Joanne's Story

In August 1999 after years of illness I was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Just 19 and about to start 6th year to do my Leaving Cert, you can imagine the distressing effect this had on my family and me. My strength saw me through and gave me the energy to act as a catalyst to raise funds for Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust and Waterford Regional Hospital. My parents, Michael and Breda helped me to send out over 25,000 letters of Appeal to both organisations and the general public. My brother, Francis spent hundreds of hours typing. Relatives, friends and private individuals freely gave their time, with good hearts and raised substantial amounts of money in a variety of ways. Prior to this fundraising my brothers, sisters, cousins and friends had raised €18,000, which also benefitted the Transplant Unit. To all of these kind people I would like to say a very special thank-you. Lastly I would like to tell you all that this undertaking helped me in its own way to come to terms with my trauma. It brought me into contact with kind, nice people and situations that might not have happened. It showed me that there is great deal of goodness in a great deal of people. In spite of my own illness the experience has been rewarding. Best wishes, Joanne (Joey) Freyne. Group pictured at the Granville Hotel when Joanne presented a cheque for €69,451.00 to Prof. Shaun McCann