Leading By Example – Role Model And Inspiration Majella O’Donnell

We’re sure you’ve seen the new gold Ballygowan bottles in the shops.  They are all part of a summer-long campaign supporting the Irish Cancer Society to raise awareness of cancer and raise much-needed funds for specialist nursing care. At Her.ie we’re delighted to be teaming up with Ballygowan and the Irish Cancer Society to B part of the campaign and celebrate the special moments and wonderful people who help and inspire us to make the most out of life. One of these inspirational women is the wonderful, Majella O' Donnell. Majella was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2013. However, she soldiered on through treatment, even shaving her head on national television in support for the Irish Cancer Society. The Tipperary native underwent a lumpectomy and chemotherapy before having double mastectomy surgery with reconstruction last year. She was willing to discuss her battle with cancer openly with people but even though she has become a role model, she was a little reluctant about people calling her an inspiration. “I feel a little bit that I don’t deserve all the accolades I’m getting because for me, it was a simple thing to do. Being open and honest is who I am so it’s a very natural thing. When people say, ‘you’re brave’ or ‘you’re this or you’re that,’ I squirm a bit and think, ‘I’m not really, that’s just me’.” Majella has used her story help others. “I still get on with my life and this is how I cope with it and if it helps somebody else, all the better. I feel it’s the right thing to do if you’ve got a [public] voice and say, ‘Don’t worry about it.’” On September 13th, 2013, Majella did one of the bravest things we have ever seen on national television; she shaved her head for the Irish Cancer Society in order to raise funds and awareness. The piece eventually raised €600,000 for the Irish Cancer Society. Another campaign that Majella was involved in raised over a million for charity, the brilliant No Make-Up Selfie which she also posted a picture for.

Here is my no-makeup-selfie. Donation made to the Irish Cancer Society. pic.twitter.com/5LvEfTf9QY — Majella O Donnell (@Majodonnell) March 23, 2014

Majella has since revealed that she is cancer-free. Her husband Daniel commented: “It can be beaten and I thank God that Majella is on the road to recovery.” Her story is an inspiration to others.