Young mum takes alternative option in her battle for life

4-12-2013 Stephanie O'HalloranA COURAGEOUS Limerick mother, diagnosed with breast cancer three months ago, has decided to go to the route of alternative treatment in the United States after being given no hope by conventional medicine.

Stephanie O’Halloran, a young mother of an 18-month-old little girl, was given nine months to live with treatment and just weeks without, by doctors at the University Hospital Limerick.

On September 12 last, just weeks before her 23rd birthday, the Garryowen woman received the devastating news that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, lymph glands, liver, lung and leg.

“I am very happy with the treatment and care I got at the Regional but there is only so far conventional medicine can go. I was given no hope and I have so much to live for,” Stephanie told the Limerick Post.

After two rounds of chemotherapy, Stephanie decided to look into alternative medicine as an option. The brave young Limerick woman then discovered the Hippocrates Health Institute in Florida and was given hope by its director, Dr Brian Clement.

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One of the world’s oldest complementary health centres, the institute founded in 1952 is at the cutting edge of using food and other lifestyle strategies as medicine.

The institute’s philosophy is dedicated to the belief that a vegan, pure enzyme-rich diet, complemented by positive thinking and non-invasive therapies, are essential elements on the path to optimum health.

“I was very hopeful even before I went out there for treatment after speaking to them. After one trip, there has been real improvement in my liver function and I feel healthier. I have had to make lifestyle changes with my diet which I will have to stick to for the rest of my life.

“But this treatment gave me hope where I had none and I am now very hopeful for the future,” said Stephanie, who graduated with a degree in marketing management from LIT in October.

Her dad Declan said he and his wife Anne, and Stephanie’s siblings Carrie, Declan and Adam have had their worlds turned upside down since receiving the news. The entire family has now rallied together and is doing everything they can to help Stephanie get the treatment she needs to prolong her life.

“We never imagined we would ever have to go through something like this. We are all totally devastated and heartbroken. We have a very strong faith and that has helped us a great deal,” said Declan.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the overwhelming generosity of the people of Limerick in their support to help us raise funds for Stephanie’s treatment so far. In particular, to the contributions made by Abhann Logistics, Limerick Leprechauns and John Fanning,” he added.

Limerick Leprechauns, a veterans rugby club that raises funds for local charities, will host a flag day in the city on December 22 to raise money to help meet the substantial costs of Stephanie’s treatment in the States.

Donations can also be made at the Bank of Ireland branch on 125 O’Connell Street. The sort code is 904309 and account number is 10763546.

 

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