Last Saturday, six LauraLynn families took to the Red Carpet at the Odeon Cinema in Charlestown for one of the most magical events in the LauraLynn calendar, The LauraLynn Oscars.
The LauraLynn Oscars is a digital storytelling initiative providing LauraLynn children with life-limiting conditions and their families a platform to create their own unique movie while supported by industry professional writers.
It culminates in a glamorous red-carpet event, offering a once-in-lifetime movie premiere experience for the entire family.
Lórcan Donoghue (15), from Furbo, uses LauraLynn’s services. Lorcan’s family attended the event and collected the award on behalf of Lorcán.
Unfortunately, Lorcán was unable to attend the event on the day. He and his family took part in the project and took home the award for Best Adventure Movie for his movie titled ‘Lórcan’s Musical Treasure,’ which he starred in alongside his family.
Aoife Donoghue, Lórcan’s mum, spoke after attending the awards ceremony, saying, “The day was so special and we are so proud of Lórcan. We all had such a magical time.”
The idea for the Oscars Project, which is now in its 8th year, began as a film workshop for siblings, which LauraLynn Senior Play Therapist Michelle Hartnett, organised after researching the topic of sibling loss. The project quickly developed into a larger family-focused event.
The project is coordinated by Michelle Hartnett and Project Coordinator, Lorna Collins with support from long standing LauraLynn volunteer Joanna Butler and a team of industry professionals and volunteers.
Michelle Harnett, Senior Play Therapist at LauraLynn, said, “The LauraLynn Oscars is a truly unique therapeutic initiative that goes far beyond traditional filmmaking.”
“It offers families an extraordinary opportunity to explore their relationships, share creative stories, and collaborate in ways they may never have imagined.”
“With guidance from experts across different disciplines, each family becomes the creator of their own cinematic masterpiece.”
“This project is about so much more than making a film; it’s about building deeper connections, creating lasting memories, and strengthening the bonds between family members, extended family, and the wider community.”
The experience culminates in a spectacular Oscars style celebration, where families proudly showcase their films and share in the joy of recognising each other’s creativity and contributions.
“It’s a powerful celebration of unity, imagination, and the enduring strength of family bonds,” Michelle added.
“What makes this initiative so important is that it empowers families to become active storytellers and see their own narratives come alive on screen.”
“Most importantly, it gives the families and their guests a magical day to stand in the spotlight together, creating moments of joy and beauty that will be cherished for a lifetime.”
LauraLynn’s holistic approach to care ensures they support the whole family, enabling patients to be children and parents to have time to be Mums and Dads rather than full-time carers. Care and support are extended to parents, siblings, grandparents, and the wider family.
LauraLynn currently provides support to 23 families across Galway with a hub based in Ballinasloe.
