The ‘Hats Off Heroes’ initiative is offering those who have been affected by brain tumours an opportunity to thank who, through acts of support and kindness, helped them around their diagnosis and Cork people are being thanked.
‘Hats Off Heroes’ has a shortlist of nominees that will have their names put in a hat for a prize draw.
A selection of the submitted stories will be highlighted on Brain Tumour Ireland’s social media channels during Brain Tumour Awareness Week.
Ted Kenneally, a father from Glanmire was nominated by his daughter, Clodagh Conway.
Explaining why she wanted to nominate her father, Clodagh said:
“When my sister Ruth was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and following a subsequent stroke, my dad showed great strength when she needed it most. It was exactly what Ruth needed. He brought humour and was a constant supportive presence for her. He celebrated and documented her recovery every step of the way. I will forever be in awe of him for this.”
In reaction to being nominated, Ted said, “I wasn’t expecting this at all. Our whole family were affected by Ruth’s diagnosis, and they all were there to provide the same love and support as I did. I’m glad we were all able to be there for Ruth when she needed us.”
16-year-old Jack Kelleher from Mallow has been nominated by his aunt, Geraldine Dunleavy.
Geraldine’s daughter Alannah, who is in pre-school in Kerry, has a brain tumour. Explaining why she wanted to nominate her nephew, Geraldine said:
“Alannah's cousin Jack always brings a smile to her face. He has taken it upon himself to organise a truck run to help raise funds for us while Alannah goes through treatment. He has done everything, from organising the trucks, posters and promotion to goodie bags, raffle prizes, entertainment and food, all while in school himself.”
Another nominee is a newly qualified nurse from Newmarket called Ellen Hartnett.
Ellen looked after her mother Julie Hartnett and was nominated by her friend Alice O’Brien.
Explaining why she wanted to nominate Ellen, Alice said:
“Ellen is an amazing young mother who has supported her own mother, Julie, through her treatment for a brain tumour — all while carrying out her nursing studies at UCC. She has helped her mother by taking her to chemo and radiotherapy, cared for her young sisters Emily and Faye, as well as rearing her own daughter, Grace. She is a truly amazing young lady.”
Launching Brain Tumour Awareness Week 2021 was Brain Tumour Awareness Week Milliner Partner Lina Stein. Pic: Marc O'Sullivan.Commenting on the stories submitted to Brain Tumour Ireland for ‘Hats Off Heroes’, Chairperson of Brain Tumour Ireland Peter Cosgrove said:
“These stories demonstrate how invaluable everyday acts of support and kindness are to people affected by brain tumours. It also shines a light on the strength and resilience of people who are affected by brain tumours, as well as the impact of the illness on them, their families and loved ones. More than 400 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in Ireland each year, with many contacting Brain Tumour Ireland for support when they receive their diagnosis. On their behalf, we feel privileged to learn about these stories and to be able to thank the ‘Hats Off Heroes’ who have helped them.”
#HatsOffHeroes is running until Saturday, 6th November, and nominations can be made through a special online form on www.braintumourireland.com.
