CD's Helping Hands
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
CD's Helping Hands is a charity named after a little girl called Caitlin Doherty who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 2 and a half. When friends and neighbour's of the Doherty's saw the impact that the situation had on the family not only emotionally but financially and also on a day to day basis they were inspired to do something about it.
Initially they raised some money and considered donating it to a Cancer Charity or possibly Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin but after some consideration they decided to use the money to create their own charity which would provide practical support for these families so as to help them lead as normal lives as possible throughout this difficult period.
The charity offers the provision of
. Cleaning Services
. Support with Childcare
. Maintenance of Household Routine
. Meal Preparation
. Educational Support
. Any Other Individual Requirements
You will be happy to hear that following treatment Caitlin Doherty is a now a very lively little girl living in Claregalway, Co Galway.
CD's Helping Hands stands on it's own as far as Cancer Charities are concerned in Ireland because it is the only Children's Cancer Charity that offers practical daily assistance to families with a child suffering from cancer. They are based in the West of Ireland but have recently branched out and are now helping people in Sligo, Limerick and Mayo. This opportunity will give them a chance to help many more families in Ireland who have a child with a cancer diagnosis.
Karen Doherty: Mother of Caitlin, charities namesake. Also member of CD's Helping Hands Committee.
Asumpta Gallagher: Committee Member of CD's Helping Hands. Assumpta has lost family members to cancer and believes heavily in the work that CD's Helping Hands does.
Word from Patron Hector O'hEochagain:
"to be involved with such a worthy, energetic and incredible charity which is on my doorstep has been fantastic. This charity is unique in their work and the service they provide. Speaking as a Daddy, everything that CD's Helping Hands does makes sense"
Statement from Dr. Aengus O'Marcaigh who is a Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at the National Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Centre at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin:
"Working in this area on a daily basis, I can see how the work of CD's Helping Hands is helping families to cope with a devastating childhood illness. The help that CD's Helping Hands is most simple, practical, and extremely effective in allowing families concentrate on the overwhelming burden of medical information and treatment, especially in the early stages of the treatment programme. I fully support this wonderful work and hope that the benefits can some day be extended to children outside of the western area."
'Now Just Add Your Hands' - This is a book which features a collection of recipes from Bawnmore National School. It includes recipes that all ages can get involved with making. All proceeds from the sales of this cook book will go directly to CD's Helping Hands.
CD's Helping Hands: Children's Cancer Charity for the West
To find out more you can call their charity line on 087 660 0103
Email: cdshelpinghands@eircom.net
To make a donation you can do so by directly lodging your contribution into the Charity Bank Account:
Ulster Bank,Tuam Road,Galway
Sort Code: 98-57-55
Account Number: 71702038
For More Information: www.cdshelpinghands.ie