Eileen Rushe was diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in December.
The diagnosis hit even harder than normal, as she had received treatment for abnormal cervix cells over the previous 18 months.
Eileen says, 'I went from doing my Christmas shopping to organising cancer treatments.'
However, the 33-year-old mum of one is determined to 'own' her tumour and be positive, while helping to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society, 'We have such a generous country and every cent will go towards helping someone in your community with cancer.'
She has a 12 yr old son, Seamus, who is the light of her life – she is very grateful to have him as her treatment means she’s now infertile and heading into menopause.
Now just finished her gruelling treatment (31 radiotherapy sessions and 5 rounds of chemo), Eileen doesn't want to waste energy in wondering how the cancer wasn't picked up earlier but rather concentrate on beating it.
Eileen has also has started a blog - 'Cervical Cancer is a B*tch' — to encourage women to get an updated smear test and for any parent to research the HPV vaccine for their daughters.
Stories like Eileen's are the reason why we Dare To Care.
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