about us

When a person is diagnosed with cancer they begin a journey to fight the disease at a medical level which can include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, x-rays, scans and frequent consultations with their GP and Oncologist. But a diagnosis of cancer often leads to a crisis of the mind and spirit as well as the body and this is an area where less resources are available and many individuals and their families often have difficulty finding the emotional and practical support they require.

• Tuam Cancer Care Group was formed in 1985 when a group of women with a cancer diagnosis from the Tuam area came together to support each other.
• Local oncology nurse, Margaret (Mags) Feely (who was later diagnosed with breast cancer herself) became involved with the group in the late 1980’s and with a small group of friends, who formed a fundraising committee, guided the expansion of the group into a larger voluntary organization in the 1990’s.
• 2001 saw the realization of Margarets dream and vision when the Tuam Cancer Care Centre was opened to provide support and information to those with a cancer diagnosis, their families and close friends in Tuam and surrounding areas. Margaret became the first Chairperson of the Centre and with the Committee developed the service that is provided there today..
• Once the Centre was opened Margaret turned her attention and energy to the replacement of the palliative/respite facility that was discontinued with the closure of the Bon Secours hospital. The group successfully lobbied the Western Health Board and a two bed facility was provided in Arus Mhuire Community Hospital but the unit could not be opened because of lack of funds for nursing staff.
• On April 10th 2004, Margaret Feely died and those of us who were privileged to know her and work with her in the Tuam Cancer Care Centre lost an inspiring, challenging colleague and a caring, thoughtful and loving friend. Through her work in the Centre Margaret brought her professional expertise, her personal experience of living with cancer and most of all her smiling caring self to the service of all who approached her for help.
• After her death the role of Chairperson was passed to Bert Gilliard and he took on the task of getting the palliative/respite unit opened. Despite his best efforts, num erous meetings, newspaper, radio and television publicity and much political lobbying the unit was not opened.
• On October 15th 2006 Bert Gillard died suddenly and once again all of us in the Tuam Cancer Care Centre had to come to terms with the loss of a dynamic Chairperson and good friend.
  

  Since Bert’s death the committee under the chairpersonship of  Elenor Barrows have put all their energy into continuing the work that Bert was so committed to, the opening of the Palliative/Respite unit in Arus Mhuire. Eventually a commitment to open the unit was given by the HSE in December 2005 but this has not happened yet.