Rás rider and Gorey Three Day stage winner Jonathan Malone has a rare form of cancer and his treatment was threatened with the planned departure of the leading specialist in Ireland.
By Brian Canty
Following on from a story we brought you last week about a campaign to have the HSE retain the services a full-time cancer specialist so patients with a rare form of the condition could receive the required care, we’re glad to report a successful outcome.
The story came to our attention when we heard of Arklow man and Irish cyclist Jonathan Malone’s (Newbridge CC) ongoing battle with sarcoma.
He has been bravely fighting the disease for over two years and has made good progress with the help of the country’s only specialist in the field, Dr Alexia Bertuzzi.
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Dr Bertuzzi’s contract expired last Thursday but following an online petition which received over 13,000 signatures – and pressure from the lobby group Sarcoma Action Ireland - the HSE have begun the process of replacing her.
The condition affects around 250 people in Ireland. And the group says the best hope for patients is a plan drawn up by a specialist like Dr Alexia Bertuzzi.
Jonathan’s father John, a lifelong member and race promoter at Newbridge CC, thanked everyone who helped put pressure on the HSE.
“Many thanks to all of you that signed, shared and supported the Sarcoma Group over the past weeks,” he said on social media.
“Thanks a million for your time and consideration. All our patients must be looked after no matter what their circumstance are.”
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