Award-winning poet donates over €3,000 to Letterkenny breast centre from book sales

A Castlefin woman inspired by her sister’s cancer journey has raised an impressive €3,004.50 for the Breast Centre North West.

Award-winning poet Priscilla Kee launched her first collection Writing for My Life in October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pledging €5 from every book sale to the Breast Centre North West at Letterkenny University Hospital.

Priscilla visited the centre to present the first round of funds to the team.

The poetry book launch, held at the Clanree Hotel, was a night of music, literature and awareness. It was also bittersweet, as Priscilla’s sister, and the inspiration behind the fundraiser, was unable to attend.

Helen McKinney Russell was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in May and is currently halfway through her treatment. On the week of the launch, she became unwell and required emergency surgery.

As Priscilla took to the stage, her thoughts were on her sister, who was going into emergency surgery.

Looking back on the nerve-wracking night, Priscilla said: “That changed the whole atmosphere for me. But at the same time, it made me more determined to raise the money and for the night to go well.”

Thankfully, Helen’s procedure went well, and she will continue her chemotherapy treatment soon.

Priscilla was moved by the generosity shown by everyone who supported the launch of her debut collection.

Writing For My Life features 40 poems by Priscilla drawn from everyday life.

A powerful photo of Fanad Lighthouse graces the cover, taken by Mr Michael Sugrue, consultant surgeon at the North West Breast Centre.

Priscilla, who works as a theatre operative at Letterkenny University Hospital, had asked Mr Sugrue for permission to use his image just a few weeks before her sister’s diagnosis. This turn of events inspired her to give back to the breast centre for the excellent care received by her sister.

“I'm so, so grateful for the donations people made on the night and I'm so delighted to be able to give this amount to the clinic, because it's a brilliant cause and it's very close to my family's hearts," Priscilla said.

“It's a lovely feeling to see the money going to such a wonderful clinic and wonderful staff and Mr Sugrue’s brilliant research.”

The donation will go towards the next pioneering development at the Breast Centre - the purchase of an automated breast ultrasound machine with AI capacity, estimated at €190,000.

Mr Sugrue explained: “This is an exciting development that will actually enhance the human aspect to ultrasound. Our radiologist is very keen to do this, and our second breast radiologist will hopefully be joining us in the New Year.

“We also want to look at enhancing our mammography with contrast-enhanced mammography and a second mammography machine.

“Priscilla’s and other donations we receive make this possible because the HSE has a limited budget.”

The North West Breast Cancer Ball on December 5 will also raise much-needed funds for the new technology, along with other services for patients such as comfort pillows, gowns and patient supports.

Priscilla and her sister will be among the guests at the ball, which will celebrate survivors, shine a light on research and honour loved ones who are no longer with us.

Read next: Letterkenny and Sligo hospitals among most overcrowded in country in October

“It's a wonderful cause and it raises so much money every year, so I would encourage anyone who hasn't got a ticket yet to purchase one,” Priscilla said.

Priscilla plans to continue donating €5 from every copy of Writing for My Life sold, with hopes of making another donation to the centre in the future.

The book is available at Bookmark in Letterkenny and other local shops.