Prostate Cancer Talks – Men’s Health
Life has thrown an incredible series of challenges at the O’Callaghan family over the last number of years. It all began in August 2022 when their eldest son, Luke, a vibrant and strong 22-year-old, was diagnosed with cancer after a scan revealed a sarcoma in his pelvic area. A dedicated hurler, Luke was gearing up for senior hurling training just a week before his life unexpectedly changed courses.
Once diagnosed, the O’Callaghan’s positive relationship with ‘The Mercy’ began in earnest, with Luke’s chemotherapy commencing there just a week after his admission. In total Luke endured seven rounds of chemotherapy at “The Mercy” plus an intensive cycle of radiotherapy at St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin. Thankfully the treatment worked, and while Luke still has issues to deal with and needs regular scans, he is back leading a regular life.
The family’s journey with cancer didn’t end there. While Luke’s treatment was ongoing, mum Grace’s brother David was diagnosed. They were often in ‘The Mercy’ at the same time, and Grace would split her time between them on different wards. David bravely fought his battle with the full support of the caring staff at ‘The Mercy’ but sadly passed away on July 1st, 2024.
While this was a horrible time for the family, Grace explained “The support and care they received from all the staff at ‘The Mercy’ will live long in our memory and we will be forever grateful to them all.”
Since 2022, Grace has raised over €15,000 for the Mercy Cancer Appeal. This April, in memory, hope and gratitude, Grace, her husband Dermot, Luke and his brother James, along with Luke’s friends Gavin and Killian, will walk the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago and raise further funds.
“We do this not only in memory of David but to raise vital funds for the Mercy Cancer Care Centre.”
