A CENTRE in north Galway which provides a wide range of information and supports to those diagnosed with cancer has been officially opened by President Mary McAleese.
The facility, operated by Tuam Cancer Care and which cost €500,000, was built from the proceeds of one large anonymous donation and funds raised locally.
It provides a drop-in service and offers a wide range of therapies and workshops as well as counselling for those living with cancer.
In addition, it has begun a special programme for children aged five to 12 who are experiencing the impact of a cancer diagnosis of a parent or someone significant. It helps children develop an understanding of cancer.
All services are free at the centre which is staffed by personnel experienced in cancer support, including a psychologist, a team of therapists and professionally trained support volunteers.
It began operating a year ago and has been accessed 2,000 times in its first year.
At the official opening yesterday, Mrs McAleese said there were many families for whom cancer of one sort or another was now part of their everyday life.
“There are families who will face a diagnosis of cancer today, tomorrow or some day in the future. When they do, life will alter . . . here is a place that has some idea what they are going through and what might help,” she said.
“It is an important antidote to the busy world outside that is so utterly preoccupied with things that may now seem relatively unimportant to the person facing the grief and loneliness of serious illness.
“This centre is preoccupied with the person, the unique human being who has crossed the threshold and reached out for help,” the President added.
“It is good to know that when that help is needed it is here – and that it is here thanks to the wonderful volunteers whose generous gift of their time and their energy allows this place to exist, to function and to grow.”