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.
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My name is Jessica, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) when I was 2 years old, I received treatment and was in remission for about 18 months. At the age of 5, I relapsed with A.L.L. This time the only option was for me to receive a bone marrow transplant. I was extremely lucky to receive a non-related bone marrow transplant in Crumlin Children’s Hospital from my amazing donor.
My transplant was a resounding success which allows me to live a very happy and healthy life. I went to University College Dublin and currently work as a scientist for a cosmetic company in Bray. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and dog. I cannot begin to describe the support my family and I received from Purple House Cancer Support Centre after my treatment. Thinking back on it, I cannot begin to imagine the toll my illness took on my family. Purple House helped my mam and dad and even my baby sister tremendously during these tough times, something which I will never forget. Even though I was cured from my cancer after my transplant, cancer will always be part of me and my life. Purple House helped me continue with life after cancer and helped me realise I wasn’t alone which was important to me.
While we were one of the early recipients of their generosity, I have seen their efforts and success go from strength to strength over the years. Their efforts are not limited to the people of Bray, but to County Wicklow and Leinster as a whole. I whole heartedly appreciate how Purple House Cancer Support Centre’s effort was not limited to the time when cancer affected us. Over the years, they have checked in with my family and I, always offering their best wishes and support. Purple House Cancer Support Centre will always have a special place in my heart.
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Thanks to your support we are able to continue helping families like in this story below.
When cancer came calling
I think I was lucky or maybe I was blinkered but up until it appeared on our doorstep I was somewhat immune to cancer, the devastation of the illness and the effect it has on a family and the person dealing with a diagnosis and illness.
My blinkered view ended on a sunny Sunday in September 2018 when my normally healthy wife ended up in hospital. A day that started with plans to go to the park, have lunch and catch up with friends concluded with her in the bed in St Vincent’s Hospital A&E. She wasn’t feeling great for a couple of days before that eventful Sunday with what felt like a bit of a flu but otherwise felt ok and certainly didn’t experience anything unusual in the weeks and months before that.
On Sunday morning as conditions worsened, I persuaded her to go to the out of hours doctor. Things evolved and by late Sunday evening having ended up in hospital she was told it was serious and a scan showed something unusual in her pelvic area.
In the days that followed the news wasn’t good as she was told that she had stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. Within days, she commenced chemotherapy such was the advanced stage of cancer within her body.
That Autumn felt like a blur, as did the months that followed which included a serious twelve-hour surgical procedure in the Mater Hospital in January 2019 followed by months of chemotherapy and numerous overnight stays in St Vincent’s Hospital with various complications.
It was when the dust settled and the medics had her on the road to recovery that we discovered Purple House. When you’re thrown into the rushed pace of a diagnosis and treatment plan you’ve hardly any time to think what’s next, but then when treatment ends or things settle down, you may have had the medical intervention that’s required but there’s lots more to deal with including the never ending question, “what’s next?”.
From the moment we stepped inside the door to Purple House, then located in Aubrey Court, we felt welcome and with others who understood. Edwina had various treatments and our kids benefitted from activities and therapy that helped heal the non-physical wounds that a cancer diagnosis brings upon a family.
A few months later I was involved in a modest fundraising effort and when dropping in for a photo for social media, Stephanie & Conor mentioned the plan to purchase a new premises and expand services. I asked a few questions, shared a bit of opinion and before I knew it, I was installed on the Property Committee. That’s since evolved into me assisting on the Finance Committee and like anyone who volunteers within Purple House there is great satisfaction in giving back.
Purple House managed to secure the new premises and the purchase turned into a rollercoaster experience as at times it looked like it wouldn’t happen and then like fate it all came together. The result is a wonderful facility and it happened due to the perseverance of Veronica, Conor and the wider team within Purple House.
I’ve often said to Veronica & Conor that just walking in the door is treatment or counselling itself. I say that from personal experience and hope that others in need take that step inside the Purple door.
Purple House can be a safe place or a place of understanding to those going through illness. The current and next chapter in the story of Purple House is very exciting as services expand yet the ethos of understanding, compassion and advice that started in Veronica’s kitchen over thirty years ago continues today and will do into the future.
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