Some of the crowd at the Relay for Life cancer conference.
The Relay for Life Donegal 2014 committee, in association with The Irish Cancer Society, held an inaugural cancer conference on Saturday the 5th April 2014 at the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.
MC Charlie Collins got proceedings under way by emphasising the great success of Relay for Life in Donegal and stating that cancer doesn’t discriminate.
Robert O Connor, Chairperson of Relay for Life Donegal 2014, addressed all who had attended and highlighted that, “the conference is for you”.
Robert outlined how delighted he was to welcome everyone and he took the opportunity to thank Relay for Life Donegal’s patron (i.e.) Mr Daniel O Donnell.
A video message from Daniel was viewed and Robert took the opportunity to “thank Daniel for his commitment and support”.
The patient experience was delivered by Bernie Gallagher, Conal Gallen and the survivors’ choir. Bernie Gallagher shared her personal experiences; why do I relay? According to Bernie, “you must stand up and fight, believe you can do it!”
According to Conal Gallen, “we should talk about cancer more. I didn’t know how to deal with cancer. I deal with problems through humour”. Conal also stated how he “felt lucky to survive cancer”.
The survivors’ choir gave a beautiful rendition of alleluia.
One of the many experts who delivered presentations at the conference included Ursula Bates, Head of Psychology, Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross. Ursula delivered a presentation on the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis. According to Ursula, “it is a cause for celebration that more people than ever are surviving after a diagnosis but we know the impact of cancer doesn’t suddenly stop when treatment is over”. Ursula reiterated that stress cannot be blamed as the cause for cancer; environmental, lifestyle and generic factors must also be considered.
According to Siobhan Diver, Marketing Manager of Relay for Life Donegal 2014, “the event exceeded all expectations. The committee were delighted with how smoothly the event ran and of how much benefit and enjoyment attendees had stated they had obtained from attending”.
The Relay for Life Donegal 2014 committee would like to take this opportunity to thank those who attended the conference, the guest speakers, the exhibitors and to everyone who facilitated in any way to making the conference the tremendous success that it was.
The committee would also like to take this opportunity to highlight that if anyone is interested in entering a team for the Relay for Life Donegal event on the 31/5/14 – 1/6/14, they should contact Nicola on 086 8880399 or alternatively email relayforlifedonegalapplications@yahoo.com
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