'Sunshine in human form' remembered after losing battle against breast cancer

Manon Gilbart, 26 Apr

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to late ‘sunshine in human form’,

Bruna Cristine Cacciaguerra.

Surrounded by her loving family, Bruna passed peacefully at Milford

Care Centre, after battling with triple-negative breast cancer.

Originally from Brazil, Bruna moved to Ireland a couple of years ago

and settled in Ashford, in west Limerick, with her three children. She

was a student in TUS.

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Limerick-based woman encourages women to get checked after terminal

cancer diagnosis

Back in March, Bruna spoked to the Limerick Leader about her prognostic

in a bid to raise awareness on the invasive type of breast cancer she

suffered from. Despite the gloomy days that were ahead of her, her

smile lit up the room.

Wearing a T-shirt stating ‘F*** cancer’ in bold letters, Bruna said:

“I’m very grateful. Life had always treated me so well, and I don’t

know why I would think it’s not good – even with cancer.”

After one of her friends organised a fundraiser online, Bruna got to

visit her family in Brazil a couple of weeks ago.

Often, she was asked why she doesn’t want to move back to Brazil. She

noted: “I love Ireland. I’m going back there to see my family. But my

place is here.”

By sharing her story, Bruna was hoping to raise awareness on breast

cancer. “I think every woman should do the checks early. Breast cancer

can’t be avoided, but it can be discovered at the beginning and be

treated.”

“Our deepest sympathy to the family of our student Bruna, on her very

sad passing. We are so sorry for your loss, and please know that our

thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. We

will lower our LIT TUS flag in Bruna's memory on campus from tomorrow

morning and we will pray for her at our Mass on campus on Wednesday.

Our sincere condolences to you all from Bruna's friends and all the

students and staff in TUS, Moylish. May she rest in peace,” wrote

Theresa O' Sullivan, Pastoral Care, TUS, among the many tributes shared

on rip.ie

Described as a “lady who always carried a smile" and a "gentle soul",

Bruna will be sadly missed and deeply regretted by her mother, brother,

sister, husband, three children and friends in Ireland and Brazil.

A requiem mass will take place on Thursday, April 27 at 11am and will

be live-streamed here. Funeral afterwards to Shannon Crematorium.