Zoe's Fund
Donation protected
We are raising money to help Zoe’s family after her recent passing.
Zoe was a loving mother and wife who found happiness with her family and friends. She found happiness in her life within the solace of the family structure as well as in the support of her friends. She wasn’t materialistic, was hard working and ready to help others, someone who has been described as ‘content’.
With a family history of the BRCA2 gene (a gene that gives you a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer), Zoe was tested and was found to have this gene, but as she was pregnant, had to wait before anything could be done
With the birth of her daughter Isabel in December 2012, Zoe was delighted. She always wanted to be a mother, but her joy was soon to be tainted with heartache as her own mother died shortly after Zoe came home from the hospital with Isabel.
Zoe subsequently underwent two risk-reducing surgeries to prevent cancer - a double mastectomy and ovary removal and during her painful recovery soldiered on whilst caring for her newborn Isabel, as Gerard had to work to support the family.
September 2016
It was hoped that after the surgeries would be the final hurdle and Zoe and family could move on. However, four years later, in 2016 the family was devastated to hear that Zoe had developed secondary cancer in the liver. Chemotherapy and drug trials followed, with associated liver biopsies, CT scans and MRIs, and Zoe battled on, accepted any treatment that was offered without complaint, holding down a job and taking her daughter to school each day
All this time she didn’t disclose the fact that she was ill, as she didn't want to impose on people or be treated differently.
September 2019
By September 2019 Zoe’s health deteriorated further, experiencing abdominal discomfort and shortness of breath as cancer continued to spread. Gerard then made the decision to stop working so he could look after Zoe, and spend as much precious family time together as possible.
On one of the last trips to the hospital in October, Zoe's condition had worsened and the family was given the devastating news that she had just 3 to 7 months left to live. Zoe was determined to see Isabel's 7th birthday on 16th December and one last Christmas. Unfortunately, Zoe's health deteriorated very quickly and she was admitted to Mount Vernon on 15th November and she passed away peacefully the next day. This is a testament to the fight Zoe put in every day to live as long as she could. Tragically it was a fight she lost.
Why we are fundraising
The past few months have been unimaginably difficult for Gerard and Isabel. Not only have they lost a wife and mother, but Gerard had to give up his job to care for his family. In addition to the emotional anguish suffered, the family has also suffered financially. We are hoping to support them through this difficult time so that Gerard can spend more time with Isabel and help her come to terms with the terrible hand that has been dealt with.
Please help if you can by making a small donation. Every little donation will make a difference to Gerard and Isabel.
Thank You.
A final message from Gerard.
“I have wonderful memories of Zoe and when I look at our beautiful daughter Isabel, I see so much of Zoe in her. Zoe was someone I loved, someone I will miss, but someone Isabel and I will remember forever.”
Zoe was a loving mother and wife who found happiness with her family and friends. She found happiness in her life within the solace of the family structure as well as in the support of her friends. She wasn’t materialistic, was hard working and ready to help others, someone who has been described as ‘content’.
With a family history of the BRCA2 gene (a gene that gives you a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer), Zoe was tested and was found to have this gene, but as she was pregnant, had to wait before anything could be done
With the birth of her daughter Isabel in December 2012, Zoe was delighted. She always wanted to be a mother, but her joy was soon to be tainted with heartache as her own mother died shortly after Zoe came home from the hospital with Isabel.
Zoe subsequently underwent two risk-reducing surgeries to prevent cancer - a double mastectomy and ovary removal and during her painful recovery soldiered on whilst caring for her newborn Isabel, as Gerard had to work to support the family.
September 2016
It was hoped that after the surgeries would be the final hurdle and Zoe and family could move on. However, four years later, in 2016 the family was devastated to hear that Zoe had developed secondary cancer in the liver. Chemotherapy and drug trials followed, with associated liver biopsies, CT scans and MRIs, and Zoe battled on, accepted any treatment that was offered without complaint, holding down a job and taking her daughter to school each day
All this time she didn’t disclose the fact that she was ill, as she didn't want to impose on people or be treated differently.
September 2019
By September 2019 Zoe’s health deteriorated further, experiencing abdominal discomfort and shortness of breath as cancer continued to spread. Gerard then made the decision to stop working so he could look after Zoe, and spend as much precious family time together as possible.
On one of the last trips to the hospital in October, Zoe's condition had worsened and the family was given the devastating news that she had just 3 to 7 months left to live. Zoe was determined to see Isabel's 7th birthday on 16th December and one last Christmas. Unfortunately, Zoe's health deteriorated very quickly and she was admitted to Mount Vernon on 15th November and she passed away peacefully the next day. This is a testament to the fight Zoe put in every day to live as long as she could. Tragically it was a fight she lost.
Why we are fundraising
The past few months have been unimaginably difficult for Gerard and Isabel. Not only have they lost a wife and mother, but Gerard had to give up his job to care for his family. In addition to the emotional anguish suffered, the family has also suffered financially. We are hoping to support them through this difficult time so that Gerard can spend more time with Isabel and help her come to terms with the terrible hand that has been dealt with.
Please help if you can by making a small donation. Every little donation will make a difference to Gerard and Isabel.
Thank You.
A final message from Gerard.
“I have wonderful memories of Zoe and when I look at our beautiful daughter Isabel, I see so much of Zoe in her. Zoe was someone I loved, someone I will miss, but someone Isabel and I will remember forever.”
Fundraising team: Zoe's Fund (2)
Neil Gallagher
Organizer
England
Gerard O Mahony
Beneficiary
Nancy Clancy
Team member