Anne Farragher works with a patient in the hospice

Máire Nolan, seen above is happy to enjoy good health

We all know it, this ominous word: cancer. It may be because of a member of our family, or a friend; it may even have come to live in our own body. We know some who have died from it but also others who have come through it, many strengthened by the journey. Some ask, “why me?” while others get the grace to ask, “why not me?”

Anne Farragher, seen above, has been working as an Art Therapist in the Galway Hospice, for the past ten years

This story combines two different perspectives on cancer. The first is from Máire Nolan, who graciously shares from her experience of having cancer. In this radio interview, she is open about losing two brothers to cancer and what it meant to her to receive her own diagnosis. She does not shy away from telling what it was like to receive chemotherapy treatment or the various symptoms she had to endure. The loss of taste was the first symptom she felt and an enduring symptom is numbness in her fingers. She gives advice on the buying of wigs and how someone gave her the good counsel to get a wig before hair loss begins.

The hospice in Renmore, Galway

Máire also shares the great camaraderie that exists among patients, as they go through different stages of treatment. Her first words in the interview include an expression of gratitude and her last words express the importance of hope. Perhaps these are some of the unexpected gifts illness can bestow upon the person chosen to bear it.

The lovely room, where Anne has been working

The other perspective comes from Anne Farragher, who has worked for ten years in the Galway Hospice. There, she has met many who are terminally ill. Anne is an Art Therapist and this was her medium of relating to people in the hospice. It was Anne’s dream to pursue Art Therapy and, once qualified, she was led by the Spirit to ministry in the hospice. When speaking, she begins by questioning the illusion that people go to the hospice to die. Instead, she points out clearly that the objective of the hospice is to promote the fullness of life, “keeping people as alive as possible, for as long as possible.” She also talks about services that are shared through home visits and those that are available to those who go to the hospice as day patients. The in-patient unit is often used for respite care.

Someone paints at an easel

Both Anne and Máire spoke of the issue of acceptance, and how this is a personal journey for each one. The attitude of those who wish to support a person who is ill was another topic discussed. Pity was definitely ruled out and genuine hope was considered of great value. The question of experience of God was also discussed. Máire shared some of how her image of the Divine changed during her illness and how her faith has become more real. To balance this a little, Anne told how the hospice is for people of faith or no faith; everyone is respected. There is no one route that must be taken, each path is valid.

The Prayer Room, in the Hospice

Anne also spoke of her experience that often it is the families of those terminally ill who suffer the most. Then, it is these very families who do great fund-raising for the hospice. It is indicative of the worth of these services that, even in the wake of controversy around fund-raising, the hospice is one charity that is not neglected. An annual walk on the Galway prom, coffee mornings and daffodil day are main sources of income.

The stone, which gives a welcome to many in need

 As I write this, I have a photograph of a dear friend before me, someone who is carrying cancer right now. You may also be remembering someone dear to you, called to carry this cross at the moment. May all our petitions gather together and be inspired by the sharing of these two remarkable women, Anne and Máire. Let us thank them for their frank and inspiring sharing.

To hear the interview Máire and Anne gave, just ensure your speakers are turned on and click on the following link:

Suzanne Ryder rsm
Western Province