How The Book Came About
FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE, I was always drawn to quotations and inspirations. Words had a way of staying with me. I would often write them down or carefully stick them into a scrapbook, reading them when I needed some comfort and meaning in my life.
I loved English at school, especially the deep analysis of poems, line by line, uncovering the emotions and stories hidden beneath the words. Even then, I was searching for something deeper, something that spoke to my heart as much as my mind.
Today, I often send quotations to people who I know would appreciate them. One of these people is my friend Audrey. Back many months ago she really liked a particular piece I sent to her and her return text to me said, “Your next book is going to be on inspirations.” I glanced at it and got on with my life.
Some weeks later, a quiet moment turned into something much bigger. A simple thought crept in: why not write a book of quotations and raise money for LauraLynn? Once that idea landed, it wouldn’t let go. The seed was planted, and with it came a rush of excitement and purpose.
I phoned Jane straight away. She loved it—not just the idea, but the meaning behind it, being such a believer in these words of wisdom herself. In that moment, the dice was thrown. There was no turning back.
ABOUT LAURALYNN – THE BOOK AS A FUNDRAISER
I ALWAYS REMEMBER the day Cathy called me to hear my thoughts on her idea
of writing a Book of Quotations. I didn’t have to think twice about it. Straight
away, I knew it was a wonderful idea. Our hope is that the book will raise substantial
funds for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.
After the loss of my two beautiful girls Laura and Lynn, Lynn’s wish to die peacefully at home and not in hospital lingered in my mind. Thankfully, Lynn got her final wish, but she is the reason I set out on the road to investigate children’s hospice care when I realised there were none in the Irish Republic. In researching across the U.K., where there are many, my focus was initially on end-of-life care. The unexpected joy I discovered was the true meaning of a children’s hospice: it is about making the best of a child’s life — living it to the full. It provides vital respite for children and their families, helps create beautiful, precious memories, and offers choice at every stage, including at the end.
Many people have heard of LauraLynn, but some still don’t fully understand what we do. It is “home from home,” “family from family.” It’s about putting life into a child’s day, not days into a child’s life. Families and their precious little ones receive such special care, both in LauraLynn House and in their own homes. They make everlasting memories through art and music therapy and countless wonderful events facilitated by truly caring staff who often become like another family. Our fundraising teams organise special events that include the whole family, which is particularly meaningful for siblings of the sick child. Then, when the sad end comes, the tranquil Butterfly Suite is there for families if home is not possible or not their choice.
We also now have hubs in Mallow and Ballinasloe, bringing extra care into the homes of families who live far from Dublin. These families still have respite stays in LauraLynn House and the choice to use that care as they wish.
WHAT IS LAURALYNN
LauraLynn operates Ireland's first and only children's hospice, providing specialized palliative care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Core Care Services
Palliative Care: Physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort from diagnosis through end-of-life.
Respite Care: Planned short breaks and emergency stays to give families a rest from full-time caregiving.
Symptom Management: Medical and nursing care to manage complex conditions.
Family Support: Counselling, sibling support, and social activities for the whole family.
Bereavement Care: Ongoing support and events for families after a child passes away.
Disability Services: Residential and respite care for a small group of adults and children with complex intellectual disabilities.
Where Care is Delivered
The main campus is based in Leopardstown, Dublin. There are regional hubs in Mallow, Cork and in Ballinasloe, Co Galway. Care is also provided to families in their homes in the community across multiple counties.
How did lauralynn come about
LauraLynn was founded in memory of Jane and Brendan McKenna's two daughters, Laura and Lynn, who tragically passed away 20 months apart.
The Family's Tragedy
Laura's passing: Laura was born in 1995 with a severe heart defect. She spent much of her early life in and out of the hospital undergoing multiple surgeries. She passed away in August 1999 at just four years old, shortly after her final heart surgery.
Lynn's diagnosis and passing: On the exact day of Laura's final surgery, her 13-year-old older sister Lynn—who had never been sick before—was diagnosed with leukemia. Lynn underwent aggressive treatments and relapsed after a brief period of remission. She passed away peacefully at home in April 2001 at the age of 15.
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