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Laura Brennan
Born on September 30, 1992
Deceased 20 March 2019
Laura Brennan, a patient advocate and ardent promoter of the HPV vaccine, died of cervical cancer at the age of 26.
In the last 18 months of her short life, Brennan has contributed immensely to restoring public confidence in the HPV vaccine, following a fall in her participation rate to 51% in 2016. Following a diagnosis of cervical cancer uterine in December 2016, she volunteered to join the HSE campaign for the vaccination of adolescent girls against HPV [to prevent cervical cancer]. By becoming the most memorable public face of the ad campaign, she helped reduce the HPV vaccine participation rate to 70%.
According to Dr. Rita Doyle, Chair of the Medical Council, Brennan's role as advocate for patient rights, by encouraging the adoption of the HPV vaccine, will save many lives.
Deeply admired
Brennan "was deeply admired and loved," according to Stephanie O & # 39; Keeffe, HSE Director who oversees the role of HPV and who said the public acknowledged her openness, courage, courage, big heart and social conscience at during the last 18 months of his life. . The state owed him a lot of gratitude, according to Simon Harris, Minister of Health for Health, who has met her many times and described her as kind, funny and full of life.
Brennan also collaborated with the World Health Organization in the European HPV awareness campaign and spoke at HPV advocacy meetings in the United States. She received the first medal of the Patient Advocate of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in September 2018, an honorary doctorate from University College Dublin in December 2018 and the Clare Personality of the Year in March 2019. The Laura Irland Society created the Laura Brennan Award for Patient Advocacy in November 2018.
Known for her joie de vivre, Laura was the youngest of four children and the only daughter of Bernie and Larry Brennan. She grew up in Ennis, County Clare. Child friendly and talkative, she became a sales representative after attending St Flannan's College. More interested in sports than academics, she won a Feyile medal from Ireland in 2006.
Her family described her as the light in the lives of all who knew her. An open and generous spirit, she often spoke with gratitude of her family and friends. "My joy comes from the people I surround with, my family is so amazing. I have the most extraordinary father and mother, my three older brothers are just incredible, I have six very close friends and it's my circle. They lift me up and we bounce off each other. "
To make a campaign
Brennan continued working during her first round of cervical cancer treatments, but then went on to campaign for the HPV vaccine that had not yet been introduced to the school. She spoke openly about the harsh treatment of her cancer, while maintaining her positivity and sense of humor.
Broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, who interviewed Brennan, said, "Her big ambition in life was to work in a makeup counter, she understood. She was obsessed with The Greatest Showman, she loved it. When she came to the Late Late Show, we accompanied her in "This Is Me," one of her favorite songs. The other thing she wanted was to go to Copper Face Jacks and she did it. She had the gold card and she went to Coppers and she managed to get into the audience at the Toy Show. "
Positive throughout her illness, she told Tubridy, "I am so, so lucky, that I have the most fantastic friends and family. I truly believe that you have the power and control of the happiness you have in your life. "
The television documentary RTE This Is Me, in which Laura Brennan tells her own story, will air later this year.
Laura Brennan leaves behind her parents Bernie and Larry and her brothers Colin, Fergal and Kevin.
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