'Thank you so much from myself and mammy, from the bottom of our hearts'
A hero’s homecoming is the only way to describe Alison Fisher’s visit to SuperValu in Bailieborough, as she prepares to soon leave to receive life-saving treatment in Germany this week.
Both Alison (21) and her mother Majella received well wishes, hugs and support from the entire community as they made their way through the local store, where Majella has been a valued member of staff for the past 16 years.
Since her daughter's brain tumor diagnosis, the entire community has been fundraising to support the family with aftercare and travel expenses.
This week, the Ailson will travel to Essen University Hospital in Germany where she will receive Proton Therapy, having already gone through pre-treatment procedures. The seven week therapy will see her remain in hospital for the Christmas period.
Alison was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier in the year, just after she finished her third year of primary school teaching at Marino College. She collapsed while waiting for a bus in Mullingar and took three seizures before reaching hospital. She later underwent surgery in Dublin’s Beaumont and was transferred to Essen University Hospital, which has more suitable equipment.
A GoFundMe page set up by Harris’ SuperValu owner Lorraine Harris smashed its initial €45,000 goal in just two days, and is currently on course to top €79,000. Around €1,400 has been raised via in-store bucket donations alone.
“It’s been so overwhelming,” says Alison, who also worked at the Super Valu on a part-time basis during college.
“It takes off a lot of the burden, financially wise with the accommodation and stuff like that,” she says.
“I just want to say thank you so much from myself and mammy, from the bottom of our hearts,” adds Alison.
Her mother says Alison has remained “really upbeat” since receiving the diagnosis.
“From the minute she heard there has been no tears, she has just been up and on with it.
“She just wants back to college and back on with her life,” states a hopeful Majella.
“That’s really important, just having a focus,” Alison agrees.
“I just want to get back to college,” said an emotional Alison.
They praised each member of staff in Mullingar Hospital, Beaumont and in Germany for their “incredible” care.
“From day one that we’ve got into this, everybody has been amazing.”
Alison has been receiving support from another patient in a similar situation to her.
“You wouldn’t wish it on anyone but it was nice to have somebody to lean on who went through the exact same thing that you’re about to go through,” she reflects.
She praised the support received from Lorraine and her partner Shane and everybody in the local community.
“Everyone was helping as much as they could,” says Alison, adding that it made her feel “really proud” to be from a close-knit rural community such as Bailieborough.
“It’s really overwhelming, it’s lovely.”
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