Mayo mums inspired as aoibheanns pink tie transforms life on cancer ward
TWO Mayo mums who met when their sons were admitted to the children’s oncology ward at Crumlin Hospital are today extending a hand of friendship and support to other parents of sick children.
The Aoibheann’s Pink Tie charity gives practical support to the families of children affected by cancer. It was set up in 2010 by Dunboyne dad Jimmy Norman after he lost his beloved daughter Aoibheann.
Aoibheann’s Pink Tie has two Mayo representatives who have been active within the county for about a year. Mums Majella Walsh from Derrew, Ballyheane, and Stacey McHugh from Castlebar met in Crumlin as a result of their sons’ cancer. Heartbreakingly, Stacey’s little boy, Jack Lam, died aged four in November 2013.
Majella son, also Jack, now 13 and happily back at home with mum, dad John and big sister Megan, was diagnosed with a brain and spinal tumour aged seven. The two Jacks, says Majella, were great buddies, earning themselves the title of ‘Big Jack and Little Jack’ on the ward.
The oncology ward was a ‘very lonely place’, Majella recalls. “There was no support mechanism at the time our Jack went into hospital.”
Jimmy Norman (who has been nominated for a Pride of Ireland award) and his team of volunteers have changed that, helping families of children with cancer in many ways – respite weekends, trips to concerts, emergency overnight bags for unplanned hospital stays, food hampers, financial support, even superhero outfits.
Most parents feel very alone, confused and traumatised during their child’s treatment, which can last for years and have a devastating effect on family life. Aoibheann’s Pink Tie wants no parent to feel alone and wants to hold their hand while they walk the walk that is cancer.
Locally, Majella and Stacy have been fundraising for the charity and meeting parents, providing a rock of support. They want to give back to Jimmy and the charity all that they have done for both their families.
Just last week, Majella’s son – who is ‘plane mad’ – was treated to a day of a lifetime at Dublin Aerospace, where Jimmy works. The sky was literally the limit; he was even presented with an Aoibheann’s Pink Tie inspired model aeroplane to mark the occasion.
As part of the local fundraising drive, Majella is throwing the doors of her home at Derrew, Ballyheane, open on Saturday, March 28, for a day of tea, coffee, cake and goodies. The event runs from 12 to 4 p.m. and all are invited to pop by – all she is asking is that you give a donation towards Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.
To find out more, call Majella on (087) 2276271. Aoibheann’s Pink Tie is on Facebook, and you can find information there about the charity and donations, or see www.aoibheannspinktie.ie.
*This article is dedicated to the memory of Jack Lam.