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Sisters' Double Grief: Parents Lost to Cancer Within Months
18 Feb
Summary
- Twin sisters lost both parents to cancer within a nine-month span.
- Marie Curie's support team provided crucial care and comfort.
- Sisters Ellen and Laura navigated difficult home care responsibilities.
Twin sisters Ellen and Laura experienced profound loss when both their parents succumbed to cancer within nine months of each other. Their father, Ralph, was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in December 2019, while their mother, Jeannette, received an oesophageal cancer diagnosis in January 2021. This period was particularly challenging due to simultaneous chemotherapy treatments and COVID-19 lockdowns.
Ellen and Laura took on significant caring responsibilities. Their mother, Jeannette, passed away in October 2021 at age 60. Following this, their father's condition worsened, leading to hospital stays and eventual home care. The Marie Curie home care team provided essential support, offering practical assistance and emotional comfort.
Marie Curie's support extended beyond their parents' passing, aiding the sisters in the aftermath of their grief. Ellen has since engaged in fundraising for Marie Curie, including running the Dublin marathon, to give back for the critical help they received during their difficult time.
