{"id":75945,"date":"2025-09-20T21:43:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-20T21:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/75945\/"},"modified":"2025-09-20T21:43:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T21:43:10","slug":"donegal-poet-shines-a-light-on-breast-cancer-awareness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/75945\/","title":{"rendered":"Donegal poet shines a light on breast cancer awareness"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Castlefinn woman Priscilla Kee was planning the artwork for her first poetry collection, she was delighted to source a photo of Fanad Lighthouse from Mr Michael Sugrue.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Weeks later, she found herself in the North West Breast Care Centre listening to Mr Sugrue, both a consultant surgeon and photographer, deliver her sister\u2019s cancer diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Inspired by her sister\u2019s courage and the work of the breast clinic, Priscilla decided to delay the launch of her poetry book until October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.<\/p>\n

Writing For My Life, out on the 9th of October, features 40 poems drawn from everyday life. <\/p>\n

The meaning of Priscilla\u2019s collection and its importance is growing each day with \u20ac5 from every sale going directly to the North West Breast Care Centre at Letterkenny University Hospital.<\/p>\n

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A powerful photo by Michael Sugrue of Fanad Lighthouse now graces the cover of \u2018Writing For My Life\u2019 by Priscilla Kee<\/p>\n

\u201cI was always planning on putting together a collection, I just didn\u2019t imagine it would be in this way,\u201d says Priscilla, a theatre operative at Letterkenny University Hospital. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou do feel hopeless in these situations but this makes me feel like I\u2019m doing something for my sister, to have something to look forward to, and to give back to the clinic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Priscilla\u2019s older sister is now halfway through her chemotherapy and is looking positively towards the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s happy now to raise awareness and tell women to go and get checked,\u201d Priscilla adds. \u201cEarly detection is what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is one of those stories, she was afraid to go to the doctor to get it checked, like a lot of women who are afraid because of what they might hear. We never had any cancer in our family before, and you don\u2019t really think about it until it comes to your own door.\u201d<\/p>\n

Priscilla added, \u201cI didn\u2019t know much about the breast clinic but when you see someone you love going through the treatment, you realise how amazing it is. From Mr Sugrue to the doctors and nurses, the plan of action they have is excellent.\u201d<\/p>\n

The launch event for \u2018Writing For My Life\u2019 will have a special focus on breast cancer awareness, with all proceeds from the entry fee and raffle to be donated to the Breast Care Centre.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Priscilla has loved literature since she was a teen and, over the years, has developed a following on her PK Poetry page<\/a><\/strong>. Her verses, like those of her favourite writer, Sylvia Plath, contain raw emotion and empathy, often delving into the delicate landscape of mental health. In 2016, she won first place in the English category of the Frances Browne poetry competition with her poem, titled The Depression.<\/p>\n

An evening of music, poetry, and learning has been planned for the launch of Writing For My Life on Thursday, 9th October<\/b> at the Clanree Hotel<\/b> in Letterkenny. Doors open 7.30pm.<\/p>\n

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The event will feature prosecco on arrival, music by Rodney and Claire Deery, a speech and reading by Priscilla, and a talk from guest speaker Mr Michael Sugrue about the work of the breast centre as well as his photography.<\/p>\n

Advice will also be shared with women on how to self-check and what breast cancer symptoms to look out for. <\/p>\n

Priscilla hopes the event will inspire women to be proactive about their health. \u201cIf at least two or three women go home and think to check themselves properly, that would be a win,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Everyone is welcome to the launch, tickets are \u20ac10 and can be bought at the door, no booking necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A raffle will be held with a wonderful range of prizes, including a Finn Harps FC sponsored signed jersey and these wonderful prizes:<\/p>\n