'Sunshine in human form' remembered after losing battle against breast cancer

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to late ‘sunshine in human form’, Bruna Cristine Cacciaguerra.

Surrounded by her loving family, Bruna passed peacefully at Milford Care Centre, after battling with triple-negative breast cancer.

Originally from Brazil, Bruna moved to Ireland a couple of years ago and settled in Ashford, in west Limerick, with her three children. She was a student in TUS.

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/1055630/limerick-based-woman-encourages-women-to-get-checked-after-terminal-cancer-diagnosis.html

Back in March, Bruna spoked to the Limerick Leader about her prognostic in a bid to raise awareness on the invasive type of breast cancer she suffered from. Despite the gloomy days that were ahead of her, her smile lit up the room.

Wearing a T-shirt stating ‘F*** cancer’ in bold letters, Bruna said: “I’m very grateful. Life had always treated me so well, and I don’t know why I would think it’s not good – even with cancer.”

After one of her friends organised a fundraiser online, Bruna got to visit her family in Brazil a couple of weeks ago.

Often, she was asked why she doesn’t want to move back to Brazil. She noted: “I love Ireland. I’m going back there to see my family. But my place is here.”

By sharing her story, Bruna was hoping to raise awareness on breast cancer. “I think every woman should do the checks early. Breast cancer can’t be avoided, but it can be discovered at the beginning and be treated.”

“Our deepest sympathy to the family of our student Bruna, on her very sad passing. We are so sorry for your loss, and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. We will lower our LIT TUS flag in Bruna's memory on campus from tomorrow morning and we will pray for her at our Mass on campus on Wednesday. Our sincere condolences to you all from Bruna's friends and all the students and staff in TUS, Moylish. May she rest in peace,” wrote Theresa O' Sullivan, Pastoral Care, TUS, among the many tributes shared on rip.ie

Described as a “lady who always carried a smile" and a "gentle soul", Bruna will be sadly missed and deeply regretted by her mother, brother, sister, husband, three children and friends in Ireland and Brazil.

A requiem mass will take place on Thursday, April 27 at 11am and will be live-streamed here. Funeral afterwards to Shannon Crematorium.