The Julie Wren Complementary Therapy Service is described as a ‘refuge’ on St John’s Ward for children and their families who attend the hospital as part of their care plan.
Around 200 children under the age of 16 and around 70 teenagers aged 15 to 19 are diagnosed with cancer in Ireland each year.
The room was pioneered by the Wren Family and the Julie Wren Trust in 2011 to help children with cancer and their families cope with stress, anxiety, pain and nausea.
After her daughter Julie (age 8) died of cancer in 1993, Esther Wren sold her family’s farm and used the money to offer massage, reflexology, baby massage, Indian head massage, aromatherapy, and more. We have launched a service that provides therapies such as meditation and mindfulness.
“Julie was a beautiful girl who inspired us all to live life to the fullest. She gave generously, cared for others, and showed us that it is possible to change the world in small but wonderful ways. We demonstrated that,” Wren said.
“Julie Wren Complementary Therapy Services was first established by me, Julie’s mother, as a way to carry on Julie’s love and generous spirit of supporting children and parents on the most difficult journey.
“Julie Wren Complementary Therapy Services will provide free therapy while our precious children undergo cancer treatment programs,” she added.
“We are delighted that funding from the Irish Cancer Society will allow this important and essential service to continue and we are deeply grateful to the Society for their continued support.”
This multi-year funding aims to support 1,000 families with more than 5,000 treatment sessions over the next few years and was announced on International Childhood Cancer Day.
Lorraine Sevastova, whose family has benefited from the service while her daughter Lily, 9, receives treatment, said it was a “step away from the chaos of the wards”.
“It’s hard to explain in words how much of a difference Julie Wren Complementary Therapy Services made to Lily and my cancer experience,” Sevastova said.
“Lily has a safe place to go during chemotherapy. Her therapist talks to her about her day and may even mix essential oils for her to use at home when she’s away from the hospital.
“For me, it’s a haven, a place to escape from the chaos of the wards. The door is always open when no sessions are taking place, so I have a good half hour or so to myself before returning to reality. The ambiance and scent of aromatherapy oils can lift your mood and give you that little boost to keep going.
“On Daffodil Day, March 22nd, please help us ensure that Irish families have access to these vital supports and services.”