Young Laois mum to launch hope-filled book after long cancer battle
Avril Tierney from Portarlington will launch her inspirational book on Friday, 4 September. Image supplied
A YOUNG Laois mother who was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer at the age of 41 is to launch an inspirational yet practical book, aimed at helping others to cope with serious illness.
Avril Tierney from Portarlington has written her own powerful story, after living with stage 4 breast cancer for the past seven years.
A psychotherapist and counsellor, she used her own training to adjust to life with cancer and has applied that personal knowledge and wisdom in her book titled .
The book explores the profound challenges that face anyone diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting or terminal conditions. It also has a much-needed message of hope and support for anyone living with chronic illness or navigating grief and loss.
The book will be launched in Avril’s hometown at 6pm on Friday 4 September, in the beautiful surroundings of the restored Market House.
Avril’s two children were aged under seven when she was diagnosed in 2019, after finding a lump on her right breast. After aggressive courses of radiation, chemotherapy and a lumpectomy, she received the devastating news in 2020 that the cancer had spread to the top of her right lung.
The dark years that followed brought aggressive treatment and complicated surgeries, while still trying to balance a hectic home life, with the help of wonderful support from her husband and family. Eventually, further scans showed that the cancer had moved to a stage where it was treatable but not curable.
Having qualified for a new immunotherapy drug which she started in 2022, Avril was told the following year that the tumours had gone. She is on lifelong treatment that has limited her cancer to the level of NED (no evidence of disease) for the past three years.
A campaigner for Breast Cancer Ireland, she gives talks and workshops on resilience and finding courage and hope during the darkest days. In writing the book, she decided to use her experience to inspire and support others facing adversity and uncertainty. She is also frequently hired by companies and groups to give talks on navigating sudden changes in life.
Drawing on both her lived experience and professional background in psychotherapy, counselling, coaching and mental wellbeing, Avril delivers keynote talks, workshops, and wellbeing programmes focused on resilience, rebuilding, mindset, thought awareness and finding hope during life's most difficult moments.
The book launch will begin with a warm welcome and introductions, followed by a speech from Avril and a short reading from the book, followed by refreshments and relaxed conversation. Signed copies will be available to buy at the launch, with BuytheBook.ie processing sales by card only.
