Naomi (14) was diagnosed with cancer last year. Her mum Niamh has shared why they have decided to get behind Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo and help Rory Best raise funds for our second therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge.

Cancer came like a thief in the night.

What started as a visit to Care Doc in Wexford, ended up with our daughter starting aggressive chemotherapy 10 days later. Our family life became completely fractured with our older son Stephen having to be cared for by family at home. After speaking with Naomi’s Oncologist, we made the decision to temporarily close our family business, not only to care for Naomi, but for each other.

Treatment was very tough on Naomi. Her regime started with weekly chemotherapy for the first 8 weeks, followed by 6 more sessions at 21-day intervals and 23 rounds of radiotherapy.  Chemotherapy has resulted in multiple hospital stays in our local hospital as well as Crumlin.

Naomi fighting cancer has deeply affected us as her parents and Stephen as it is such an emotional and painful time for us all. We spend a lot of time in our own bubble and Stephen wants to stay close to home to be with his sister.

She was so kind

From very early in in Naomi’s treatment whilst on St. John’s ward we were introduced to Kim from Cancer Fund for Children.

Sitting down with Kim for that first chat was so important. She was so kind and offered advice on the practical side of how to work our way through treatment together as family. She spent time with us, getting to know us as a family and would pop her head in while we were on the ward, to check if we needed anything big or small.

She has recommended Daisy Lodge to us for a break, and we are just waiting for Naomi to be well enough to travel.

There are so many families in the same position as ours

At times it can feel like there is no escape from cancer. Everyone in the family is worried constantly, so to have a space like Daisy Lodge where you only have to worry about relaxing, having fun together and making memories is so important.

It gives families like ours a chance to reconnect in a positive way and for siblings of children with cancer, it’s important that they see Mam and Dad relax.

You can join Naomi’s family in supporting Rory this May.

Just visit rorysmiles2mayo.com today or contact our team at [email protected].