Thank you for taking the time to visit our fundraising page on iDonate.ie. We're taking part in a 5km run, walk or jog on 20th April to fundraise for Arc Cancer Support Centres in honour of the amazing Dervla Hynes. Read below to learn about Dervla's story.

"It was June 2023, it was my 45th birthday, and I was sat opposite my GP getting a lump I'd found checked out.

I was young, fit, strong and healthy - or so I thought.

Fast forward a few weeks, and after much prodding, poking, scans and biopsies, I heard the words "I'm really sorry, you have breast cancer".

BAM! There's a slap in the face from life I wasn't expecting.

The shock on families, friends and colleagues faces mirroring my own shock, still in disbelief that this was now my reality.

Sitting our 10 year old son, Conor, down to tell him his Mom had cancer is not a day we'll forget quickly.

My husband, Derek, said it wasn't just me who got cancer, the family unit got cancer. Or so it felt, with each of us trying to process the news and navigate the inevitable worries, anxieties and uncertainties that such a diagnosis brings.

I had never heard of ARC before. I had no need to ... until now.

Countless people recommended their services to me.

So off I went, nervously, to their South Circular Road centre, box of chocolate fingers in hand, to introduce myself and register for their services.

In the weeks waiting for my treatment plan and waiting for my surgery, I was very glad of ARC.

The weekly relaxation class with Emer was an hour of bliss, and probably my favourite hour of the week at the time.

In September 2023 I had a mastectomy and reconstruction. All thankfully went smoothly. I was very fortunate I didn't require radiation or chemotherapy. Just the five years of hormone blocking therapy. Hello menopause! As my cancer was hormone positive, no such luxury as HRT. Back to my friends in ARC to sign up for their menopause program.

When the physical recovery was nearing completion, the emotional recovery was only starting. The wonderful counselling service at ARC has been helping me to begin to process everything and the rollercoaster of emotions felt since diagnosis.

I'm still overwhelmed by the kindness and support of everyone - family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Don't underestimate the power of a text, card or call to someone going through treatment.

On my day of diagnosis, my breast cancer nurse said to me - you'll never be the same again. I see what she means now. I'm adjusting to my new normal. I'm focused forwards, but cancer does pop into my rear view mirror. A day at a time.

A good friend said to me when I was diagnosed - be like a sunflower, follow the light. Pretty sound advice."

Dervla has inspired us all and we are raising funds to give back to Arc Cancer Support Services who helped Dervla during her cancer journey.

We hope that you can help us by donating whatever you can. Simply click the Donate button. All donations are processed securely.

Thank you!

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