Tributes paid to Waterford mum of four Jamie Phelan, who passes away following battle with cancer
Jamie Phelan bravely battled her brain cancer diagnosis.
The death has occurred of Jamie Phelan, late of Woodbrook Lodge, Duagh, Waterford, and formerly of St. Mary's Place, Ballygunner.
After battling a long illness with courage and dignity, Jamie passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, surrounded by her loved ones, and in the attentive care of the staff of the Oak Ward at University Hospital Waterford.
Jamie will be deeply missed by her loving family: husband Danny, children Liam, Tadgh, Tara and Fiadh; her mum June, dad John, sisters Jade, Elaine, Jo-Ann, brother Jonathan, her extended family, close friends, and all those who knew and loved her.
Jamie got her initial diagnosis of a stage four brain tumour in 2021. She subsequently fought an incredible battle and continued to beat the odds, one day at a time.
During this time, she was not without the invaluable help of family, friends and the public.
In 2021, a fundraiser was launched for Jamie by her close friends, with the goal of helping her access costly brain cancer treatment in Germany.
In only a matter of days, the public rallied to raise €200,000.
Jamie continued to chronicle her treatment journey via her GoFundMe page, providing updates to the public on her battle.
In 2021, Jamie had emergency surgery to operate on the newly discovered brain tumour, which was subsequently diagnosed as Glioblastoma Grade 4; a rare brain cancer for which there currently is no known cure. Jamie was 31 at the time.
Thanks to the generous support of the public, Jamie was able to make several trips to Germany to receive specialised treatment.
She said via gofundme: “I couldn't have imagined that the GoFundMe set up by my most amazing friends would have raised so much money so far. I am completely blown away! I have the best friends and I simply can’t thank them enough for doing this for me.”
“It has all happened so quickly and I can’t thank people enough for all of the support and the money that has been donated. It's not a position I ever thought I'd be in but Danny and I are just so, so grateful for all of your help and really appreciate it all."
Jamie’s friends, Susan, Niamh, Emma, Ciara, Aoife, Cliona and Teresanne commented: “We are so grateful to be able to help her begin this treatment journey. If it buys her one more day/ week/ month with her family than her initial prognosis of 12 to 18 months, then it is invaluable.”
In September 2022, Jamie updated the public on her progress. Saying: “I have completed 11 trips out to Germany… the last four trips have been for a peptide vaccine.”
Jamie added that she upheld a positive outlook throughout her battle.
In March of this year, Jamie closed her fundraising account. She said at this time that she started to have seizures and that the tumour was growing back to its original size. She underwent further treatment at UPMC Whitfield.
“I want to thank everyone for their support and for following my journey through this terrible disease over the last three years," she said, "it is extremely appreciated and I will be forever grateful to you all."
Jamie's family and friends said via GoFundMe that they were continuously in awe of her and her resilience.
“Her determination to fight this tumour is unparalleled,” they said.
Condolences offered from the public this week commended Jamie's "indefatigable spirit and determination".
One RIP.ie condolence reads: "Jamie was a beautiful person inside and out."
Another mourner said: "Her smile and energy would always light up the room. You fought your fight with great courage and strength."
"Jamie touched the lives of everyone she met with so much kindness, laughter and love," another said.
Reposing in Tom Hennessy’s Funeral Home, Johnstown, on Tuesday, October 15, from 5 to 7pm, Jamie's Requiem Mass takes place in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner, on Wednesday, October 16, at 11.30am, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May Jamie Rest In Peace.
