Orlagh Quigley

I am a Fighter

Thursday 25th Apr My name is Orlagh, I am a mother to my 2 girls Alice and Nora. I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in June 23 while I was 23 weeks pregnant on my daughter Nora. Pretty terrifying stuff. I had found a lump in my neck the week that I found out I was pregnant and I'm glad I followed up. It took a few months for me to be diagnosed but it gave my girl time to grow and get stronger. I started my chemo in July while I was pregnant. It was honestly so so scary as I didn't know what to expect or how it would effect my gorgeous little girl. Thankfully, Nora was born safe and sound in September and was as healthy as can be. She helped me so much during my treatment, as did Alice. It was so lovely to have a positive and focus during the treatment. Unfortunately the first chemo didn't work and I had to have more chemo and a stem cell transplant. Which I had in February 2024. It's been a really tough year. I'm still not finished my treatment and I won't be for a while. But here I am fighting and I won't stop. Over the years I have always donated to relay for life, maybe I am niave but I just didn't think I'd be apart of relay as a survivor at 31. Cancer has taken enough from me and my family. They have dragged me through the hell of treatment and without them I honestly don't know where I would be. They have held me up when it all felt impossible. I'm proud to be able to be a mother, a fighter, a sister, a daughter and a friend still. I'm very proud to be apart of this year's relay, even though I don't know what to expect. I'm just looking forward to meeting people who have been where I am now, I am looking forward to having more hope and I am looking forward to helping someone else who may be in my shoes in the future. There is hope, there are options, when one thing doesn't work there might be something else that does. It's a process. Trust those medical professionals. Surround yourself with love and take your time 🩷 Share