'She refuses to give up': Young Cork mum travels abroad for specialist cancer treatment

A young Cork mum has travelled to Germany to receive specialist treatment for her lung cancer - and it’s thanks to her local community, along with her own personal determination, that she’s been able to seize the chance and “turn fear into hope”.

Lorraine Kirby, originally of Bishopstown, and now living in Ballincollig was diagnosed with breast cancer in March, 2024.

Fortunately, the disease was detected early through her vigilance, and after months of treatment she got the news she had been hoping for: she was cancer-free.

“My family and I believed the nightmare was finally behind us,” said her younger sister Jennifer.

“Sadly, just 18 months later, our world was turned upside down again. Lorraine was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer that has spread to her lungs,” said Jennifer.

She underwent further intense treatment, however, scans showed that while some tumours had shrunk, others were growing.

Lorraine’s option at this point was to continue with intense fortnightly treatment in Cork.

However, Lorraine, who Jennifer describes as “very determined”, felt there had to be another option. After extensive research, she was accepted for specialist treatment in Germany, which isn’t available to her at home. The treatment includes Dendritic Cell Therapy and TPCE (Transpulmonary Chemoembolization).

To cover the high cost of treatment, travel, accommodation, and ongoing medical expenses, Jennifer launched a GoFundMe appeal which has so far generated more than €73,000, reflecting the high regard her sister is held in.

One of five sisters, photographer Lorraine turned 40 last November. Married to Adrian, she’s mum to Sean, 20, Saoirse, 14, and Jaxon, 5, and they’re what’s driving her on.

“She refuses to give up,” said Jennifer. “Her biggest wish isn’t anything money can buy - it’s simply more time. More birthdays, more bedtime stories, more cuddles, more family memories, and the chance to watch her children grow up.

“Every donation, no matter how small, will bring Lorraine one step closer to receiving this treatment.”

Along with Adrian and her father Brian, Lorraine travelled to Germany earlier this month where she will undergo treatment for around 10 days.

Before departing, she wrote on the GoFundMe page: “I’ll board that plane carrying not only my suitcase, but the love, prayers, and support of so many amazing people.

“I will think of each and every one of you as I begin this next chapter.”

People’s kindness is giving her hope, she said, adding that she was going “with hope in my heart and determination to keep fighting”.

At one point, travelling to Germany seemed completely out of reach, she said. But people’s generosity “helped turn fear into hope and uncertainty into possibility. You’ve lifted a weight from my shoulders and given me the strength to keep believing, even on the hardest days”.

“Every act of generosity brings me one step closer to more precious time with the people I love most. To every single person who donated to my GoFundMe, shared my story, sent a message, said a prayer, or simply kept me in your thoughts… thank-you. There are no words that truly express how grateful I am.

“This has been the hardest journey of my life, but because of your kindness, generosity, and belief in me, I have been given something so precious … hope. Hope that I can fight this disease with everything I have. Hope that I can be here longer with my three beautiful children and the people I love most.

“Every donation, no matter how big or small, has helped make this trip possible and will also fund future treatments. You haven’t just helped fund treatment - you’ve lifted me up on the days I wanted to give up, reminded me that I’m not fighting this battle alone, and shown me the incredible power of compassion.”

Meanwhile, Cork Rose Lexi Linnane organised a fundraising walk for Lorraine which took place last week. Saoirse is a dance pupil of Lexi.