Local woman talks about cancer ordeal ahead of CD launch

Ballycumber woman Teresa Flynn has this week spoken of how her cancer diagnosis has impacted on her as she prepares to launch a CD to raise funds for three cancer units. Teresa will shortly launch her debut CD, with all profits being split between the oncology unit at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, St Luke's Hospital in Dublin and the cancer research unit at St James' Hospital in Dublin. Thirty-six year old Teresa was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at Christmas 2010, but instead of feeling sorry for herself she finally took her dream of recording an album from fantasy to reality. 'Grogan's Rose', a compilation of music and songs featuring family and friends including Damien Dempsey and Simon Casey, will be launched in Ballycumber Community Centre on September 30 at 7.30pm. Since being diagnosed, Teresa has been through chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has also been under the care of Offaly Palliative Care Team, her local GP and health care nurses. "It has been tough, at times near impossible, but you just have to keep going," she said. An optimistic Teresa even managed to find a positive to her diagnosis. "To some extent, having cancer gives you a second chance at life, and that's a gift," she said. "You reassess priorities, family, friends, things you always planned to do, but never found the time." One of Teresa's plans, which has now come to fruition, was to record an album. "I had always dreamt of recording an album," she admitted. 'Grogan's Rose' is described by Teresa as "a compilation of music and songs, featuring the family and friends I hold so dear". "These are the songs that made us laugh, and those that made us cry," she continued. "In many ways it is the soundtrack to my ordinary, everyday life, my legacy. Each song is a reflection of the life we led, the good times shared, and the memories cherished." "I dedicate this album to the future, with the hope that the past will never be forgotten," Teresa said ahead of the launch. "To anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation, remember, keep fighting, keep hoping, keep living."