The father of a talented young Belfast woman says his family is still hurting after her death three years ago.
On the anniversary of Eimear Gooderham's (Smyth) death, people from across Northern Ireland remembered her and shared their experiences of the 25-year-old. They also revealed how Eimear's journey encouraged them to join the stem cell and bone marrow donor registry.
Eimear was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in September 2016 and after finding a stem cell donor match, the Coolnasilla woman underwent a transplant in November 2018. She passed away on June 27, 2019 after complications.
Read more: Belfast dad's fight for better cancer services after death of young daughter
Sean Smyth wrote: "It’s three years since you died. We are broken beyond repair and it hurts. But you have never left us.
"Your legacy has and will save lives and will continue to create hope for people with life threatening illnesses. Please help us fulfil Eimear’s dying wish and join the stem cell/bone marrow donor registry today.
"Help us create hope where their isn’t any."
As DKMS sent their love to Eimear's family on June 27, a day that is sketched into their memories forever, one woman took time to send a message to the Smyths. She wrote: "It was Eimear's legacy which encouraged me and my family to sign up to the register and hopefully help someone in need.
"She seemed like an amazing person and the work Sean does in her name is nothing short of inspirational."
Following her death, Eimear's Wish was formed, an organisation with a sole purpose of carrying out Eimear's dying wish - to tell the world that she had beaten cancer and for her family to raise Stem Cell Donor Awareness in Northern Ireland.
Eimear's Wish has touched the heart of thousands of people, and is continuing to spread awareness in true Eimear style - dressed in bright pink clothing and promoting conversation in a positive light.
Please follow this link for information on how to register with DKMS and here for Eimear's Wish.
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