Picture via Twitter
Vicky Phelan has been honoured by the University of Limerick for her cervical cancer campaign work and how she's encouraged women to hold the health care system accountable.
The mum-of-two was wrongly told she was cancer-free following a cervical screening in 2011. She wasn't diagnosed for another three years.
The UL graduate refused to agree to a non-disclosure statement when she settled High Court action against a US laboratory. Her openness shed light on the cervical cancer screening scandal and helped show just how many women were affected.
She is currently receiving revolutionary treatment for her terminal cancer. According to the Irish Independent, Vicky says she feels '100 percent fine - far better than I was six weeks ago'.
Now, her alma mater has bestowed its highest honour upon her.
A very special day @UL today as Dr Vicky Phelan is conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. pic.twitter.com/DjaIZpkIUj
— UniversityofLimerick (@UL) 26 June 2018
Over 200 people attended the ceremony at the UL to watch as she received her honorary doctorate from the university's president, Dr Des Fitzgerald.
The mum became overwhelmed with emotion as she said that the doctorate represented 'a dream come true'.
"My mother always joked that I was an eternal student - I have two Masters degrees. I started a PhD but wasn't able to complete it. So this means so much to me," Vicky imparted.
"It is a great honour for me and one that I am delighted to accept. I loved my time as a student in UL and that is where I began my professional career."
There she goes. Dr Vicky Phelan conferred Honorary Doctorate. Terrific stuff. pic.twitter.com/KPDAMqjfJ7
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) June 26, 2018
Her long-time friend Dr Mairead Moriarty read the citation, saying, "In her steadfast refusal to be silenced, Vicky Phelan has surrendered her anonymity and has become a national voice for the voiceless.
"In doing so, she has given immeasurable service to this country.
"Faced with a personal tragedy of this magnitude it would have been understandable for Vicky to withdraw and focus on her own needs.
"Instead, when she realised that what had happened to her was likely to have happened to others, she took the decision to make public her experience and expose the screening programme and the healthcare system to much-needed examination, something which is ongoing.
How humbling to witness Vicky Phelan, alumna of @ul and first @ulcals student member, being conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters today! A true force of nature committed to the health of women in Ireland. THANK YOU for your strength and exceptional achievements! pic.twitter.com/M33zpoWSco
— Flo Le Baron-Earle (@FloLBEarle) June 26, 2018
"She has opened up so much for the women of Ireland, empowering them to demand the truth.
"Alongside the substantial undertaking of holding a national health service to account, Vicky has concurrently investigated available treatments and has participated in clinical trials.
"By doing so, Vicky is encouraging women to take control of their own health. In her words and in her actions, she cultivates a legacy of patient empowerment."
We can't think of a worthier recipient than Vicky.
