Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Opinion

"It was easier to deal with people by WhatsApp ... you don't have that word 'cancer' hanging between you"

Dublin artist Monika Crowley on how she became aware of the power of the word ‘cancer’.

TheJournal.ie / YouTube

MONIKA CROWLEY SAYS she only fully became aware of the power of the word ‘cancer’ when, after telling people about her diagnosis, she found they would sometimes avoid her. 

The Dublin-based artist said some people would also cry when they met her and that it became easier to deal with people using WhatsApp or by phone.

You don’t have that word ‘cancer’ hanging between you.

Her experience taught her that many people thought of cancer as an older woman’s illness, and that not enough focus was given to young women dealing with breast cancer and its aftermath. 

Using her creative skills she set up a pop-up art exhibition of pieces inspired by her illness and recovery in the Molesworth Gallery. The goal was to raise funds for the Mater Foundation, which helped her through her treatment. 

I felt it was important to get people talking about young women and cancer.
Monika finished treatment in January this year. You can see her story here
The Mater Foundation is the official fundraising charity for the Mater Hospital.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
1
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel