A brave Cavan Town woman needs your help with CF head shave

A brave Cavan Town woman with Cystic Fibrosis is taking the bold step to shave her head in aid of the local CF Association.
Ahead of the big shave-off at 9pm in the Farnham Arms Hotel this Saturday night, Niamh Meehan, who has lived with the condition all her life, told The Anglo-Celt of the support and difference the local CF branch makes in the lives of people affected.
“This is my opportunity to give something back, so that others can benefit from the Association’s good work and ongoing support. Please donate what you can, as every Euro collected goes back into the local CF community”, she said.
“I have suffered with CF for the past 35-years and the CF Association in Cavan has been going for 35 years and they have looked after me and are raising funds for cures. I think it’s my turn to give back and say thank you for everything they have done for me,” said Niamh.
She chose to shave her head because Niamh can’t do 5km runs or walks.
“CF is a degenerative illness, so the older you get, the worse it gets. I got the new CF drug Kalydeco three years ago and that has turned my health around again,” she enthused.
With 2,000 CF patients in Ireland and only 140 people able to have the drug, which suits only some gene types, Niamh counts herself lucky to be a match.

Boost
“It has helped me immensely, but it does not stop my hospital visits and feeling breathless – it does give you a boost,” said Niamh.
“I go into Hospital every three months for two weeks at a time – I know no different, I have grown up with this disease. I was diagnosed when I was just one year and three months, and I am thirty-five now. I have lost many a friend with it over the years,” said added.
“I think positivity is a huge thing in any illness and I enjoy life. I go to the gym and endeavour to keep fit”.
There will be food and entertainment on the night in the Farnham Arms Hotel together with a raffle for a 40” TV.
Donate online: www.gofundme.com/2e24nt5j