In the early 1970’s Sr. Fidelma, RIP, Ward Sister in the Children’s Unit of the Mercy Hospital and Dr. S. O’Donoghue, Pediatrician, were acutely aware of the lack of facilities in the Munster region for children suffering from leukaemia and other cancers. So together with a number of willing helpers they began the arduous task of raising funds to set up a Protective Isolation Unit. This was how the Children’s Leukaemia Association started. In 1981 the Unit was opened and children with leukaemia from Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford who have life-saving treatment in the Mercy Hospital under the competent care of Dr. O’Donoghue, Sr. Fidelma and her nursing staff.

Today the Children’s Leukaemia Unit is run by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team who provide the very highest standard of care possible ensuring that both children and families are cared for in a comfortable and homely environment.

The Children’s Leukaemia Association is a Registered Charity (No: 10537) based in Cork. As a Charity it receives no
government or state funding and relies totally on donations and fundraising initiatives carried out on a voluntary basis by the goodwill of the public. No professional fundraisers are employed by the Charity. All our donations are used on the wonderful services that we can offer to families.

The diagnosis of leukaemia has a profound effect on a child, their families and friends. The Children’s Leukaemia Association supports and assists families in any way possible during and after the course of on-going treatment.