Nicola dad in challenge in aid of cancer
Wednesday June 18 2008
research
A Wexfordman whose teenage daughter died last year, is taking part in the Pikeman Challenge to raise money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
David Curran, of Broomfield, Clonard is doing the 100km walk in memory of Nicola, who was diagnosed with bone cancer in the spring of 2005 and died mid-treatment in late 2007.
The Pikeman Challenge is a fundraising initiative organised by the Faythe Harriers GAA Club through which individuals can also raise money for their favoured charities.
David has chosen the Bone Cancer Research Trust, a new charity promoting research into the causes and treatment of primary bone cancer, a condition which 400 young people in Ireland and the UK develop every year.
The Trust's first Bone Cancer Awareness Week is from June 21 to 28 when it will be informing GPs and the general public about the need to reduce delays in diagnosis.
The big emphasis must be on young people being aware that painful lumps ought to be investigated, and empowering them to make sure the doctor takes it seriously and arranges an x-ray', said a spokesman.
As a parent, if your child develops bone pain that persists and does not respond to standard pain killers, go straight to the doctor. If after visiting the doctor, the pain persists and other symptoms develop, go back and insist on an x-ray', he added.
Nicola's father is doing the four-day Pikeman Challenge around County Wexford in August to raise money, but also to make people aware of the danger of a lack of awareness and late diagnosis.
Bone cancers take longer to diagnose than any other type of cancer in young people because the medical profession often attributes symptoms to growing pains' or a sports injury.
Brave Nicola's cancer was found on April 5, 2005 in Wexford General Hospital but it wasn't until 21 days later that it was confirmed as osteosarcoma. It was a further five days before her treatment began.
She had a primary tumour just above her left knee and numerous secondary tumours in both lungs. Throughout her hard and difficult treatment, she showed determination and courage beyond her years. She died on October 6, 2007.
