'Army of love' to show support to mum-of-two diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer

A group of friends wants to show an “army of love and support” after their friend was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Tracey Taaffe of Drogheda, Dublin, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2021 at the age of 42.

After a tough fight, 12 rounds of chemo and 20 rounds of radiation, she was told she was cancer free.

Unfortunately, in April 2024, Tracey was told her cancer was back - and her diagnosis was confirmed as Stage 4 Incurable Metastatic Breast Cancer.

READ MORE: Resilient boy with leukaemia has Limerick hurlers in his corner

To show Tracey she is not alone in her battle, her friends have set up a GoFundMe campaign.

“Tracey, her family, and friend’s world has been turned upside down by this news – most of all her devastated husband Alan, daughter Lea and son Rhys.

“Since then, she has been battling with grit and grace. Those of you who know Tracey knows that she works hard, and that she’s someone who always puts others first,” said the organiser of the campaign.

“Being self-employed, she pushed herself to the limits to keep her business going. A career that she worked so relentlessly hard on. Even when she was in the throes of treatment and struggling herself, she got up and tried her best to carry on. Grit & Grace as always.

“With her most recent diagnosis of Stage IV Terminal Metastatic Breast Cancer, she had to take the difficult decision to retire and close her business too soon. Being self-employed adds the extra financial burden and stress.

“While we can’t take away the stress and pain, we want to do what Tracey would do, by gathering together, in an army of love and support to help with the financial struggles of life and medical treatment,” they added.

To coincide with the fundraiser, a benefit night in Daly’s of Donore will take place on August 24.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.