“The Ion Torrent Sequencer is a tangible benefit to people in the region. “CUH have made us feel a part of the whole process on behalf of the people of Cork, who donate so generously to Cork Pink Week,” said Sylvia. In 2019, the pals launched Cork Pink Week, staging a Business Breakfast and Pink Lunch at Collins Barracks, which raised funds for the new equipment. “Following our first event in City Hall, we were able to contribute to the purchase of two high resolution reporting workshop stations for advanced interpretation of mammograms.”

“We met with CUH Charity and consultants in the hospital to find out what they needed and what could really benefit patients. “We wanted to raise awareness that breast cancer hits all ages and is affecting people younger than the breast check age of 50,” said Miriam. Other patients in the middle of harrowing cancer treatment handed over cash to their consultants, asking that it be donated to the major fundraising drive. The Ion Torrent Genexus sequencer at Cork University Hospital is the first of its kind in Ireland, identifying the DNA profiles of cancers – which are then used to determine the best type of treatment to fight the disease.Īlmost €50,000 was raised during Cork Pink Week in 2019 – organised by friends Miriam Healy and Sylvia McHenry, both of whom survived breast cancer.

Cancer survivors and friends Miriam Healy and Sylvia McHenry, who raised almost a tenth of the €550,000 needed to secure the Ion Torrent Sequencer for Cork University Hospital, through Cork Pink Week fundraising events.

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