Latest news with #Aine
Dublin Live
29-05-2025
- Health
- Dublin Live
Student battling cancer donates hair to wig-making charity before chemotherapy
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A courageous 17-year-old student has donated 16 inches of her hair to a charity that creates wigs for children fighting cancer, despite undergoing chemotherapy herself. Aine Sheerin discovered a lump on her neck while getting ready for New Year's Eve and was later diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, on March 20. As part of her six-month treatment plan, Aine will undergo multiple chemotherapy sessions, resulting in hair loss. The LauraLynn Foundation arranged for Aine to receive a wig from the Little Princess Trust in the UK, which she will start wearing full-time once she shaves her head. In a remarkable act of kindness, Aine decided to donate her own hair to the charity before losing it, so it can be used to make wigs for others in similar situations. Aine's hair was 24 inches long before she had 16 inches cut off, and she told the Irish Mirror: "My wig that I'm getting is 100 per cent human hair. I was devastated when I was first diagnosed because my biggest prized possession was my hair. I've always loved my hair. "So I said 'no way, am I going to let it go to waste, I'll donate it back'. Because I know if somebody didn't donate the hair that is on my wig, I wouldn't have it. I would like to make another little girl happy the way mine made me happy." Aine's initial symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma included fatigue, which she initially attributed to her Leaving Cert studies. After discovering a lump on December 30, Aine consulted her physio in January to see if it was related to her back problems. However, the physio advised her that the two issues were unrelated and that she should consult her GP, ultimately leading to her diagnosis of Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma. Fortunately, doctors have assured her that this type of cancer is highly treatable, and she is expected to make a full recovery. Despite this setback, Aine remains determined and plans to pursue a degree in Community and Youth Work at Maynooth University after completing her Leaving Cert. The teenager has adapted her study schedule to accommodate her chemotherapy sessions and will even undergo treatment during her exams. She said: "I'm feeling 100 per cent right now. It's been tough when I've been sick; it's been very, very hard to study and look over my notes. It's very overwhelming, and you think, 'Why do I bother?' Will I even be able to do the Leaving? "But now that I'm well, I've been studying non-stop because I have to get more chemo. Whenever I feel well, I try to study as much as possible." A Kildare teen, who is soon to celebrate her 18th birthday, has heaped praise on her family for their incredible support throughout her health battle. With special mentions for her mum Sinead, dad Frank, boyfriend Theo Hanlon, and the staff at Kildare Town Community School, she explained how they've been with her every step of the way. As a young woman involved in numerous initiatives like Meitheal, Green Schools and Foróige, as well as serving as Head Girl and chairperson of the student council, Aine is a true pillar of the community. She even gave an inspiring speech at her sixth-year graduation ceremony this month, and she's forthcoming about how these roles have aided her in coping with her diagnosis. Opening up about her experience, Aine said: "Those types of roles helped me get through my darkest days." In a remarkable display of altruism, Aine hasn't stopped at just managing her own struggles; she's actively fundraising for the LauraLynn Foundation, having raised an impressive sum of more than €9,000 so far. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Student with cancer donates hair to wig-making charity for sick youngsters
A sixth-year student undergoing chemotherapy has donated 16 inches of her hair to a charity that specialises in making wigs for youngsters battling cancer. Aine Sheerin revealed she initially discovered a lump on her neck while putting on tan before New Year's Eve. Following a battery of tests, the 17-year-old was officially diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - on March 20. Medics devised a six-month treatment plan to tackle the cancer, which involves multiple chemotherapy sessions and will result in her losing her hair. The LauraLynn Foundation secured Aine a wig from the Little Princess Trust based in the UK. The Kildare teen will begin wearing it full-time in the next few weeks once she shaves her head when her own hair begins to fall out. But in an incredibly selfless gesture, the young woman decided to donate her own hair back to the charity before losing it so wigs could be made for others in a similar situation. Before getting her haircut, Aine's hair was 24 inches long and she had 16 inches removed. Speaking after her hair was chopped, Aine told the Irish Mirror: 'My wig that I'm getting is 100 per cent human hair. 'I was devastated when I was first diagnosed because my biggest prized possession was my hair. I've always loved my hair. 'So I said 'no way, am I going to let it go to waste, I'll donate it back'. Because I know if somebody didn't donate the hair that is on my wig, I wouldn't have it. 'I would like to make another little girl happy the way mine made me happy.' Aine recalls some early symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma included tiredness, which she just put down to studying for the Leaving Cert. After discovering the lump on December 30, Aine asked her physio in January if it had anything to do with her back problems. The physio informed her that they weren't related and that she needed to check in with her GP, which eventually led to her diagnosis of Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma. Medics said this particular type is highly treatable and she is expected to make a full recovery. But getting the news hasn't knocked Aine's stride - she plans on studying Community and Youth Work at Maynooth University once the Leaving Cert is over. The teen also said she plans her study sessions around when she has chemotherapy and will have treatment in the middle of her exams. She explained: 'I'm feeling 100 per cent right now. It's been tough when I've been sick; it's been very, very hard to study and look over my notes. 'It's very overwhelming, and you think, 'Why do I bother?' Will I even be able to do the Leaving? But now that I'm well, I've been studying non-stop because I have to get more chemo. 'Whenever I feel well, I try to study as much as possible.' The teen, who will turn 18 in the coming weeks, praised her family, particularly her mum Sinead and her dad Frank, friends and staff at Kildare Town Community School along with her boyfriend Theo Hanlon for their support. She is also part of a range of different initiatives such as Meitheal, Green Schools and Foróige while also being the Head Girl and the chairperson of the student council. Aine also delivered a speech to her classmates and teachers at her sixth-year graduation ceremony earlier this month. She said all these extracurricular activities have helped her keep her mind off her diagnosis. Aine explained: 'Those types of roles helped me get through my darkest days.' In addition to donating her hair, Aine is also raising funds for the LauraLynn Foundation. To date, more than €9,000 has been raised; donations can be made here. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the lymphatic system - which is a vital part of the body's immune system.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to finish Broken Strings Quest in Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon easily
(Image via Awaken Realms) Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon twisted tales often hide within the shadows of Avalon. The Broken Strings quest here is no exception. The haunting side mission puts the players against the spectral sisters, a vengeful knight, and time-locked paths while unraveling the tragedy steeped in the betrayal. While the challenges might seem daunting, the methodical approach can turn the emotional gauntlet into a manageable yet unforgettable journey. Here is how you can navigate through the quest without losing your way, key rewards, or your sanity. Cracking the Tomb Puzzle of Harpist in Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon How to Complete Broken Strings Quest on Harpist's Tomb | Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon Guide The quest begins with the Harpist's Tomb. It is nestled near Drowned Village. There, you will find 2 glowing archways awaiting you—the yellow path is on the left and the blue path is on the right. Both of these paths initially remain sealed. Their access is governed by time. On one hand where the yellow remains open between 4:00 AM and 10:00 PM, the blue path is open between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Make sure to adjust the schedule during the campfires. Do not rush. Each of the routes demands careful exploration by players. Begin with the yellow path during the daylight hours. Inside is Aine, the ghostly harpist trapped in regret. Ensure to exhaust her dialogue to trigger the fight against 2 ethereal bosses, Pride and Greed. They are weak to the stamina-draining attacks. Once you get your victory, go to the chamber for the chest that contains Starborn Egg (essential for weapon damage) and the potions. Broken Strings – Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Rest till nightfall and then access the Blue Path, where you will find Aideen, Aine's sister. Aideen's tale of guilt will culminate in battle, Wrath, and Envy. Be mobile to avoid the area-of-effect strikes. Once you win, collect the remains of the sisters and head northeast to the gnarled tree that's near Drowned Village. Near the tree, you will find Sir Vaelin. He will ambush you, all furious over the unresolved fate of the sisters. The knight will hit hard, but he telegraphs his swings—ensure to dodge laterally and then counter with the quick combos. To parry the heavy strikes of the knight will open him to critical hits. Once he is defeated, burn the remains beneath the tree and conclude the quest. Broken Strings Quest Rewards in Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon While the 2300 XP reward is quite substantial, the true value of the quest lies in its narrative depth and loot. Starborn Egg is definitely a game-changer for weapon builds, while Origin Potion offers clutch healing during tougher fights. Most importantly, the stories of the sisters enrich the lore of Avalon and reveal how regret and ambition can corrode even the noblest souls. Broken Strings quest isn't like any other Tainted Grail side quests. It's a quest carrying some emotional weight in Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon. Balancing combat strategy and emotional resonance rewards both curiosity and blade. Once you are done, venture forth—the shadows of Avalon hide many more tales, just waiting out there to be unraveled. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Sex assault victim struggled to cope & wanted to die after abuse
A young woman who was repeatedly sexually assaulted while working as a babysitter revealed she struggled to cope and wanted to die for years after the McHugh said her self-worth 'totally vanished' when twisted brute Martin O'Brien, who was jailed for six years in December, began assaulting her in 2012 while she was a Galway native revealed counselling and therapy were what helped her to find the strength to report what she went through. She told how she had begun working as a music teacher before becoming the family's babysitter in the summer of 2012. Aine said things were never 'normal,' and she was emotionally abused by O'Brien before he began sexually assaulting her. The young woman revealed the sicko used to tell her that she would be 'so pretty' if she lost 'a bit of weight.' Aine said she was already insecure, and hearing these comments from a grown man 'chipped' away at her confidence. She said that while babysitting, she didn't have a bed and would sleep on the sofa in the sitting room once he and his wife returned from a night out. Describing how the abuse escalated from emotional to physical, Aine said after he came back one evening, he forced himself onto her as if she was an 'animal' in the sitting room. Speaking on 'Breaking the Silence', a Newstalk original podcast in conjunction with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Aine added: 'From that very first assault all my feelings of any value or worth, totally, any feelings that I had as a 16 year old girl, totally vanished. 'So, like I'm from a very normal rural community and he would have been friendly with extended family and other neighbours and it just wasn't an option for me to tell someone because I thought I was wrong.' The abuse then "multiplied" and was accompanied by the 'most degrading, demeaning comments' about Aine's body. Aine said she made a number of attempts to stop babysitting for O'Brien but he then began to contact her mum asking if she could speak to her said her mum knew O'Brien and encouraged her to go because she considered it a 'safe space' to make some pocket money. Aine eventually put her foot down and didn't return, but things escalated again when O'Brien began following her to public spaces where he would also assault her. She explained that she never thought the abuse would end, and it took hold of her life. Aine said she wasn't able to get out of bed, go to her Debs, her graduation, or focus on her Leaving Cert as a result. To cope, Aine turned to alcohol 'to escape,' which led to her becoming an alcoholic. She continued: 'You know, I look now at my little cousins or friends' children that I know who are doing their exams and it's like an exciting, like, it's an exciting time. You're looking forward to your future. You're thinking about the CAO. It just, like, I put more effort into thinking how am I going to end my life." The abuse also had a ripple effect on Aine's home life, she explained: 'People were probably looking in at our house and saying, like, 'what's going on with that girl', you know? Could she not just settle?' And 'her poor mother' and 'her poor father'. And the only person who knew the cause of all my problems, was Martin O'Brien. 'And while he was out in our local community, building relationships and forming friendships and being a great community man - My home, myself, my body, my mind, and my family, we were totally disrupted, disorientated. 'He thrived off that and he showed up at places like funerals and to my front door with a local politician canvassing all in the space of time, I was just trying to go from morning to night.' Aine said the turning point was during the Covid-19 pandemic but was kickstarted in 2018 when she got sober. She added: 'I wanted to live. And I knew I was going to die if I continued on the way I lived. And I knew that maybe some people hoped I would, that I would never be able to report what had happened to me." Aine said she initially feared she wouldn't be 'believed' but praised the Gardai from the Protective Services Unit for their professionalism. She said that she has learned that 'there are people who are going to support you and there are people who won't and there will be people who will not believe you and they will look and turn the blind eye.' Aine added: 'And they, at times, can reinforce that self-doubt. And that lack of self-worth. But, for me today now, being at the other side of it, they really don't matter. They really. Yeah, they really don't matter.' Last year, O'Brien of Gurrane, Belclare, Tuam, Co Galway pleaded guilty to four charges of sexual assault on dates between June 1, 2012, and February 2014. In December, Mr Justice Naidoo imposed a six-and-a-half-year term. He suspended the final six months of the term on strict conditions including that he engage with the Probation Service for 12 months – 'in the hope that it will help him gain insight into the impact on the victim."
Time Business News
21-05-2025
- Time Business News
Jailed for Protecting their Children: Family Court Is Silencing Mothers
It took seven weekends in jail, and a viral social media storm, before Rachel Pickrel-Hawkins was able to speak freely about what happened to her. The Colorado mother of three was sentenced last fall for defying a court order to send her children to 'reunification therapy' with their estranged father, despite her concerns about his history of abuse. What started as a quiet family court dispute exploded into an international debate on parental rights, trauma, and the criminalization of protective mothers. Pickrel-Hawkins is far from alone. There's Dr. Kreslyn Barron Odum of Jesup, Georgia. Last fall, she dropped her six-year-old daughter off at school, and didn't see her again for 32 days. Her ex-husband picked the child up without warning and relocated her three hours away. No emergency hearing was held. No abuse had been alleged. Still, the court failed to intervene. Since then, Dr. Odum has seen her daughter just four times, each under the supervision of a third party. 'I just want to see my daughter. I want her back home where she belongs,' she says . Dr. Odum is still waiting for a basic status hearing that has yet to be scheduled. A respected optometrist with no criminal record, she's now a mother on the sidelines, without explanation and without justice. In response, she formed a local support group on Facebook, where she discovered dozens of women near her hometown enduring similar struggles. Now they meet in the back of her eye clinic to share legal strategies, documentation tips, and emotional support. Some days, they simply cry. Like the other mothers, she worries the judge in her family court case may send her to jail as well. 'This is a national emergency,' said Danielle Pollack, policy director at the National Safe Parents Organization (NSPO), a nonpartisan nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. 'And it's hiding in plain sight. Family court is one of the most unregulated systems we have. Protective parents are being criminalized, and children are paying the price.' The crisis doesn't end with custody disputes. In state after state, women are being jailed simply for trying to shield their children from harm. In Colorado, Protective Mom Kalea Aine spent nearly a year behind bars under a sweeping gag order that forbade her from speaking about her family court case, not even to say why she was in jail. During the height of COVID-19, she was incarcerated without an attorney and couldn't answer basic questions from fellow inmates: 'What's your crime?' they asked. 'Why are you here?' She had no answer she was legally allowed to give. Her case drew international attention and inspired legislation at the Colorado Capitol to curb judicial overreach. Before her incarceration, Aine and advocate Maralee McLean, executive director of , had urged the Arapahoe County District Attorney to investigate alleged sexual abuse against her daughters. Three days later, Aine was behind bars, sentenced to 18 months for contempt. 'All she did was believe her daughters,' said McLean. 'That was her real 'crime.' And that's what our sick court system punishes.' Family court is a civil court system, meaning that constitutional protections, like the right to a public defender or a jury, often don't apply. Judges wield sweeping authority, and gag orders, custody reversals, and jail sentences for contempt are frequently handed down without public oversight. For mothers already facing trauma, legal intimidation, and financial pressure, the system becomes impossible to navigate—and impossible to fight. What these women have in common is simple: They believed their children. They raised concerns. And they were punished for it. 'This isn't just a legal story,' Dr. Odum says. 'It's a human rights story. It's a gender justice story. And it's long past time we told it.' TIME BUSINESS NEWS
