In the hustle-bustle of daily life, we often forget to prioritize our health, sometimes even ignoring the most subtle signs that our body gives us. Five-year-old Rachel’s story teaches us the importance of taking routine medical check-ups seriously. What began as a simple eye exam to correct a sick eye, turned out to be a rare cancer diagnosis. Rachel’s story is a reminder that early detection is crucial to overcoming any illness. Through Rachel’s journey, we can learn about the significance of being vigilant about our health and enabling the best possible medical intervention.
Rachel McGovern was just five years old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer called retinoblastoma. Her mother, Geraldine, had taken her for a routine eye exam in October last year and was not expecting a cancer diagnosis that same day. Rachel was lucky not to have the genetic form of the cancer that would likely have affected both eyes, but the family still faced trips overseas to obtain treatment.
Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer that usually occurs when children are around two or three years old. However, in Rachel’s case, the tumour had been present for years without causing any symptoms. The diagnosis of retinoblastoma was a shock to Geraldine and her family, who live in Dowra, Co Cavan.
Due to the rarity of Rachel’s condition, there was no treatment available in Ireland, and the family was forced to seek treatment abroad. Rachel received intra-arterial chemotherapy, which is administered directly to the eye, in Birmingham. Although it was a difficult time for the family, Rachel was not sick from the treatment and was able to continue with school other than her trips to Birmingham.
Rachel responded well to chemotherapy and will complete her full course of treatment in the coming months. However, the trips to Birmingham added to the family’s financial burden, with the costs of flights, hotels, and other expenses. The Gavin Glynn Foundation, set up by the family of Gavin, who died of cancer in 2014, stepped in to help the family with these additional costs.
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) Support Line was also a source of support for Geraldine in the days after Rachel’s diagnosis. The McGovern family received help from the ICS Children’s Fund to cope with the financial burden of the diagnosis.
Rachel’s story is one of the positive ones, with public health checks for children shown to be essential. Geraldine is grateful for the support her family received during Rachel’s treatment and is keen to give back to those who helped them. The family has raised €84,000 for the Gavin Glynn Foundation, and they aim to continue supporting cancer charities in the future.
Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, which takes place annually, reminds people of the importance of early detection and prevention in fighting cancer. On this day, people donate money to the Irish Cancer Society, which supports cancer research, prevention, and early detection projects. Irish Cancer Society also runs a Care Centre in Dublin that provides various support services for people are diagnosed with cancer and their families.
In summary, the McGovern family’s experience highlights the importance of routine health checks for children and the support available to families coping with a cancer diagnosis. The Gavin Glynn Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society provide essential support to families in need, and it is essential to continue supporting these organizations in their efforts to combat cancer.
