Coronavirus a matter of life or death, say cancer patients in new video

Cancer patients are urging the public to follow guidelines on staying at home to control the spread of coronavirus.

The three-minute video titled My Life Matters features cancer patients and survivors of all ages from around the country asking for support to keep them safe.

The video features Limerick-based cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan who is living with stage 4 cancer and self-isolating due to the threat of the virus. 

“I’ve been living with cancer for quite a few years at this stage and I know all about having to isolate myself when my immune system is down. The coronavirus has forced me to self-isolate again, but I’m really asking for everybody to do their bit and protect people like me, because my life matters,” she said.

Nine-year-old Pádraig Beasley from Kerry who has had to go through chemotherapy twice for a rare cancer was among those who filmed messages from their homes.

“I am currently receiving treatment for neuroblastoma, and my life matters. To help protect me from coronavirus please say inside and keep washing your hands to help stop the spread. Thank you.”

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: “We are urging people to follow the public health advice and help cancer patients avoid coronavirus by stopping the spread. These people have been through so much already and getting this virus could pose a very serious risk to their lives. We know it’s difficult to avoid going out but these are the faces and names of the people we’re collectively saving by doing so. Their lives matter.

“There are simple steps we can all take to stop the spread. Most importantly people should listen to advice from the Government and stay home, follow social distancing guidelines when they do have to go outside for essential reasons, and wash their hands regularly.”

People are also encouraged to share the video on social media using the #MyLifeMatters hashtag to raise awareness of groups that need protecting.