Raffle Guidelines:

x1 Ticket - €10

x3 Ticket - €20

x6 Ticket - €50

* Insert Full Name onto donation so I can enter you directly into the raffle.

Prize 01-15 from The 15 Gifts of Christmas

1. X2 Tickets to U2 at the Vegas Sphere & €1000 travel voucher from Killiney Travel Agent. 

2. X2 Forbidden Fruit Weekend Tickets.

3. X1 Night Bed & Breakfast Stay For 2 at the Iveagh Garden Hotel.

4. Afternoon Tea for x2 at The Intercontinental Hotel Dublin. 

5. €300 Therapie Clinic Voucher.

6. Max and Benjamin Hamper.

7. €195 Boutique Teeth Whitening Voucher from Dublin 18 Dental Rooms. 

8. Durabeds Faith & Ethan 5ft Mattress.

9. €100 McGuirk’s Golf Voucher. 

10. €100 Alchemy Lab Voucher.

11. Ulster Carpet Woven Velvet Whipped Rug ( choice of any colour ) 

12. €350 Botox Voucher from Dublin 18 Dental Rooms. 

13. X2 Lucky Tortoise Vouchers. 

14. Mullan Lighting Handcrafted Light.

15. Monaghans Cashmere Piece. 

Well hello, beautiful people!

Since committing to the launch of this event & raffle, I've been on a rollercoaster of emotions— lots of excitement, and a touch of nerves. The nervousness definitely stems from putting myself out there and offering insight into something profoundly personal and close to my heart. But I think it’s important to shed light on my experience, not only to raise money but also awareness for a very unique cause.

As many of you probably know, In September 2020 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, one of the most prevalent cancers among young adults today. Hodgkin lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, is a form of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a vital component of the body's immune system.

Treatment for HL typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and, in some cases, stem cell transplantation. For my case, after nine months of a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, it looked like my journey was leading to a stem cell transplantation after relapsing in July 2021.

I would imagine the majority of you reading this will have never heard of the term “stem cell transplant,” and there is nothing wrong with that; it was also my first time. A stem cell transplant, also known as a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) or a bone marrow transplant, is a medical procedure in which damaged or diseased bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to develop into various types of blood cells. The transplant is commonly used in the treatment of certain cancers, such as lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, as well as other blood-related disorders. I will attach some resources and links below to break down these treatments in a less intimidating way.

In the summer of 2021, I began the groundwork for my transplant, undergoing a chemotherapy known as BV-ICE. This was followed by two stem cell harvests. Luckily, I was in a position to harvest my own stem cells, but unfortunately, along the way, I met other individuals who weren’t dealt that card and had to seek a donor match. This is an incredibly difficult and painful process for patients who already have enough on their plate, so I want to shed light on the importance of donating. Whether it be blood, your stem cells, or your bone marrow - you have no idea whose life you could save. So for me, give it some thought.

On 11:11:2021, I had my stem cell transplant, and ever since - I have been in remission. I owe it all to my oncologist Dr Larry Bacon and the beautiful nurses at St James’ Dennis Burkitt's & Donal Hollywood Ward. I’ve never felt so cared for and encountered such selfless individuals who, every day, give their lives to patients at St James’, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

So...I am going to be fully transparent and I hope that this doesn't stir up any controversy but up until yesterday, the 21st of December, my intent was to donate all proceeds of this event and raffle to furthering research in Stem & CAR-T Cell, but something shifted.

I had an appointment with my oncologist Larry Bacon and shared my intention to contribute to research in Stem & CAR-T Cell. I then asked where the funds were most needed and how I could make a meaningful impact. Larry stopped me, and said "Jordan, that's a sexy charity, those areas are already overfunded and don't need any more support, the area that needs support is the Dennis Burkett Ward at St James' Hospital, it's like a dungeon." And I agree.

The Denis Burkitt Ward is the admission unit for all patients with haematological diseases, including all patients undergoing stem cell transplantation and bone marrow transplantation, so it is an isolated part of the hospital. As an isolated section of the hospital, patients in this ward typically spend an average of 3 weeks to 6 months. The isolation is crucial to safeguard patients who, due to treatment, experience significant immunosuppression. This isolation is vital because even a common cold could pose a severe threat to their health, potentially leading to fatal consequences, given their compromised immune systems.

I spent 4 weeks in this ward in November 2021 and I do a great job at compartmentalising that part of my life because of how it difficult it was. The rooms were cramped, the TV functionality was minimal, and the overall atmosphere was scarily sterile, dungeon-like, as described by Larry.

Enduring four weeks confined to a solitary room is already difficult enough as it is, but coupled with chemotherapy and the physical toll it takes on your body, the experience can be quite traumatic. So, Larry and I decided that these funds should go towards bettering the ward for patients, with the hopes of making this isolated journey somewhat easier and more comfortable.

To see these funds create a tangible, personal impact at St. James' would mean the absolute world to me. So, I am asking you, to take part in this raffle so we can create more of a safe space, a haven where patients can emerge with a little less trauma.

The possibilities are endless—whether it's filling the walls with murals, upgrading to modern TVs, providing iPads, introducing a diverse array of books, or even adding a desk and chair. I'm open to hearing all your suggestions and ideas, so please reach out if you have any contributions to make. Your involvement could truly make a lasting difference in creating a more supportive and comforting environment for those navigating their journey at St. James'.

While I could have chosen to keep this experience guarded, both as a means of self-preservation and it being relatively fresh, something is compelling me to use my voice to raise awareness, and educate others, with the hopes of transforming the rather solitary path of this journey into one that is shared and understood.

No amount of words can express the immense gratitude I feel for everyone who has already shown their support—whether it be through generous donations, or attending on New Year's Eve. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such a supportive community. So, I want to end this by simply expressing my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you and emphasising that your health truly is your wealth, so never take it for granted.

Raffle Guidelines;

x1 Ticket - €10

x3 Tickets - €20

x6 Entries - €50

*Terms & Conditions Apply: All donations directly benefit the St. James Hospital Foundation, contributing to the enhancement of the James Burket’s Ward. *Tickets are non-refundable. *The raffle draw will take place on the 5th of January at 6 pm GMT, broadcasted live on our Instagram account @nye_ball_2023. *Winners will be announced on the Instagram page and contacted directly by the organizers.

Resources & Links

Stem Cell Transplants - https://www.lls.org/patient-education-videos/autologous-stem-cell-transplants

CAR-T Cell Treatment - https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/car-t-cells

Dr Larry Bacon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv95VL5bE7Q

St James' Hospital - https://www.stjames.ie/services/hope/car-tstemcelltransplant/

Registered Charity Number: 20017583