An inspired and refreshingly honest book of poetry from the hearts of two breast cancer thrivers ‘Things Went T*ts Up’ a book written by Offaly native Dearbhaile O’Hare and illustrated by Wicklow woman Jessica Pierce, who are both breast cancer thrivers – was officially launched in Cluster on Suffolk Street and is out now on Amazon and at www.thingswenttitsup.ie.
Jessica Pierce (Illustrator) Dearbhaile OHare (Author) TWTU Launch
This is a book of poetry and illustrations created from the hearts of two breast cancer thrivers, who the universe very serendipitously brought together. In Dearbhaile’s words “A little slice of “Meraki”; a Greek word to do something with soul, creativity, and love; putting a piece of yourself into what you do” was officially launched on Saturday 27th of January with a special private event. Jessica Pierce is an illustrator and a student graphic designer based in Wicklow. Working across many mediums, Jessica loves to solve problems creatively and bring a vision to life. Tackling the subject of cancer has been personal for her and she hopes to have captured some of the chaos and emotional turmoil of a positive diagnosis. Jessica is now cancer free and is feeling incredibly lucky to be pursuing her dream career.
Author Dearbhaile, who hails from Birr, said: “The theme of the book launch was simply ‘thank you’. A celebration of thanks to all who helped us both professionally, medically and personally and to raise some money for two cancer charities in the process, paying it forward to those who so lovingly had our backs when we needed it the most.” ‘Things Went T*ts Up’ is a powerful collection of refreshingly honest and raw poetry that speaks to the courage and strength of those affected by breast cancer. It features heartfelt reflections on the devastating journey of a cancer diagnosis, from treatment and recovery to rising and thriving, with the ultimate takeaway to keep going even in the darkest of days. This is not just a book about breast cancer and raising awareness of cancer – it is a book striving to rise above challenges, no matter what life throws your way. It poignantly speaks to the strength of the human spirit, even when feeling crushed and afraid, and gives readers courage and comfort in the face of adversity. Author Dearbhaile continued “Many of these poems lived as scrambled notes on my phone, scribbled down throughout the course of my treatment. On completion of my active treatment, I figured why not take a leap of faith and share them. The hope is they will resonate and bring comfort and hope to anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, knowing they are not alone.
The goal is that this book will show that following on from a cancer diagnosis, you can again thrive with empathy, humour and compassion, rising with resilience and again sparking like the diamond you are!” ‘Things Went T*ts Up’ is a must-read for anyone affected by breast cancer, whether personally or through a loved one. It is an invaluable resource to help understand a cancer journey and find the courage to fight with a few laughs, tears and no doubt many choice words not to be repeated. Speaking about her role in creating the book, illustrator Jessica Pierce said “It has been an absolute privilege to work on this book with Dearbhaile. Illustrating her beautiful words has helped me through my own healing from breast cancer. “If, through this book, we can make someone smile in recognition and feel seen through their own cancer diagnosis that will be the greatest achievement. “ If someone in your life has been affected by cancer, ‘Things Went T*ts Up’ is the perfect book to help support them, providing comfort and hope in the face of such a devastating diagnosis.
All profits from the sale of this book go to The Marie Keating Foundation and Purple House cancer charities, supporting those affected by cancer and their families. The book is available in both paperback and kindle versions on Amazon. It can also be purchased from the website www.thingswenttitsup.ie
Originally posted The Wicklow Times – Tuesday 13th of Feburary