Majella O’Donnell opened up about her breast cancer journey at a special event in McElhinneys Department Store today (Thursday).
In remarkable detail and honesty, the campaigner and broadcaster discussed her battle and shared an important message:
“Always be aware of the changes in your body,” Majella advised, “go to your doctor, even if it is a mole or spot.”
“The big thing is to get it early. Always be checking yourself and if you do have something it doesn’t mean it’s the end,” she said.
Majella was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and, four years on, she is happy to impart encouragement and information to other women. Brave women who had endured their own battles and fans from Donegal and beyond came to hear her talk today.
Breast Cancer Awareness Afternoon with Majella O’Donnell at McElhinneys. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Breast Cancer Awareness Afternoon with Majella O’Donnell at McElhinneys. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Majella talked openly about her worries, uncertainties and her inner determination to recover. She shared details of her treatment, double mastectomy and her experience with prosthetics.
As a prominent advocate for mental health, Majella talked about her depression and was thankful that her cancer did not impact her mindset during treatment.
“I never doubted I would come out the other side,” she said. “It is tough, but it’s doable.”
A round of applause filled the room when Majella looked back on her fundraising head shave on The Late Late Show.
Majella’s momentous TV head shave raised €700,000 for the Irish Cancer Society. Proceeds from today’s afternoon tea by McElhinneys will be donated to Cancer Care West (The West of Ireland Cancer Charity), and there was a great atmosphere of celebration and goodwill at the event.
The McElhinneys Lingerie team with Majella O’Donnell at the Breast Cancer Awareness Afternoon. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
The experienced McElhinneys lingerie team were on hand to talk to women about their prosthesis fitting services and breast cancer information was available in the department.
Majella took extra time after her talk to meet with all the guests – along with a full bus load of visitors from Wexford. She listened to personal stories, signed autographs and posed for photos with everyone who was eager to meet the woman who has inspired so many. To read more about her talk in detail, visit DonegalWoman.ie
Audrey Anderson, Fiona Jennings, Mary McAleer, Anne Simmons and Mary Wedgeworth at the Breast Cancer Awareness Afternoon with Majella O’Donnell at McElhinneys. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Rachel McLaughlin and Majella O’Donnell
Click here to listen to Majella’s talk in full on McElhinney’s Facebook livestream.
See more from the event here on DonegalWoman.ie:
Events: Majella shares vital message at ‘Think Pink’ afternoon
Tags:In Pictures: Majella meets fans and cancer survivors in McElhinneys
