Cancer survivors unite for Run Walk N Roll
The 23rd annual Run Walk N Roll returns to St. Joseph’s Hall,
Boyle at 3pm on Sunday 21 October.
The 5.4km event has raised over €165,000 for cancer
research over the past 22 years and this year's theme is 'We Won't Give Up
Until Cancer Does'.
The Run Walk N Roll is open to runners and walkers of all
abilities, with cancer survivors from all generations taking part in the event
through the streets of Boyle.
Local cancer survivor Pearl Anderson has been taking part in the walk since it
began as the Terry Fox Run back in the 1990s. But the event has taken on
special significance for her after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001.
The cancer, which affects over 3,100 women in Ireland each
year, was detected following a mammogram, after which Pearl was sent for a
biopsy, swiftly followed by surgery. She had to make the journey from Roscommon
to Dublin by train for treatment, but says she is “very conscious” of how well
she was looked after there.
Following her successful treatment, Pearl continues to
take part in Run Walk N Roll each year. Having spent time sitting in
chemotherapy units and in waiting rooms awaiting test results, she feels it is
wonderful to be able to get out and take part in the walk, “rather than sitting
in that room not knowing what you’re going to be told”. “It’s great to be able
to do it,” she says.
And the Run Walk N Roll supports cancer research,
something Pearl is passionate about. She recalls the words of her oncologist 17
years ago, “It will help you, but it will also help others.”
Community of support
Another local cancer survivor, Michael Reynolds from The
Bazaar café on Bridge Street, is taking part in the Run Walk N Roll for the
first time this year, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.
The Run Walk N Roll is a great example for anyone who
might be going through difficult times, he says. “It’s only 2 years since I was
diagnosed and whenever I see an event like this… it reminds me that there is a
community of support there that can help you out in difficult times.”
Over 40,000 people receive a cancer diagnosis in Ireland
each year and the Run Walk N Roll is an important opportunity to raise cancer
awareness. Michael has been speaking out about his experience with breast
cancer, which affects a small number of Irish men each year.
“It lifts your heart when someone stops you and says, ‘I
heard your story and I checked myself, or I told someone else to get themselves
checked.’ If one person can do that for someone else then everything is worth
it, because you don’t know when you’ll make a difference,” he says.
Trying to help others
Run Walk N Roll organiser Damian Regan says the event is one
that young and old can take part in together because, unfortunately, both generations can be affected by cancer.
Damian’s youngest brother was diagnosed with leukaemia
when he was just 3 years old in the early
1980s. Damian spent time in hospitals in Dublin and Galway while his
brother underwent treatment, and has never forgotten the other young children
he met there. “I often wonder how they are now,” he says. “That impacted on
me.” His wife also lost her brother to leukaemia at a young age so they both
had experienced cancer at a young age in their lives.
Damian’s brother made a full recovery but it sparked an
interest in cancer research for Damian and he organised Boyle’s first Terry Fox
Run in 1995. Terry Fox was a young Canadian forced to have his leg amputated
following a cancer diagnosis. But the 22-year-old was determined to walk across
Canada to raise funds for cancer research and ultimately walked over 5,000km
before passing away in 1981. Since then, Terry Fox Run events have raised over
€650million for cancer research across the world.
Terry’s legacy inspired Damian, “His determination in his
own illness, in trying to help others”, and he stresses the importance of
research for cancer patients. While more people are being diagnosed with
cancer, thanks to research breakthroughs cancer survival rates have doubled over
the past 40 years.
With support from his wife, daughters and the local community, Damian’s Run Walk N Roll is
approaching its 25th anniversary in 2020. This year’s event on the 21st of October
is in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and all funds raised go to cancer
research. Entry is on the day and refreshments will be served afterwards. For
more information and sponsorship cards, contact Damian Regan on 086-3942388 or
see Run Walk N Roll on Facebook.
Best wishes to Michael and Aideen in the Bazaar coffee shop who
are holding a coffee day in aid of Breast Cancer "Cups against
Cancer" in their cafe which will take place on Friday the 26th of October.
Please come along and support them.
