful, and I knew that there would always be somebody there when I needed them.  

I availed of counselling, art classes and other areas that I wanted to explore. There was something there to suit all members of my family. It was very open, and I could express myself in whatever way I wanted to. Over time I became more involved as there were other children and families in the same situation as I was, and so I felt comfortable talking with them. It was comforting to know that I wasn't alone. As I became more aware of the services offered by Purple House, I joined the creative arts activities and social activities. 

My Dad passed away when I was 10, but we took some small comfort in knowing that there were people there to help and support us in our time of need.  

I have met and spoken with Ministers for Health, T.D. 's and other people about the importance of community based organisations and the benefits they have to the community around them. I am very passionate about supporting community development because I understand how important services like Purple House are. 

At the moment I am currently involved in the Teens and Young Adults Support Group to promote the issues around Mental Health, Loss and Support. We do fun activities and it’s great to catch up with everyone. I have made many great friends in the group. 

The help I received from everyone in Purple House has helped me to cope with life after losing my Dad and other challenges that I have faced. I was very quiet after my Dad passed away, but now,  I have my confidence back and I have really come out of my shell.

I really enjoy volunteering in the centre, and it gives me a sense of purpose. After 10 years of knowing everyone, they have all become like family. It is such a warm and welcoming place, free of judgement. I have really bonded with everybody there, and I love seeing all the familiar faces when I come in.

I have many great memories from family days out and events that Purple House have hosted and I look forward to making more amazing memories as the years go on. I always love going down to the centre and having a catch-up with everybody. I take great comfort in knowing that the door is always open and there will always be somebody there for a nice cup of tea, a few biscuits and a chat!  

This is Jane's Story, a client at Purple House.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 46, having recently increased my exercise, I was enjoying a return to fitness that had been prevalent in my youth. 

The day I was informed that I had cancer, I couldn’t manage to say the word ‘cancer’ out loud. I was so shocked. I became acutely anxious and scared for myself and my family. Our children were young, I didn’t know how I’d inform them of my news let alone help them continue ‘as normal’ with their lives, our lives as a family. At the time, I felt hugely grateful for my family, friends, GPs, and medical team that were there to support me. However, nothing seemed to settle the chronic fear and anxiety that had set in. 

Previously, throughout the village, close to where I live, I had noticed collection boxes for ‘Purple House’. I understood it to be a place that supported those affected by cancer. Little did I know the important role such a place would play for me. My family encouraged me to contact Purple House once my treatment started. I can recall my first contact on the phone with one of their counsellors. I immediately felt comfortable to speak openly about what I was thinking, how I was feeling. She gently suggested I try some of the classes; the relaxation class seemed like a good starting point. 

It was during COVID, so the class was online, which really worked for me. In the early days of treatment, I would have found it challenging to attend a class in person, partly due to fatigue, but I also felt uncomfortable within myself. I benefited hugely from attending the weekly relaxation class. I soon began to understand ‘relaxation’ as a skill to be practiced and improved upon. After each class, no matter how I was feeling beforehand, I would feel a sense of serenity. Slowly, I started to learn how to integrate this knowledge into my day-to-day living. The ripple effect extended beyond the class, beyond cancer, into my home and the journey I was on. 

As I endeavoured to navigate this journey ahead, Purple House became my compass that guided me through the highs and lows of the cancer journey. Medically speaking, I soon became aware that cancer treatment plans are bespoke. I promptly changed my perspective from being a passive patient to an active participant in the process. I also grew to realise that I had to explore what would work for me, to support myself holistically on this journey. It was at this juncture that Purple House became my jewel on a rocky road. 

Throughout my treatment and thereafter I have attended mainly the relaxation class, but I have also hugely benefited from one-to-one counselling, reflexology, and yoga classes. I have also attended informative talks hosted by Purple House with invited specialists regarding cancer and self-care. There are many options available at Purple House including therapies for the body and mind, creative activities, and physical exercise classes, all coexisting in a beautiful building with friendly staff and volunteers that are experts in care. 

Thank you, Purple House. 

Links:

• Purple House Cancer Support