Meet Sadhbh Carmody, a 26-year-old from Ireland who shares her unique perspective on embracing every moment, finding laughter in the little things, and the powerful connections she’s made along the way.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Sadhbh Carmody, I’m 26 years old and I’m from Ireland.
What was your diagnosis?
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, stage 2A.
Can you tell us how and when you found out about your diagnosis?
I was breaking out in rashes and slightly lethargic. My cat usually slept by my waist but moved up towards my pillow a bunch, I scratched the side of my neck he slept on and noticed a lump.
What motivated you to become an ambassador for this network, and what does it mean to you?
To meet people who can find humour and joy in things, despite it all. To find people who weren’t scared of saying “the C word”. We can get heavy when we need to, we make room for it, learn from it and move forward with hope. Community is everything to me.
How has cancer changed your perspective on life?
Show love unconditionally, every single moment matters!!
What helped you during the treatment process?
My cat, video games and my family. My sister was amazing, she’d call me silly names to try to make me laugh when I was upset and it usually worked hahah.
How has your life shifted since your diagnosis? How have things changed for you, both big and small?
I think it’s made me realise that we have a lot more time than we think we do. I feel people get caged into expected roles far too soon. Take your time and savour things. There’s a lot of life to live.
If you could go back to the day you were diagnosed, what would you say to yourself then?
“Thank you, Dr. Gupta.” “I can do this, mom and dad.” “I love you.”
What is one thing you wish more people understood about being a young cancer survivor?
It’s okay to ask questions about it!!! Curiosity is nature and there are some cool things to learn 🙂
How would you describe yourself in three sentences? Give us a quick glimpse of who you are.
Devoted dweeb. Lover of all things cat and technology. Concerningly weird mix of music genres.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Who gave it to you, and how did it impact you?
“I used to hate until I was illuminated by the joyous whimsical nature in everyday life”. Little things bring just as much happiness as big things, you just gotta look a little harder ! 🙂
What quote or saying inspires you the most?
“You can change your life at any time”, my mom. She did her masters degree while I was unwell and that really made me proud of her. It also assured me that I can do whatever I put my mind to, as long as I trust in myself.
What’s on your bucket list? Is there something you’re dreaming of doing or accomplishing?
I want to walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage with my father in Galacia, Portugal 😀
What’s a book, movie, or song you’d recommend to everyone?
The song Zelda by KevinKempt. It’s a song by a person, dedicated to his friend and his friends’ love for their cat. It makes me think of all the people I surround myself with in my life.
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