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Brave Colm inspires young cancer sufferers

Wednesday, 04 June 2008

A NORTHSIDE cancer survivor is playing a pivotal role in helping other youths who are diagnosed with the big ‘C’.
Castleknock local Colm Mooney (18) spent the early years of his life battling the disease and is now determined that youths faced with cancer are not left in the dark.
“I’m part of a steering group with CanTeen Ireland which came up with the project of publishing an information booklet about cancer specifically for teenagers.”
He added: “I think the last such guide was made about 15 years ago. We couldn’t even find it anywhere which is why we felt there was a real need for an updated, improved and more available booklet.”
The booklet guides teens through the different types of cancer, the treatments available and the physical and psychological side-effects experienced by many patients.
The Leaving Cert student knows only too well what is like to be faced with the life threatening disease, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was just eight-years-old.
“The first sign of something wrong was when the right side of my body became noticeably weaker,” he explained.
“My parents took me to see a neurologist who knew there was something seriously wrong.
“I lost all movement in my right side. I was bedridden for a long time. I also suffered memory loss and extreme tiredness.”
According to Colm, his tumour was aggressive and inoperable.
“Thankfully though they found it early enough,” he said.
“Because of its growth rate, my situation would have been considerably worse if it was found less than a month later.”
The brave youngster underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, causing him to lose his hair.
“I didn’t fully understand what was going on or what I had,” Colm recalled.
“I was frightened but I just had to go with the flow.”
Colm now directs the drive and bravery which saw him beat cancer into his work with CanTeen Ireland.
He raised e22,000 for cancer research with the group and was also part of a committee which was instrumental in the creation of a new teenage cancer ward in Crumlin hospital.
“I just want to create an awareness that children can suffer from cancer too,” he said.
“I hope this book will help teenagers to deal with cancer. I hope it makes a difference.”
Earlier this month, Colm was one of two Irish volunteers presented with a Pramerica Spirit of Community Award by the Duchess of York, at a ceremony in Washington DC.
He was also a recipient of a National Youth Volunteer of the Year Award which was presented to him in Belfast by Pulitzer Peace Prize Laureate, John Hume.

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