Two cancer survivors have partially funded a machine for Cork University Hospital (CUH) that helps speed up treatment options for cancer patients.
The Ion Torrent Genexus sequencer is the first of its kind in Ireland and costs โฌ 550,000.
The machine can identify the DNA profiles of cancers. These profiles are then used to determine the best type of treatment.
In 2019, almost โฌ 50,000 was raised during Cork Pink Week, which was organized by friends Miriam Healy and Sylvia McHenry, who survived breast cancer.
Other cancer patients at the hospital also donated to the fundraising campaign that enabled CUH Charity to purchase the Ion Torrent Genexus sequencer.
The machine uses sequencing to help speed cancer testing, allowing patients to start their therapies and clinical trials earlier.
Previously, this profiling had to take place in the UK. During Covid, it could take up to eight weeks for results to be obtained. Using the new machine, these results can be delivered within 24 hours by CUH.
The machine is the most expensive piece of equipment purchased by CUH Charity.
The remaining funds came from various sources, including the Karen Fenton Ovarian Cancer Fund, which raised โฌ 80,000 in memory of Karen Fenton, who spent her final weeks at CUH before her death in 2017 at age 43.
Mick McCourt, along with his family, friends and McAfee co-workers also raised more than โฌ 64,000 in memory of his wife Aileen, who passed away in 2018.
Ms. Healy said that she and Ms. McHenry wanted to raise awareness about breast cancer.
"Breast cancer affects all ages and affects people under the age of 50," she said. "We met with the CUH charity and the consultants at the hospital to find out what they needed and what could really benefit patients."
In 2019, they launched Cork Pink Week, hosting a Business Breakfast and Pink Lunch at Collins Barrack.
โCUH has made us feel a part of the whole process on behalf of the people of Cork, who donate so generously to Cork Pink Week,โ said Ms. McHenry.
โThe Ion Torrent Sequencer is a tangible benefit to the people of the region. It also allows people who have recovered to be tested to investigate the likelihood that their cancer will recur. "
Professor Seamus O'Reilly from CUH said the sequencer will make a big difference for patients. "The spirit of such events has been incredibly uplifting and morale boosting for all of us who are privileged to help cancer patients," he said.
