Silka’s story:

Silka was diagnosed with stomach cancer in September 2017. The occurrence of stomach cancer in people under 20 years of age is close to zero and very little related research has been carried out for the past few decades. Every procedure that she had experienced was extremely risky. However, she was a special girl and she chose to get along with cancer rather than to detest it. She was very thoughtful and sweet too - she would always tell her loved ones that she was okay, even for most of the time that wasn’t the case. She never wanted us to worry about her. She would get more annoyed at upsetting others than any of the medication.

We wanted more time with her. We wished, prayed, stayed positive, you name it. However, shortly after her cancerous lymph node removal surgery, she started experiencing excruciating headaches and that was when they finally discovered an aggressive metastatic tumour in her brain. 

Sadly, she passed away on 25 April 2018 after suffering yet fighting so bravely for 7 months. It was so hard to see our baby girl leave us. She was one in a million. If you’ve ever gotten to know her in person, you’d be amazed at how intelligent and insightful, but at the same time, funny, childlike and ingenious this girl was. She was so special. She was the life and soul of our family and she touched our lives and so many other people’s lives. 

I know, Silka being Silka, she’ll be looking after all those children who have been taken too early, and looking out for those who are fighting the fight. To honour our girl’s memory, we would like to raise funds for other children who are currently fighting this monstrous disease and much needed research.

Thank you so much to those who are taking their precious time to run/jog/walk with us this Sunday, those who have already donated to Grainne’s page, those who have donated directly to the Foundation under my page name, and our parish community who has been so incredibly generous. We’re beyond grateful and very appreciative.