Laois woman and mum (74) set for Relay for Life

A PORTLAOISE woman whose mother survived cancer three times is urging people to support Relay For Life Laois, which will return to Emo Court House and Parklands on Saturday 16 August.

Helena Gleeson has volunteered at the 24-hour Relay For Life every year since it began, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).

She is encouraging people in Laois and surrounding counties to attend or otherwise support the emotional but uplifting event, where the annual highlight is the survivors’ lap of honour.

Helena’s mother Ethna Gleeson (74), who lives in Limerick, proudly takes part in the lap of honour at Emo Court each year, having undergone successful lumpectomies and radiotherapy treatment after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and 2014.

In 2020, Ethna found a lump under her arm. Tests revealed that she had a blood and bone marrow cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). While it is incurable, she is on medication and takes each day as it comes while living with cancer.

She said: “I’m not the type of person who worries about the future. I just go along with things day-to-day and I take my medication for CLL. There’s no point in thinking too far into the future, because there’s no way of knowing how things will go.

“My cancer isn’t curable, but it is treatable. Without cancer research, I wouldn’t be on the medication I’m on now and this is why funding research is so important. By taking part in Relay For Life, you’ll be helping to fund the ICS’s groundbreaking research and their services for people affected by cancer.” 

Ethna described CLL as an unusual and uncommon cancer that mainly affects older people, typically men.

She said: “It’s just something I’ve learned to live with, because it’s not going to go away. You learn to adjust and you know what you can and can’t do. I can be fine one day, then feel rotten the next.” 

Ethna got involved in Relay For Life Laois thanks to Helena, who is busy preparing to volunteer at Emo Court for the fourth time since the county event began in 2022.

Ethna explained: “In our family, a lot of us have had cancer and Helena felt that Relay For Life was a great cause, so that’s why she got involved. We go every year and we have great fun. Emo is a great place to have it, because you have the park and the coffee shop there.” 

Fundraising teams walk along the track during the 24-hour relay and donations are collected, or people can purchase candle bags in advance. The candle bags, all with personal designs, are in memory of people lost to cancer or to show support to people currently living with the disease.

They are featured in the Candle of Hope ceremony after nightfall, when the candle bags illuminate the relay track in a beautiful show of remembrance and support.

The money raised helps to fund a range of ICS services, including a support helpline, night nursing, counselling and ongoing cancer research.

Encouraging people to go along to the event at the beautiful heritage site, Ethna said: “Absolutely everyone is welcome and it’s well worth it. It’s always great fun and it’s great to raise money for the ICS. Your support can make a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.” 

For more information, see the Relay for Life Laois Facebook page or visit irishcancersociety.ie.