'I have too much to live for' says Marita on beating cancer

PREPARATIONS are in place for the annual Mayo Pink Ribbon charity cycle which takes place on Saturday, April 29, and for which registration is now open.

As we approach the event, The Connaught Telegraph, the event's media partners, is profiling a number of the participants. Here Marita Shannon tells her story.

 

Marita Shannon is well-known to many in Kiltimagh as the owner and manager of Tigh na Leanai Creche and Playschool, a purpose-built facility just outside the town on the Swinford Road.

Throughout her 22 years at the helm, Marita has been a much loved figure in a house full of children and chatter.

Marita's busy schedule of school runs, playtime and her own family life was abruptly thrown off-course in September 2012.

'It all happened very quickly,' reflects Marita. 'I had undergone a mammogram and biopsy the previous week. I was sitting in my car after finishing a school run when I took a call from the clinic in Galway. They asked me to attend that day, and to bring a family member with me.

'I sat in a chair and received my diagnosis, and the world seemed to tilt. My youngest child was 4 at the time; my eldest was in Leaving Cert year. It was a momentous emotional and physical blow.'

Those who know Marita will attest to the strength of her character, and the no-nonsense, matter of fact approach she employs.

Her strength and her determination are evident as she recalls the next step. 'In November, the doctor talked to me about a mastectomy. I had tumours all over my breast. I didn't hesitate. 'Take it,' I said. I have too much to live for.'

Almost immediately after completing chemotherapy, the resilient Marita began looking for opportunities to fundraise and create awareness around breast cancer research.

After seeing the Mayo Pink Ribbon cycle advertised online, and with typical determination, Marita completed the 100km cycle in 2013, along with the support of her two brothers, Joseph and Sean.

Family is at the heart of Marita's story. In addition to her brothers, she was joined by her daughters Millie and Lara in the years since then, and will be joined by her sister Eavan this year as she takes on the 100km Pink Ribbon route.

She stresses the generosity and support she receives each year from the parents at Tigh Na Leanai and the wider Kiltimagh community.

'This is a cause that everyone can get behind. It could be your sister, your mother, your grandfather - people aren't aware that men can also get breast cancer. It is something that touches every corner and every part of our community. '

When asked what she would say to people considering signing up to this year’s cycle on April 29, Marita said: 'Do it. Do it for the buzz, the excitement, the welcome. Do it for the people you will meet, the stories you will hear, and the sense of achievement you will feel. Do it in the knowledge that you are playing a hugely important part in fighting breast cancer and giving hope to individuals and families in our community.'

 

Find out more and register at www.mayopinkribbon.ie.