'Her valuable contribution': Cancer research fellowship to be named after Emma Hannigan

Emma Hannigan lost her battle with breast cancer on March 3, but despite her illness, the Letters To My Daughters author raised €126,000 through a moving campaign.

And to honour the mum-of-two, Breast Cancer Ireland will name a cancer research fellowship after her. 

In an interview with RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, Aisling Hurley, shared that cancer research was a major help to Emma during her battle with breast cancer.

"Her life was extended because of development through cancer treatment. Each time she was diagnosed there was a new drug or clinical trial that she could avail of,” she said.

 

Wow, Emma, you did it.  “We are overwhelmed at the support received for our dear friend and Ambassador, Emma Hannigan in reaching her target of €100,000. These funds will continue to support our pioneering research within the Breast Cancer Ireland Research Centre, as well as nationally, through our collaborative initiative with the other designated cancer centres. We are heartbroken for Emma and her family but her dedication in raising awareness and seeking support, at this extraordinarily sad time, gives us the added strength and determination to continue our work in transforming the landscape of this disease in Ireland” – Aisling Hurley, CEO, Breast Cancer Ireland #breastcancerire #beatcancer #breastcancerireland #researchingacure #breastcancerresearch #helpemmahelpothers

A post shared by BreastCancerIreland (@breastcancerireland) on Feb 28, 2018 at 11:46am PST

Doctor Danielle Varislija is the first person to receive The Emma Hannigan Breast Cancer Research Fellowship.

Ms Hurley said Emma’s fundraising efforts will always be admired and remembered.

“The naming of this fellowship in Emma’s honour recognises her valuable contribution to our research efforts and it ensures her memory lives on in transforming the landscape of breast cancer in Ireland into the future.”

It is understood that Emma’s husband Cian and their two children – 18-year-old Sacha and 16-year-old Kim – are overjoyed by the news.

Emma received huge support during her campaign, with Dubray Books donating the sales of her final book to Breast Cancer Ireland. The bookstore raised a grand total of €18,000 for the charity.

 

Breast Cancer Ireland wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. May she rest in peace.

A post shared by BreastCancerIreland (@breastcancerireland) on Mar 3, 2018 at 7:25am PST

Before she passed away, Emma penned a touching open letter about her battle with breast cancer, where she encouraged people to fill their days with happiness.

“Life is so very precious. We never know the day or hour that it will be whipped away. So fill your days with as much happiness as you can muster," she wrote. 

Before she passed away, the 45-year-old thanked the public for their overwhelming support.

“Without new drugs, I wouldn’t have had the last 10 years with my family and you guys."

You can support Breast Cancer Ireland by texting “Cure” to 50300 to donate €4.