My guest this week is Vanessa Mooney from Tullamore in Co. Offaly in Ireland. Vanessa was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 40, only two months after her Sister Veronica's diagnosis, and around the same time their brother was diagnosed with a terminal illness. They had already lost their Mother to cancer in 2015.
Vanessa felt very isolated during her treatment and it not only affected her physical health, but also her mental health, which She speaks openly about in our chat. The changes to her body, her femininity and how She saw or felt about herself has dramatically changed. She is learning to love herself again and is very mindful of listening to her body and her own needs.
As a result of the rollercoaster of emotions She experienced during her diagnosis and treatment, Vanessa is developing an app called Someone Like Me to create a supportive space for cancer patients, survivors, friends and families. This app is aimed at helping others navigate resources which connects users by age and location, allowing them to share experiences, join private chats, and access resources like Marie Keating Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society. It offers tools such as local meetups, live podcasts and information on services like physiotherapy, yoga, fitness classes, diet and nutrition, wig specialists and many more supports. The app also includes a separate section for spouses, family and friends of cancer patients, offering guidance on how to provide support.
Vanessa shared that it was difficult to talk about her feelings with loved ones during her treatment, and she frequently turned to the internet, which often worsened her anxiety. Her goal is to offer a trusted space for others going through similar experiences. She emphasised that the app is part of her healing journey, and her mission is to ease the struggle of others.
To keep the app free, Vanessa is seeking donations to cover development costs. Businesses interested in sponsorship or advertising can contact her direct via her website www.someonelikeme.ie
Please DONATE whatever you can to
Someone Like me! A Mobile App to help support, inform and connect Cancer Patients and Survivors | Crowdfunding Page (idonate.ie)
https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/VanessaMooney
to help keep the app free
You can follow Vanessa on Instagram
If you would like to be a guest on my podcast please contact me through www.sharonfitzmauricemindfulness.com
