At age 43 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I live in Dublin and therefore I feel that I was lucky to be living close to the hospital that I attended for my diagnosis, surgery and treatment. Afterwards I decided to take the opportunity to retire from my job and enjoy life at a different pace.

Since then I have given talks in ARC Cancer Support Centre, Dublin, on health cover entitlements, insurance and other issues relating to cancer. In 2006 I promoted the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Campaign on behalf of Europa Donna Ireland and represented Ireland in the Avon "Walk around the World" breast cancer campaign.

I became aware of Europa Donna Ireland while talking with my Breast Care Nurse about breast prosthesis and the difficulties that could be experienced while getting our entitlements if we do not qualify for a medical card. She suggested that I contact Europa Donna Ireland (EDI) for further information and I became a committee member in 2005. Since becoming involved with EDI I've learned so much more about Breast Cancer and the varying experiences of it by women in Ireland which inspires me to continue as advocate for Europa Donna Ireland.