Westmeath service unveils forum for cancer patients to tell their story

The Multyfarnham-based Cancer Support Sanctuary or LARCC (Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre) as it is commonly known, has launched  a new online forum  which invites cancer patients to share their stories in order to help others cope with the diagnosis, treatment and the recovery process.

Called the Lazarus Community Forum, it is a unique way for cancer patients to express their thoughts and feelings on their condition.

The brainchild of Frank Russell from Blanchardstown, Dublin, who has been treated for cancer twice, the forum  will allow patients to tell their story and connect with others.

A former Air Corps Comdt and retired Inspector of Air Accidents, Mr Russell, has been diagnosed and treated for cancer twice. In 1998 he was diagnosed with neck cancer and at the time he was given two years to live. Then in 2007 he was diagnosed with prostrate cancer but again, it was treated successfully.

“Telling their stories on the Lazarus Community Forum can be a powerful way for cancer patients to express their thoughts and feelings on their condition both for themselves and, importantly, for those more recent patients.” he says.

Currently there are stories posted from cancer patients in Kildare,Dublin, Wicklow, Roscommon and Tipperary.

“The idea for the gorum came from listening to cancer patients on social occasions during their stay on the LARCC residential weeks. I heard some brave and uplifting stories and some sad ones too. My sincere hope is that the Forum will open doors otherwise shut to ordinary cancer patients, and empower them to express their thoughts and feelings on their condition both for themselves and, importantly, for those more recent patients,” adds Frank Russell.

The Forum can be found at http://cancersupport.ie which is the website of Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC.

LARCC is the only cancer support centre in Ireland that runs a residential programme. LARCC opened in November 2002 and was the inspiration and design of the late Ita Bourke from Templemore, Co. Tipperary, who after being diagnosed with cancer, travelled to an established centre in England for therapy and support. Ita saw a great need in Ireland for a similar service and she made it her driving ambition to set up a cancer support centre.

LARCC is open to all cancer patients and their families and since it was established over 20,000 individual sessions of support and telephone counselling have been delivered by the team at LARCC.

LARCC is a registered charity (No. 14959) and is mainly funded through donations and contributions from the public.