In a cul-de-sac just off Hospital Hill in Monaghan Town, the Crocus building is a hub of activity.
The peer support group started off with just three members, and has grown to upwards of three hundred members.
Crocus provides support to people who are living with a cancer diagnosis- and their families- at various different stages of their cancer journey.
Over the years, it has had a profound impact on families throughout Co. Monaghan, and has firmly established itself within the community.
Some of the supports provided by Crocus include complementary therapies and treatments, as well as mind-body workshops, counselling and psychotherapy services, and a transport service.
Emyvale woman, Michelle Duffy is the Senior Members Peer Support Co-ordinator in Crocus.
She has been involved with the group in various roles for over 15 years.
Speaking to Northern Sound, she explained that Crocus has evolved down through the years.
“Previously to this, there was no peer support role in Crocus. We saw a niche where we needed the members to be looked after one-to-one,” she said.
“When a new person comes through the door, they will be given a support package that they will fill out with their doctor. I team up with them and I get the support that they need.
“It’s a challenging gig, but I take it on with gusto. It’s made for me, I absolutely love it. I had cancer myself, so I have lived experience. With everything that I’ve been through, it makes me exceptionally good at the job, but I am very good at it,” Michelle added.
The work that Michelle, and the entire team at Crocus do wouldn’t be possible without the complete buy - in from everybody who supports them – regardless of their role.
As Michelle puts it: “I’m very, very proud of it. From watching people grow, it’s lovely. It’s not lovely when you see them coming in, of course. You are broken at first when you’re diagnosed, but it's down the line, when you can see them flourish and growing with the support from Crocus.”
Monaghan Town man, Tony Greenan is a member of Crocus’ board of directors. He became a member of Crocus in 2021, when got his diagnosis.
Tony he received his diagnosis when he was 43, and had to stop working for almost three years. He is thankfully back to work, but he described the speed at which the illness took over his life.
“I went from working to being sick overnight. It all happened very quickly. Not long after my diagnosis I was into hospital, surgery, more surgery. In 2022, most of the time was spent in hospital. The recovery was after that- a long road,” Tony explained.
“With Crocus it was excellent. I met some wonderful people here, some very brave people. I’ve met some amazing friends here.
“When I was diagnosed first I was lost, I didn’t know where to turn, where to look. My mother is also a member here, with her support I came in and got help,” he added.
He told Northern Sound about the experience for men when they receive a cancer diagnosis.
“It is hard for men, some men don’t like speaking out about it. We’re all in the same boat, we’ve walked the same journey or are walking the same journey.
“Some men like to maybe get advice, talk to somebody else, it gives them support and understanding from another man’s point of view.
“We all mingle, sit and chat, and have the craic. It does be a very interesting night, I really enjoy being involved in it,” Tony added.
Fundraising for Crocus is an organic procedure. It is supported by businesses in Co. Monaghan, as well as various clubs and groups- and the word of mouth.
