We had a wonderful Night at our Face UP 2 Cancer event at Chapter 1 Living Cavan on Oct 22nd. We were joined by lots of ladies and the odd gentleman too for a night of Fundraising, Awareness, Entertainment and Food.
People were greeted at the door by our Fabulous Pink Champagne reception kindly donated by Virginia Credit Union and the irrepressible Paddy Sheanon was our MC for the night and kept proceedings flowing.
Jenny Kinsella the Organiser of this event and owner of Weightmatters, spoke about how women recovering from cancer from her classes inspired her to raise money for this worthy cause.
First to talk to us was Rachel Fitzgerald Feeley – Outreach Coordinator Breast Cancer Ireland who spoke about how to self-exam yourself and what to look for while examining yourself. She showed us on her Mannequin what the various signs could be and told us of her own story and journey with Breast Cancer.
Chapter 1 Living supplied the Food for the evening – with the emphasis on healthy plant-based dishes. While Ger McCafferty and Kathy Durkin provided the musical entertainment.
Aftercare and Support services were the topics after the meal. Lorraine Lonegan spoke about wigs and headwear for those going through Chemotherapy and the different options that are available.
While Geraldine Farrelly-Brady tackled the difficult subject of Lymph Drainage treatments available in the Cavan Region.
Rosemary Allen Joziasse from Cuan talked about the supports they provide to suffers and their families. And Cecilia Smith of Cavan Citizens Advice Bureau gave us invaluable information about the financial supports people can access.
Also up to speak was Mary O’Reilly of Virginia Cancer Care who offer support to people trying to get to appointments in hospital by offering taxi services and other supports
There were lots of happy winners of our raffle and special thanks go to our generous sponsors – Chapter 1 Living, Glasson Country House Hotel & Golf Club. Absolute Jewellery, Neven Maguire, Ramor Theatre, Riverfront Bar , O’Donoghue’s totalhealth Pharmacy, Bailie Hotel, Farnham Arms Hotel, Riverside Spa Stradone, The Park Lodge Virginia, Lisgrey House, Gilmores Kingscourt, Kingspan, Plush cars, O’Reilly’s Eggs, AIB Bank, Fintan Cahill Auctioneers and Matthews Bar
The final part of the Evening was about Self-care and Beauty , Rosemary Sheridan gave a makeup tutorial for those who had lost their eyebrows and lashes while telling us her own moving story of her own battle against breast cancer.
Auctioneer Fintan Cahill used his skills for our auction of some fabulous prizes including 3 Course Lunch, Carols & Mulled Wine for two at Richard Corrigan’s renowned Virginia Park Hotel.
The evening ended with Virginia Parkrun organiser Robert Beamish talking about getting active again and Breege Delaney speaking about Mindfulness and Meditation techniques, rounding of a wonderful evening full of laughter, heartbreaking stories, support and information.
Over €2850 euros was raised for Breast Cancer Ireland on the night. Jenny also has offered anyone suffering or recovering from cancer 12 weeks free classes with Weightmatters to help them with their recovery, we are calling this “Pay with a Smile”