We are delighted to announce the second annual Bláthnaid Foley Trust Ball to be held, once again, in the Radisson SAS, Ballincar, Sligo on Saturday 22nd of March 2008 at 7.30pm. There will be a charity auction and Brian McDermott and his band will return to perform. It promises to be another great night with one or two surprises in store!

Anyone interested in reserving tickets may do so by contacting any of the following;

Fergal Broder  Tel: 086 8198558 email f.broder@lotusautomation.com

John Foley     Tel: 086 6080335 email johnfoleysligo@yahoo.ie
Fiona Foley    email f.foley@yahoo.ie or info@bftrust.org

Monday July 2 nd 2007 Dr Ian Lewis MBChB, FRCP, FRCPCH was scheduled to give a talk in the Radisson SAS, Ballincar on the importance of early detection of bone cancers, particularly Ewing’s Sarcoma, in young people. As a founding member of the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) Dr Lewis had also intended to give a brief background of their work and explain the need for research into this rare disease. Approximately twenty minutes into Dr Lewis’ flight to Sligo lightening struck the aircraft. Fortunately the damage sustained to the plane appeared to be limited to a series of electrical systems being affected. This still resulted in the flight being diverted back to Dublin as it was felt unsafe to attempt a landing in Sligo. Therefore Dr Lewis’ talk was subsequently cancelled. However, we would like to thank all those who made the effort to attend and who were so concerned for the well-being of the passengers on board Aer Aranns’ flight RE 217.

Upon landing safely in Dublin Ian’s primary concern was to at least have the opportunity to meet us even though he knew it would be too late to hold his talk. He finally arrived in Sligo at 10.30pm and gave a very informative and relaxed talk on his work with the BCRT to the Trustees. We were delighted to present Ian with a cheque in the sum of €25,000 to initiate sponsorship of research into Ewing’s Sarcoma, from The Bláthnaid Foley Trust. These funds will be allocated in Bláthnaid’s name and we will be updated on a regular basis by the BCRT as to progress in any related projects. Ian was overcome by the work done by Bláthnaid’s Trust in just nine months, saying it was testament to the person she was as well as those who knew of her. He has worked with many families over his nearly thirty years in the field of childhood cancer but said that he was deeply affected by Bláthnaid’s death and the resulting charity in her name. Ian finally got to his room at 2am and was up again at 7am as he had to attend the CCSG (formerly UKCCSG, Children’s Cancer Research Group) conference in Dublin. Sadly the clouds veiled Knocknarea and he had to settle for a description of the (obscured by lashing rain!) beauty of the landscape but announced his determination to return with his family and visit this place that Bláthnaid loved so well. We are delighted to confirm that he landed safely in Dublin!

Presentation to Dr Ian Lewis of The Bone Cancer Research Fund

From left to right, Fergal Broder, Fiona Foley, Dr Ian Lewis, John Foley, Fr John Carroll and Dr Hilary Greaney

info@bftrust.org

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Why Early Detection is Important

Childhood cancers spread very rapidly and early detection can save a life.
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