Donegal Action for Cancer Care are delighted to have hosted the official opening of their new office on Wednesday 17th Oct 07 at 7pm.

Anne Marie Ward, the 4th Irish woman to swim the English Channel,  performed the official opening. 

The office is at 13 St Columba’s Tec, High Rd Letterkenny

 telephone 074 91 28400.

MC tonight was Fergus Cleary.

Anne Marie Ward as she cuts the ribbon at the door of the DACC office.

The opening of the office is another success for DACC and will provide an important structure that will allow for the work of DACC to continue in helping secure and retain cancer services for the people of Donegal.

There was a large attendance at the launch where even the weather looked favourable on all present.

In his welcome the Chairperson Seamus O’ Donnell congratulated all on the great work and committment that has brought DACC to where it is now. Seamus listed the achievements to date.

Chairperson of the Action Strategy Sub Committee Mr Noel A Coyle informed those present on the journey that had brought us to tonight.

(Chairperson Seamus O’ Donnell address’s the crowd at the opening.)

Paddy Hume PRO for DACC in his congratualtions used a very well known quote “The greatest asset any organisation has is the energy of it’s peoples positively directed” 

Rev Stuart Wright and Fr. Adrian Gavigan conducted the blessing.

Rev Wright explained how they had both looked for an appropriate reading and found it difficult so they chose the parabel of The Ten Lepers, highlighting how one had come back to say thanks. After another reading from St Luke and prayers which included the poem by Noel that was used for the book “You Are Not Alone” a joint blessing of the building took place. The verse:    

      “Together we stand at life’s crossroads

 And view what we think is the end

But God has a much bigger vision

And He tells us it’s only a bend” 

The office will be developed as a drop in centre promoting a positive approach to wellness. Available in the office at present is the recently launched DACC information book “You Are Not Alone” along with a range of information books provided by the Irish Cancer Society on various cancers.

After the launch, work will continue in putting into place structures and services which will enhance support for cancer patients and their families. As part of this it is envisaged that a couselling service will be provided aswell as developing services related to the promotion of positivity and wellness.

Among the many valuable assets the office will provide, is for the administrative side of work to be conducted in a more professional manner and allow for local committee’s and the public to have a point of contact.

Along with our new office we are also delighted that our new Administrative Assistant, Susan Rodgers has taken up her post.

Our thanks to FAS and the Letterkenny CDP for their support with this employment.

DACC have also developed a new website, www.dacc.ie

It is hoped that through the website people will have the opportunity to become familiar with the work of DACC.