'Cancer has changed who I am but it won't define me' vows Carlow mum

A CO Carlow mother diagnosed with breast cancer at just 32 has been named an ambassador for this year’s Very Pink Run.

Deirdre Redmond, a secondary school teacher from Co Carlow, is encouraging all to get involved in Breast Cancer Ireland’s largest annual fundraising event, which returns this year in both a physical and a virtual sense from 31 August to 8 September.

“I am passionate about raising awareness among younger men and women, especially as I found it difficult at 32 to come to terms with having breast cancer at a young age," said Deirdre.

“I know I am one of the lucky ones, and I’m extremely grateful to everyone in the cancer community for everything,” added Deirdre.

The Breast Cancer Ireland Very Pink Run events are a fun-filled, family-focused and inclusive day out, where everyone is welcome. The live events are aimed at casual strollers, keen walkers, joggers and seasoned runners alike, over a 5km or 10km distance.

Participants can either run, jog or walk in one of three physical events taking place at Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin on 31 August, The Watershed, Kilkenny on Sunday 1 September, or at MTU grounds in Cork on 8 September. 

Alternatively, people can also take part in a virtual sense in their own local communities any time between 31 August and 8 September inclusive.

Deirdre was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2020 at the age of 32, when her daughter Saoirse was just 14 months' old.

“I had been feeling fine, tired, but with a 14-month-old, I figured that that was normal. I had no other symptoms, no lumps or any clear signs of cancer,” explained Deirdre.

However, Deirdre was linked to the family risk clinic in St James’s Hospital due to family history. Following a routine MRI scan, they found a small area of concern and Deidre was called back for a biopsy on her left breast in January 2020.

Then on 13 February she was diagnosed with Stage 1 triple negative breast cancer.

“It was a huge shock. It was the most surreal day of my life. After the initial diagnosis and more tests, the following days telling close family and friends were some of the toughest days of my life,” recalls Deidre.

“The support and guidance I received from Dr Terry Boyle and his team in St James’s Hospital, especially the breast care nurses from day one, was immense,” she added.

It was decided Deidre would have surgery first to remove the cancer, followed by chemotherapy.

“On 19 March 2020, I underwent a full left-side mastectomy to remove the cancer. They could not carry out a reconstruction at the time due to Covid,” said Deirdre.

“It was a difficult experience as my now husband or close family could not visit due to restrictions with Covid. After a two-night stay in hospital, I was able to recover at home with Declan and daughter Saoirse. I had my drain removed after five days. It was a full six weeks until I recovered from surgery.

“I received some positive news after the surgery that my lymph nodes were clear and the cancer had not spread. However, it was a difficult time as we had to isolate ourselves from everyone due to Covid in the weeks and months following,” said Deirdre.

In May 2020, Deirdre began 12 weeks of chemotherapy.

“This was initially a daunting experience; however, with every treatment it became easier. Again, no visitors were allowed, but I received so much love and support ... it was overwhelming.

“I had the usual effects from chemo; however, I was able to use the cold-cap treatment, which allowed me to retain about 80% of my hair, which was important to me psychologically,” she said.

After a few bumps in the road – an allergic reaction to the chemo during one infusion and a viral infection leading to another short stay in hospital on another – Deirdre completed her chemotherapy on 2 July 2020.

“After allowing myself to recover, I decided, with my family history, to have a right-side mastectomy with a double reconstruction. This surgery took place in March 2022.

“There were some delays due to Covid-19. I had my final follow-up surgery in July 2023. Again, the care I received from Dr Alazawi and his team in St James’s Hospital and the Beacon Hospital was amazing. I am forever grateful to everyone for my care during a difficult few years for myself personally and in the healthcare system with Covid-19,” said Deirdre.

“I married Declan in July 2022 with my daughter Saoirse by my side. We had an amazing celebration,” she adds.

Inevitably, the harrowing experience has changed Deirdre, but she is adamant that cancer won’t define her.

“I’ve learnt to appreciate life and to live each day to the fullest. I try to live in the moment and appreciate time spent with family and friends. While I do think there was a before and after cancer for me and it has certainly changed who I am, I won’t let it define me,” she said.

Deirdre has completed a number of fundraisers, raising over €8,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland, the Irish Cancer Society and Éist Cancer Support Centre.

“There is life after cancer; it is different but more meaningful,” she added.

Participation in the Very Pink Run event is easy – simply register to take part at www.verypinkrun.ie, gather your ‘pink tribe’ by encouraging your friends and family to do the same, then attend one of the live events. Alternatively, do your individual or group run/walk in your own community during the week of the national event. 

The event is sponsored by online retailer Very.