Posted by 
In our cancer warrior section I want to include an organization that I have found incredible, I originally met the two ladies that had set up this sanctuary of care in 2015 by accident. Ann had called me to see if we had any information that could be used in their centre to help patients with Lymphoma and we met a few days later to discuss. Ann and Linda had created this centre to care for the long term effects on cancer patients following treatment. We built up a good relationship and at the time I could afford to donate to their work, unfortunately Ann passed away in 2017 and Linda took up the torch to take the centre to a different level. We have stayed in contact over the years and try to help where possible.
This centre was originally called The Girls Club Cork and this changed to Iris House Cork Cancer Support.
They are a completely self funded centre reliant of donations only. We have tried to get government support for the centre but a long winded No money in the budget answer.
By Linda Goggin James
CEO of Iris House Cork Cancer Support
” CEO of Iris House Cork Cancer Support In the heart of Cork, nestled in a modest building filled with warmth and compassion, stands Iris House — a sanctuary for those affected by cancer. For years, we’ve welcomed people from all walks of life through our doors: those newly diagnosed, those in active treatment, those living with cancer long-term, and families grieving a loss.
We offer something rare and deeply needed — free cancer support, counselling, holistic therapies, and, uniquely in Ireland, the only free wig bank. Iris House exists to remind people that they are not alone. It’s a place where fear is met with empathy, where despair is met with care, and where hope is quietly, gently rekindled. But today, I write with urgency. The building we’ve called home is being sold. Unless we raise the funds to buy it, we risk losing the physical space that makes our work possible. The thought of closing our doors — of turning away people who have already lost so much — is heartbreaking.
We’ve launched a major fundraising campaign to save Iris House. Our goal is ambitious, but achievable if we come together as a community. We’re calling on individuals, businesses, and organizations to support us by sponsoring rooms, becoming patrons, or simply sharing our story. Every gesture counts. As I write this, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for our team — all women, most with lived experience of cancer — and for the people who walk through our doors every day, trusting us to help carry their burden. I am also grateful for those, like you, reading this now and opening your hearts to what we do. I believe passionately that cancer support must extend beyond hospitals.
The emotional and psychological toll of cancer lingers long after treatment ends. That’s why organisations like ours — and so many others across Europe — are essential. And that’s why the work of groups like the Lymphoma Coalition and the CAB initiative to secure EU support for outreach services is so vital. We are proud of the love and care we’ve poured into Iris House. And we believe it is worth saving. To learn more or get involved, please visit our campaign page:” https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/IrisHouseCorkCancerSupport
With heartfelt thanks, Linda Goggin James CEO, Iris House Cork Cancer Support
This centre was originally called The Girls Club Cork and this changed to Iris House Cork Cancer Support.
They are a completely self funded centre reliant of donations only. We have tried to get government support for the centre but a long winded No money in the budget answer.
Basically I was a donor to the centre but due to personal financial reasons I can no longer spare funds to help them.
3% funding comes from The Irish Cancer Society for counseling of which 100% goes directly to councilors, , and NCCP for client intake. Iris House have no funding from the HSE or any government body
The centre picks up the pieces of patients who have been diagnosed or completed treatment. People tend to think that once a Cancer patient has finished treatment then that is it, in reality completion of treatment can be just the start of the battle against Cancer. National Health Services and hospitals can only handle so much, the long term care for the patients are not properly considered and Organizations like this centre act as outreach units. These organizations take an enormous amount of pressure off oncology units by helping patients understand clearly what is facing them in years to come. These centre’s are been overlooked when it comes to funding which means they have to become self supported, approaches to funding budgets are impossible to achieve .
Cork is home to 35 of Irelands pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing sites. Linda has sent over 100 letters to various businesses in Cork with absolutely zero replies. This service is not just needed it is vital – if centre’s like this one start to close due to financial issues then were do the patients go. I can answer that somewhat They head to their local Doctor or push their specialist for help – but help is limited because the GP may not have the right resources to help the patient, hospitals are too busy and overstretched to help. And of course its all about having experienced people available to help, this centre was built by cancer patients with a view to helping other victims. Their knowledge of the long term effects of treatment exceeds most oncology units and they help patients to understand their individual prognoses.
From my own experience. I had available information about the initial effects of my own treatment but nothing about the long term effects caused by aggressive forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For example when I completed my initial chemotherapy called A.B.V.D on my last day the nurse said “Okay Ian that’s it your oncologist will be in contact with you and organize a scan in 100 days” that was it, like falling off a cliff but I was lucky as I had researched my own form of Cancer and had a clear understanding what was ahead (or so I thought). There was no attempt to point me towards any service that would help my recovery and I was unaware that this centre existed till almost a year later. I have referred a lot of victims to the centre and each one of them have said that the help to understand and work through recovery from the volunteers is life saving.
This centre can no longer be pushed aside to fend for themselves they need funding to keep supporting victims over the years that are involved in Cancer. And you can’t ask anyone better than me about this, I am now 11 years into cancer, 11 years – 3 of these spent in chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Stem Cell Transplant wards. Possible now facing a relapse but I can pick up the phone and talk to people like Linda who know how to communicate with a cancer patient which is far more than most consultants can do, one of the biggest challenges facing newly diagnosed cancer victims is access to knowledge and linking in with survivors that understand their needs, that takes real life experience training. Our own site development is aimed at getting patients to openly talk about their individual experience in the hope that it will help others. Cancer is now part of our lives and we need to understand what we are dealing with and have the means available to cope with this.
This article is aimed at saving a centre that was opened by two amazing individuals with a long term view to helping and supporting cancer victims. Since it opened in 2011 it has grown to be an example of how important organizations like this help and support local communities to understand and fight a cruel life changing disease. Out of the 46,000 people who read our articles we hope to reach someone that either works within a business or government body that can bring this appeal to the right people that can financially afford to invest in this centre’s future. Linda Goggin James & her team are ready and available to discuss what is needed to secure their future and walk any investor through their business.
Article from the Cork Echo about the centre on link below:
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Awareness Ireland 