Inspirational Inishowen woman Roseena Doherty (Toner) loves the buzz in her home at Christmastime.
With a family of five, there’s plenty of noise and fun.
Roseena, who survived leukaemia two years ago, cherishes every moment.
“Christmas is great. I’ll be able to sit and appreciate things,” she tells Donegal Daily.
“Like every other family on Christmas morning, there will be squabbles and I just sit and think ‘isn’t this great?’”
Roseena is also looking forward to a visit from her eldest son, Thomas, who is flying in from Australia after 18 months.
Roseena and her family will be forever grateful for the life-saving bone marrow transplant she received in 2022.
The 23rd of December will be the two year anniversary of when she received the best news ever – she was in remission.
On her last biopsy appointment at St James’s Hospital this week, Roseena presented a cheque to the Bone Marrow Trust, donating a massive €17, 421 to help other people on a similar journey to hers.
Roseena raised funds through a 100km walking challenge in September, culminating in a coffee day that raised an additional €4,500.
Roseena presenting €17, 421 to the Bone Marrow Trust
The Bone Marrow Trust provided crucial support during Roseena’s surgery, offering her a spacious apartment in Dublin which was a stone’s throw from the hospital.
“Bone Marrow Trust is a charity you don’t know until you need to know,” Roseena says.
“We have a long way to go with things like leukaemia awareness.”
Roseena’s mission to give back to Bone Marrow Trust was a whole family effort. Her children, aged from 26 to 14 and her partner Billy, as well as friends Grainne and Eileen were a massive help.
“Everybody feels more grateful that we have this chance to give back and make a difference. We are so proud of the money we raised,” Roseena says.
The September Coffee Day for Bone Marrow Trust: Roseena with her partner Billy and children Patrick, Danny, Ruairi, Rosie and Patrick’s girlfriend Megan
Roseena’s life has a new normal after her transplant, but gratitude will remain an important part of every day.
She adds: “The first bone marrow transplant in Ireland took place in 1984. Before that, if you had leukaemia, you had 18 months at most to live.
“A stranger gave up their time twice to save my life. I’m forever grateful they did it a first time, and the fact they did it a second time when I relapsed is incredible.
“They had to take time off work, stay in hospital, and recover themselves after donating.
“It’s something we’d all do for a child, parent, or sibling, but to do it for a stranger is truly remarkable.
“It’s nice to know there are strangers out there willing to save someone’s life.”
If you would like to find out more about Bone Marrow Trust and ways to donate, please visit: www.bonemarrowtrust.ie
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