“I’m not throwing in the towel. Even though I have incurable cancer, I’m not throwing in the towel… I have a life to live and I’ve craic to be had so that’s what I’m going to do.”
Clare native Laura Brennan was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016 and after initially receiving the all-clear from doctors following a period of treatment, she was subsequently told that it was incurable.
Prior to her appearance on the Late Late Show on Friday night, Laura (25), has publicly spoken of how young girls should be vaccinated against the HPV virus, one of the chief causes of cervical cancer, a vaccination that wasn’t available to Laura when she attended school.
On the Late Late Show, Laura shared the story of her diagnosis and viewers couldn’t help but be inspired by her remarkable positivity in the wake of such devastating news.
Speaking to Ryan Tubridy about the day she was told her cancer was incurable, Laura described her reaction after being asked by the doctor why she wasn’t upset and spoke of her determination to make the most of her life for as long as she can.
Laura also explained why she advocates so passionately for the HPV vaccine, while her parents watched on from the audience.
“I don’t want any mother, father, sister, brother, friends or family to lose someone to such a horrible illness,” Laura said.
Clips via The Late Late Show
Laura’s story, and her dignity and positivity, had a profound effect on the audience in studio and on viewers watching at home.
Watching the inspirational @laurabrennan091 on @thelatelateshow now. Had the absolute honour of meeting Laura a few weeks ago when she launched HPV vaccine campaign. This vaccine can prevent cervical cancer. Listen to Laura’s message & get the facts here: https://t.co/L6n6KIVPUf pic.twitter.com/tzM4Nd4xFe
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 13, 2018
.@laurabrennan091 is an inspiration and this is an incredible interview @Clarelgfa @banner_ladies https://t.co/UPKsgptPuA
— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) April 13, 2018
Thank you for sharing your story @laurabrennan091 and for encouraging all parents to ensure their children receive the HPV Vaccine #vaccineswork #HPVvaccine
— Irish Medical Organisation (@IMO_IRL) April 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/nbrez/status/984899812964347904
For more information on the HPV vaccine, check out the HSE website.
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