A book outlining a young Limerick girl’s personal account of her fight against cancer has been relaunched by members of her family and Munster and Irish rugby star, Paul O’Connell.
‘The Little Girl with the Big Headache’ is the story of the late Becky Macauley’s treatment in three different Irish hospitals. From Ashling Heights, Raheen, the 11-year-old was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in April 2011 and had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy. Becky lost her fight against cancer in August 2012.
Paul O’Connell joined Becky’s parents, Mike and Mary, and her sister Rachel (15) in relaunching the book at O’Mahonys Book Store in O Connell Street, Limerick. Proceeds from the book sales go to cancer research through the Children’s Ark Project’s Paediatric Oncology Fund at the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle, Limerick.
Speaking on behalf of the Macauley family, Becky’s father Mike said: “We are honoured that Paul has obliged us for this event. This helps keep Becky's memory alive and support a great charity which is helping families who unfortunately find themselves in the same situation. Paul had presented Becky personally with a Boston Celtics T-shirt back in May when she was a member of Limerick Celtics basketball club. Becky had been a huge fan of Paul O'Connell.”
“We would like to thank the Regional Paediatric unit, Live 95 FM, local journalist Kathryn Hayes and all other media outlets, Paudie Power of Limerick County Council, and everybody who has contributed to the Fund to date. We also would like to say a special thank you to O'Mahonys for hosting this event,” Mike added.
Speaking at the launch event, Paul O’Connell paid tribute to Becky’s courage and determination during her yearlong battle with illness. “This book, written in Becky’s own words, illustrates the tremendous courage that she showed during her treatment for cancer. I was privileged to have got to know Becky during this time,” the Munster star added.
In June of this year, Becky was accompanied by her family at a civic reception from Limerick County Council in honour of her achievements and bravery.
Speaking following the book launch, Cllr. Jerome Scanlan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council stated: “We were delighted to host a Civic Reception for Becky in recognition of her bravery in battling her illness. In doing so, Limerick County Council was also acknowledging other young people throughout Limerick who are continuing to be treated for serious illnesses.”
“I would also like to pay tribute to the wonderful work of hospitals such as the Mid Western Regional Hospital here in Dooradoyle and also at Crumlin Children’s Hospital and in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin for the care and support services they provide to children and families who are going through serious illnesses,” added Cllr. Scanlan.
‘The Little Girl with the Big Headache’ has proven so popular that all copies of the first print run have completely sold out. Funds raised from the book sales are expected to be presented to the Regional Oncology Unit in the coming weeks.
‘The Little Girl with the Big Headache’ is the story of the late Becky Macauley’s treatment in three different Irish hospitals. From Ashling Heights, Raheen, the 11-year-old was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in April 2011 and had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy. Becky lost her fight against cancer in August 2012.
Paul O’Connell joined Becky’s parents, Mike and Mary, and her sister Rachel (15) in relaunching the book at O’Mahonys Book Store in O Connell Street, Limerick. Proceeds from the book sales go to cancer research through the Children’s Ark Project’s Paediatric Oncology Fund at the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle, Limerick.
Speaking on behalf of the Macauley family, Becky’s father Mike said: “We are honoured that Paul has obliged us for this event. This helps keep Becky's memory alive and support a great charity which is helping families who unfortunately find themselves in the same situation. Paul had presented Becky personally with a Boston Celtics T-shirt back in May when she was a member of Limerick Celtics basketball club. Becky had been a huge fan of Paul O'Connell.”
“We would like to thank the Regional Paediatric unit, Live 95 FM, local journalist Kathryn Hayes and all other media outlets, Paudie Power of Limerick County Council, and everybody who has contributed to the Fund to date. We also would like to say a special thank you to O'Mahonys for hosting this event,” Mike added.
Speaking at the launch event, Paul O’Connell paid tribute to Becky’s courage and determination during her yearlong battle with illness. “This book, written in Becky’s own words, illustrates the tremendous courage that she showed during her treatment for cancer. I was privileged to have got to know Becky during this time,” the Munster star added.
In June of this year, Becky was accompanied by her family at a civic reception from Limerick County Council in honour of her achievements and bravery.
Speaking following the book launch, Cllr. Jerome Scanlan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council stated: “We were delighted to host a Civic Reception for Becky in recognition of her bravery in battling her illness. In doing so, Limerick County Council was also acknowledging other young people throughout Limerick who are continuing to be treated for serious illnesses.”
“I would also like to pay tribute to the wonderful work of hospitals such as the Mid Western Regional Hospital here in Dooradoyle and also at Crumlin Children’s Hospital and in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin for the care and support services they provide to children and families who are going through serious illnesses,” added Cllr. Scanlan.
‘The Little Girl with the Big Headache’ has proven so popular that all copies of the first print run have completely sold out. Funds raised from the book sales are expected to be presented to the Regional Oncology Unit in the coming weeks.
