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Laura Brennan, one of Ireland's leading cervical cancer activists, died at age 26.
The HSE confirmed that Ms. Brennan had died at Limerick University Hospital on Wednesday.
A statement from the Brennan family said, "Laura was a light in the lives of all who knew her; a wonderful girl, sister and friend.
"We are lost without her.
"We are all extremely proud of the work she has done over the last 18 months to help protect other young women like her from the cancer that has cost her her life today."
Ms. Brennan contacted the HSE for the first time in 2017 when she was diagnosed at age 24. She has publicly campaigned to support HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention.
Since Ms. Brennan went public, the use of the HPV vaccine has increased by almost 20 percentage points, from 51% in 2017 to 70% today.
Health Minister Simon Harris paid tribute to the dedicated activist.
We are all deeply saddened to learn of the pbading of Laura Brennan. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends. #ThankYouLaura for everything you did. https://t.co/iFpiQh7W6p pic.twitter.com/W8Rxd2aocv
– HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 20, 2019
"I am deeply saddened to hear of Laura's pbading.
"Laura was an incredible young woman and a powerful activist," said Harris.
"Despite her illness, she has continued her advocacy work and, largely thanks to her determination, the use of HPV vaccine has increased among young women.
"The state owes him a debt of gratitude.
"As a person, she was kind, funny and full of life. His enthusiasm was contagious.
"Every time I met Laura or talked to her, she inspired me.
"Incredible does not do justice to his courage.
"I want to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Anne O'Connor, Interim Executive Director of HSE, offered her condolences to the Brennan family.
"I would have liked the vaccine to be available to me, of course.I am not influenced by rumors about the safety of the vaccine – take the vaccine" Look at Laura Brennan's story. #ProtectOurFuture pic.twitter.com/ZgYem3i6TY
– HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 18, 2019
"Laura has defined courage and generosity by supporting our work to ensure that girls receive the HPV vaccine and are protected from this terrible cancer.
"We know that Laura has made a difference and will have saved lives through her efforts and tremendous generosity."
Ms. Brennan has been honored at many events during her years of campaigning and advocacy. She was awarded the first Patient Advocate Medal from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and was recently named a year-round by Clare.
UCD awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his advocacy work.
At that time, Ms. Brennan said that she wanted to use her voice for the sake of others.
"I found my voice about a year and a half ago when I felt compelled to participate in the campaign to increase the number of girls receiving the HPV vaccine," she said.
"In doing so, I joined the voices of all HPV advocates in the country, as well as the HSE and alliance against HPV, and together, our voices became stronger.
"Strong enough so that people can hear us.
"And fortunately, not only did they listen, they started to act and that's the only reward I need, that parents agree to have their girls and boys vaccinated against this so common virus, so destructive and so preventable.
"This vaccine saves lives.
"It could have saved mine but it could save yours."
Press Association
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