#going90forNelson for Sarcoma Cancer Ireland

Hi, my name is Lauren and I’m running the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon this year along with some friends to fundraise for Sarcoma Cancer Ireland.

In January 2023, a few short months after our fairytale wedding, and when our daughter Molly was just 18 months old, my amazing husband Darragh was diagnosed with a rare form of Sarcoma. It’s been a whirlwind year of treatment that seen him undergo limb salvage surgery on his left arm which left him with life long limitations, radiation treatment and intensive in-patient chemotherapy which he’s handled like an absolute champ.

Although it’s been a year of devastating lows, we also have a lot to be grateful for. Most notably, the birth of our precious second daughter, our miracle Sofia! Supporting Darragh through his health journey while pregnant and raising a toddler meant I didn’t have a lot of time or energy to think about exercising. Living in a constant state of limbo and anxiety between treatments/scans meant setting goals was kind of impossible, so it was very much day by day and often hour by hour to make it though the year. I am doing this as a little challenge to myself to set a positive health goal for 2024 and to make Darragh & my girls proud.

Sarcoma Cancer Ireland have been a lifeline to me on my darkest days struggling to make sense of Darragh’s diagnosis and provided free counselling, a safe space and other patient supports to my little family over this past year. I would like to thank them by raising vital funds and awareness about what is sometimes known as the ‘lonely cancer’, since there are over 90 sarcoma subtypes and manifestations of the disease which results in varied and limited treatment options, and frequent misdiagnosis.

Since I am not much of a runner, my goal is just to complete the run at a jogging pace in under 90 minutes (and enjoy a cheeky cocktail once I get over the finish line hopefully!)

I really appreciate you taking the time to read our story and for any donations big or small!

Here’s to #going90forNelson #VHIWMM2024 and please follow @SarcomaCancerIreland on Instagram & Facebook for more facts and information on this rare disease.

Thanks so much,

Lauren x