On Thursday 30th August 2012, the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Kathleen McKay and daughter Lauren, who travelled all the way from Northern Ireland to visit the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre (LOOC). LOORG were delighted to show Kathleen and Lauren ‘behind the scenes’ facilities via a lab tour, conducted by Dr Martina Angi.
Kathleen first came to the Centre in 2011 for treatment of a tumour in her eye. Due to the rarity of Kathleen’s condition, it is no surprise that cases are rarely voiced in the community. There are approximately 500 new cases of uveal melanoma reported each year in Britain.
During the tour Dr Angi highlighted the importance of research into ocular melanomas, as well as the unique close collaboration with the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre. Mother and daughter later presented a cheque to the Eye Tumour Research Fund for an amazing £1,455.
Following Kathleen’s diagnosis in 2011, and thankfully a positive prognosis in 2012, fifteen year old Lauren set about organising a charity fundraising event to raise funds for the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre.
As family and friends pulled together, Lauren found two local bands, a DJ, and Hey Presto! the ‘Blue Eyes Project’ was formed (a nickname Lauren was given as a child). During the emotional evening, Lauren took to the stage for the first time in her life to sing in front of her mum and 150 guests. Needless to say the event was a huge success. Kathleen also raised funds by selflessly requesting donations instead of gifts on her 25th wedding anniversary.
Kathleen has since been inspired by her daughter to put her experience on to paper and record a song. The recording will follow her journey from diagnosis through to treatment. Kathleen is shortly set to feature on a local radio station near her hometown, Downtown Radio. Watch this space...
Good luck Kathleen and thank you from everyone at LOOC and LOORG.
Kathleen first came to the Centre in 2011 for treatment of a tumour in her eye. Due to the rarity of Kathleen’s condition, it is no surprise that cases are rarely voiced in the community. There are approximately 500 new cases of uveal melanoma reported each year in Britain.
During the tour Dr Angi highlighted the importance of research into ocular melanomas, as well as the unique close collaboration with the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre. Mother and daughter later presented a cheque to the Eye Tumour Research Fund for an amazing £1,455.
Following Kathleen’s diagnosis in 2011, and thankfully a positive prognosis in 2012, fifteen year old Lauren set about organising a charity fundraising event to raise funds for the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Centre.
As family and friends pulled together, Lauren found two local bands, a DJ, and Hey Presto! the ‘Blue Eyes Project’ was formed (a nickname Lauren was given as a child). During the emotional evening, Lauren took to the stage for the first time in her life to sing in front of her mum and 150 guests. Needless to say the event was a huge success. Kathleen also raised funds by selflessly requesting donations instead of gifts on her 25th wedding anniversary.
Kathleen has since been inspired by her daughter to put her experience on to paper and record a song. The recording will follow her journey from diagnosis through to treatment. Kathleen is shortly set to feature on a local radio station near her hometown, Downtown Radio. Watch this space...
Good luck Kathleen and thank you from everyone at LOOC and LOORG.
Dr Martina Angi explaining the importance of research into ocular melanomas.
 Daughter Lauren getting hands on in the lab. |  (From left: Dr Martina Angi, Lauren McKay, Kathleen McKay, and Loren Slade- Community Fundraiser) |
