For volunteer and cancer survivor Tara Madigan, the event holds deep personal meaning. Tara first became involved in the annual event in 2019 to support a friend but has since been involved as a cancer survivor herself.
“I first heard about the event in 2019. My friend Liz was diagnosed with a lymphoma so I was there to support her as a white t-shirt wearer. And then I was diagnosed myself in 2020 and I went back as a survivor so I have seen the event from both sides.”
Organised in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society, Relay for Life Clare is about more than just walking laps. Teams take turns walking throughout the 24-hour period, but the emotional centrepiece of the event is the Candle of Hope ceremony, which takes place at dusk on Saturday. Candle bags, each dedicated to someone affected by cancer, line the track and light the way through the night—a moment of remembrance and unity.
The two main aims of the Relay for Life Care event is to raise both funds and awareness for cancer and cancer research. All of the funds raised during the event will go towards critical cancer research.
“The more money we raise and the more we build awareness, more and more people will survive.”
Tara highlighted that it is important to raise awareness about different forms of cancer and how people can be impacted by them. She explained that people need to be encouraged and reminded to always speak to a doctor if they have any concerns as early detection is critical in all cancer diagnosis.
“It is so important if you find a lump or something just call your doctor. Don’t feel embarrassed or like you are wasting your doctor’s time. Early detection saves lives.”
Tara was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in October 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “At the time I was told that it may not be curable but it was definitely treatable,” she explains. “So I went through early rounds of chemotherapy, I had surgery, then went through chemotherapy again and finally had 23 rounds of radiation and here I am—I have lived to tell the tale.”
Tara explained to the Clare Echo that from being involved in The Relay for Life Clare as both a supporter and a survivor she has seen the full range of benefits and importance this event can provide to both those living with a cancer diagnosis as well as their friends and families.
For Tara the Relay for Life Clare event is more than a fundraiser; it is a place to find community and inclusion.
Tara explained how cancer can be a lonely and isolating diagnosis. Even if you have a strong support system it is difficult to fully understand what a person with a cancer diagnosis is going through unless you have been through the process yourself.
“I thought I got it but I didn’ t get it really, not until I went through it myself”
Relay for Life Clare gives those living with cancer or who are a cancer survivor an opportunity to meet people who have shared a similar journey and to find a community where they can find support from those who fully understand what they have gone through.
“It’s great because you are around people who get it, people who understand what you have been through or what you are going through.”
“You learn so much about it just from coming to the event. I thought I was a great support to my friend when I came with her originally but I didn’t realise how much more she needed until I went through it myself. I thought I got it but I didn’t get it.”
Tara says that the event is not only for those who have in the past, or who are currently living with a cancer diagnosis but also for their friends and families.
“It’s not just for people who have had or have cancer,” Tara says, “it’s for the friends and families too. As a cancer patient you get the acknowledgement and the support while you are going through it but it is nice to acknowledge the people who were there with you throughout the journey.”
Over the years, Relay for Life Clare has raised over €100,000, supporting essential Irish Cancer Society services like chemotherapy transport, counselling, and night nursing.
“The event really brings the community together,” Tara adds. “It’s not just for those currently with cancer but also in honour of those who are no longer with us. There’s something about it, it’s hard to describe but there is something special about it. You’re not alone, there are so many people out there who are going through this as well.”
Relay for Life Clare is encouraging everyone in County Clare to get involved. You can register a team or as a survivor to take part in the relay. People can also purchase a Candle of Hope to dedicate to a loved one who has passed on. For those who cannot attend on the day can make a donation online at relayforlifeennis.ie
