INSPIRATIONAL County Limerick woman Juliette O’Connell will get on her bike this weekend to give a little back to breast cancer care.
The mother-of-three from Kilteely will celebrate two years free of cancer by taking part in ‘Giving A Little Back’, a charity event in Herbertstown this Sunday, October 5 in aid of breast cancer care.
When 43 year-old Juliette first discovered a rash on her left breast two years ago, she had just completed an 80km cycle and thought nothing of it.
However, after visiting her local pharmacist some days later, she was advised to see her GP and later sent for diagnostic tests. It was then that the cancer was detected.
“I lived a healthy lifestyle and enjoyed life. I’m very fit and active, so I wasn’t expecting the devastating bombshell that landed that day. I remember being very angry. It was like a dream. I thought I was on candid camera,” Juliette recalls.
“I had to have six doses of chemo and the worst day for me was when I lost my hair. Like every woman, I love my hair. I would wash it and straighten it every day. I cut it short when it started to come out, so that was a very dark moment for me,” she said.
Juliette is hugely philosophical about her battle with cancer and the loss of her breast. She sees it as a traumatic experience that ultimately gave her back her life.
“When they took the breast it felt like the cancer was gone at that point. For my children I felt grateful and tried to remain positive. You have to look forward. I said to myself I am going to get better to make sure I’m around for my children. It was devastating but life goes on,” she said.
A member of Southside Wheely Wheelers cycling club in Kilmallock, Juliette is a keen cyclist and runner.
Last year the ‘Giving a Little Back’ event raised €3,000 for the new Symptomatic Breast Clinic at the University Hospital Limerick.
“It would be great if we could raise the same amount or more this year. All the money will go to the Breast Clinic in the Regional Hospital and I really can’t commend all the doctors and nurses and even attendants enough out there enough,” she concluded.
Sunday’s event includes a 60km cycle and 8km run/walk/cycle. For more details, check out the Giving A Little Back facebook page.
