The Annual Northwest Breast Cancer Charity Ball made a welcome return to the Silver Tassie in Letterkenny last night.
Hundreds turned out in style for the glamourous event to help raise funds for Breast Centre North West at Letterkenny University Hospital.
RTE broadcaster Miriam O’ Callaghan was the celebrity guest of the evening, with Newstalk presenter and Donegal woman Andrea Gilligan also returning to support the cause. The inimitable Noel Cunningham hosted the event and guided guests through the fundraising activities which included a very exciting auction.
Compere Noel Cunningham with Felicity and Andrea Gilligan at the Cancer Care Gala Ball in the Silver Tassie Hotel. (NW Newspix)
Special guest Miriam O’Callaghan with surgeon Manvydas Varzgalis and his wife Laima at the Cancer Care Gala Ball in the Silver Tassie Hotel. (NW Newspix)
The event, as always, was generously supported by a long list of businesses and individuals who the committee would like to thank.
After two years of virtual events, attendees relished the chance to meet, dance and support a great cause in person once more.
Surgeon Michael Sugrue with Aoifa Lynch and David James at the Cancer Care Gala Ball in the Silver Tassie Hotel. (NW Newspix)
Cliona Marley with Noel Cunningham at the Cancer Care Gala Ball in the Silver Tassie Hotel. (NW Newspix)
Up to 3,000 patients are seen at the Breast Centre North West each year. Sadly for 100 of those women, an assessment will result in a cancer diagnosis.
The good news is that funding for breast cancer research has significantly reduced mortality rates. Studies carried out in Letterkenny, supported by the charity ball, have produced internationally-regarded papers, while some findings are being used to directly improve the experiences of patients in the unit. Donations also buy some of the comforting elements of the unit – such as the pink gowns worn by women during examinations and the tea and coffee facilities in the waiting room. Because of the research funds, surgical outcomes and diagnostics of breast cancer have already improved for patients in the north west and worldwide.
Corey Harkin and Sarah Gallagher with Celine and Patsy Gallagher at the Cancer Care Gala Ball in the Silver Tassie Hotel. (NW Newspix)
OPTUM colleagues Chris McMenamin and Jamie Howard with Grainne Boland at the Cancer Care Gala Ball in the Silver Tassie Hotel. (NW Newspix)
The Leitrim Ladies at the Cancer Care Gala Ball in the Silver Tassie Hotel. (NW Newspix)
