A boxing challenge raising funds and awareness
of ovarian cancer and the OvaCare support group.
I'm 58 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's
disease around two years ago. About a year ago, I started boxing after hearing
about its potential benefits for people with Parkinson's. It has made a very
positive difference to me, helping me lose weight and improve my fitness,
coordination and focus, while reducing stiffness and shaking.
I'm now taking on a new challenge: an 8-week
boxing camp starting 16 September, with my coach Stuart Reilly at Naas
Kickboxing Club, leading to a properly organised and appropriately matched
boxing bout in November, held under appropriate rules with a qualified referee,
safety equipment and carefully matched opponents based on experience, ability
and weight.
But the boxing is only part of the story. This
challenge is about supporting Maggie, raising awareness of ovarian cancer and
raising funds for OvaCare.
OvaCare was co-founded by June Feeney and Rachel McKeon in 2011, following their own personal experiences with ovarian cancer. They both felt there was very little support in Ireland for women and their families affected by the disease, and they believed strongly that OvaCare could help provide this support as well as ‘giving a voice’ to the disease. At OvaCare we aim to give a voice to, and provide support for, all those affected by Ovarian Cancer in Ireland. Our Mission is to improve diagnosis and education of Ovarian Cancer in Ireland, through sharing global research and best practice, and providing support and advocacy through our dedicated support network. Our motto is ‘together we are stronger’! It is our goal to improve diagnosis and education of ovarian cancer within Ireland, through sharing global research and best practice, and providing support and advocacy through OvaCare’s dedicated support network.
