Think Christmas in primary schools, and thoughts of plays, pantomimes, cribs and Kris Kindle come to mind. However, for Grace Kenneally, it's also about celebrating the release of her first CD.
The nine-year-old, who has the rare form of childhood cancer known as neuroblastoma, loves to sing. She is the youngest member of the Something to Sing About choir for cancer survivors, initiated by Galway oncologist Dr Paul Donnellan.
Such is the nature of her illness that surgery is extremely difficult, and she was given just two weeks to live after experiencing a setback in April of this year.
"We were told to expect the worst, as she had liver failure, but she rallied," says her aunt, Katherine Kenneally.
Grace, who lost her tumbling curls to treatment, has recently finished her third round of chemotherapy at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin. "However, she is at stage four of her illness, with a 4 per cent survival rate," says Ms Kenneally. "So with the support of one of my work colleagues, Claire Donelon, we decided to set up a trust to raise funds for her treatment."
A campaign spearheaded by the parents of Claregalway child Lily-Mae Morrison – also diagnosed with neuroblastoma – has been an inspiration. Lily-Mae is in remission after treatment in the US, and recently met singer Elton John, who gave permission for his song, Tiny Dancer, to be recorded for fundraising .
“The reality is that our population is so small, and this condition is so rare here, we don’t have the resources that are available in the US,” says Ms Kenneally. “Nor do we have a central fund to assist if a suitable clinical trial comes up.” Hence, the Saving Grace trust, which has met half of its target since it was initiated in July. “Galway people have been incredibly supportive,”, Ms Kenneally says.
Last weekend, the trust released its Saving Grace CD, which was recorded by a number of musicians and vocalists, along with Grace and her fourth class friends in Gaelscoil Dara. "Three weeks ago, a Galway woman living in New York, Deirdre Wheat, contacted me as she had read about the campaign. She sent me a song for Grace,written by Charlie Mason and Richard Hymas, " says Ms Kenneally.
Grace is delighted with the response. “Grace is always delighted. She is a wonderful, creative, happy child,” says her aunt.
Saving Grace is available at €5 in Galway, and for 99 cent on iTunes. More information: SavingGrace.ie
