Janice O’Connor, 31, from Co Cork, was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer ten years ago, at just 21 years old. However, after beating the disease, she learned that the cancer had returned two years ago.
Undergoing six surgeries, having her ovaries, sections of her abdominal wall, and her appendix removed, the young woman also went through two rounds of chemotherapy. Sadly, treatment is no longer an option for Ms O’Connor.
Taking to GoFundMe to raise funds for her beloved friend, Simone McCarthy wrote: "Doctors have told Janice that she will have to learn to ‘live with cancer’. There is no way myself or any of her family and close friends can settle for this.
"As everyone knows, cancer can creep around a person’s body so silently, just sitting back and allowing the cancer to win is just not an option for us as cancer has already robbed Janice of so many hopes and dreams. There are other opportunities to explore in other countries to prolong Janice’s life; all that is stopping her is money."
Explaining how the 31-year-old Cork woman "always put everyone else’s needs before her own", friends described how she came from a family of ten brothers and sisters, with all nine being younger than Ms O’Connor.
"Throughout the years, it’s been amazing to see how she has loved and cared for every single one of them and how they all look up to her with so much love and admiration," her friends penned. "This followed on with the arrival of her three nieces and nephews.
"They all idolize Janice so much. That’s no surprise as that has always been Janice’s nature; she’s the kindest and most considerate person I’ve ever met."
The fundraising campaign has been set up to allow the young Cork woman to avail of private healthcare, opening her up to treatment abroad, which could give her more time with "those who love her the most".
As Ms O’Connor is unable to return to work, her friends have confirmed that any extra funds raised will go towards her cost of living as she fights her tragic diagnosis.
So far, the crowdfunding efforts for Ms O’Connor have raised almost €27,782 in 48 hours, with a goal of €50,000 to give her the ‘best chance’ at life.
To find out more information about the fundraiser, check it out here.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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