Eoin (19) lives with his parents, Catherine and Francis, and his younger siblings, Mark and Ruth. In September 2024, just as he began studying sports science at college, he was diagnosed with lymphoma.

Eoin’s Story – Told by His Mum, Catherine

A Sudden Change

Looking back, there were small signs—what we thought was jaw pain turned out to be the first sign of something much more serious. It started the previous winter. Eoin’s jaw was sore, and we assumed it was his wisdom teeth. We saw dentists and specialists, and he was even treated for jaw misalignment.

By May, he started having problems with his eye—some vertigo and bloodshot redness. After a referral to a specialist in September, things moved quickly. Blood tests showed his haemoglobin was very low and his calcium levels were extremely high. A scan the following day revealed swollen lymph nodes. That evening, Eoin was admitted to hospital.

Within days, we were told he had cancer.

Facing Treatment Together

Eoin’s diagnosis was a shock for all of us. He began chemotherapy the following week. It was a lot to take in, but the care from the hospital team in Galway was unreal. We have been minded so well; everyone is so caring.

Eoin responded really well to treatment. He had strong chemotherapy, but thankfully, didn’t get too sick—mainly tiredness and losing his hair. His attitude really helped us as a family. He stayed calm and positive, which gave us strength too. His siblings, Mark and Ruth, were brilliant. We were all very mindful of infection risks and stuck together through it.

Support from Cancer Fund for Children

During Eoin’s treatment, Cancer Fund for Children reached out to us. They sent helpful information and invited me to a webinar about supporting a child through and beyond cancer. That practical support made a big difference, especially at a time when everything felt new and uncertain.

Later, they offered us a short break at Daisy Lodge, their therapeutic centre for families.

It was the first thing we’d done as a family since before Eoin’s diagnosis—and it was honestly just lovely. From the moment we arrived, we felt relaxed and cared for. Everyone was kind and thoughtful, and we had the chance to meet other families who understood what we’d been through.

We didn’t need to talk about blood tests or appointments—just life, family, and being together. It was peaceful and restorative, and something we’ll always remember.

From Eoin

“It all happened so suddenly. I had just started college and then everything changed.

Daisy Lodge gave me my first chance to get away after treatment started. It felt good to spend time with my family and take a proper break.

If I had any advice for someone going through something similar, I’d say it can feel really tough at times—but it won’t last forever. Just keep thinking about the future.”

Your Support Makes a Real Difference

The support our family received wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of people like you. From helpful advice during treatment to time together at Daisy Lodge, your donations help families like ours when we need it most.

Thank you for making this kind of care possible.