Kildare woman named Ambassador for cancer charity

A KILDARE woman has been named as the Patient Ambassador by the Irish Cancer Society for this year’s ‘Very Pink Run’ in aid of breast cancer research.

Sarah Vaughan (33) from Allenwood Heights in Newbridge is just over a year clear of the disease after being diagnosed in 2023, and is now working in Sheehy Motors in Naas.

“It’s so busy. But it’s great to be busy,” she added.

Sarah has decided to share her story to raise awareness of the disease that affects one in seven Irish women in their lifetime.

“I want more awareness, especially among younger women, because there is no mammogram testing until you’re 50, so we have to look after ourselves. I was only 31 when I got the diagnosis,” said Sarah.

“In November 2023, my world changed when I was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer.

“The words 'you have cancer' are ones you never forget.

“In that moment, everything stopped, and I was filled with fear, shock, and sadness.

“It all started when I discovered a lump on my left breast and felt pain in my armpit.

“Deep down, I knew something wasn’t right, and the tests confirmed what I was dreading — breast cancer."

Tragically, her cancer story didn’t begin there.

“Just three years earlier (April 2020), I lost my mam Marie,” she revealed.

“She too was diagnosed with cancer, but before she even had the chance to begin her treatment, she caught Covid and passed away.

“She literally didn’t get time to try the treatment.

“Losing her broke my heart, so when I heard my own diagnosis, I felt like I wasn’t only fighting for myself, but also for the chance she never got.

“Through every hospital visit, every treatment, and every difficult day — I carried her with me.

“My treatment was long and challenging: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a double mastectomy, axillary clearance, and 14 rounds of Kadcyla.

“The chemo was horrific, I was so ill.

Each stage tested me in ways I never thought possible.

“There were moments that broke me, days when I felt too tired to keep going, and nights when grief for my mam mixed with fear for myself.

“But even in the hardest moments, I reminded myself that I was fighting for both of us.

“Cancer took a lot, but it also showed me my resilience, my courage, and the power of love. 

"My journey is not only about surviving breast cancer — it’s also about honouring my mam and carrying her memory with me as I move forward with hope.

“To anyone facing their own diagnosis: it’s tough, but you are stronger than you know. 

“Take it one day at a time, lean on those around you, and remember — you are never truly alone in the fight.

“It’s been a rough few years, so all we want is a rosy future,” said Sarah.

The ‘Very Pink Run’ is an international charity that has raised €8m across 40 countries, and this year’s Irish versions will take place in Dublin, Kilkenny, and Cork between 29 August and 6 September.

“I won’t run, but I’ll walk it,” laughed Sarah.

“I’m not the best at running, but I’ll be there!” she smiled.