The foundation was formed in August 2004 through the Good Morning Ireland Radio Show.  John Gurhy, host of the show on 1450 AM (Saturdays 1:05pm-3pm), reads death notices of Irish people with Chicago connections.  It came to his attention that a large number of women were dying of breast cancer, especially in the West of Ireland.  Many women from this region had to travel to Dublin for testing.  He contacted four friends who through their frustration became directors of the foundation.

A fundraiser was booked for November 21, 2004, at the Chicago Hilton and Towers Hotel.  Through many meetings around town, support grew rapidly.  Many volunteers gave countless hours of their time, making the event a huge success and raising $153,000 on the night.  It was a great pleasure to present Professor Michael Kerin with a check in the amount of $106,000 dollars.

CHICAGO RADIO STATION

Chicago Radio Station helps Galway Based Charity

Chicago radio personality John Gurhy 'Good Morning Chicago', has rallied Irish Americans to help breast cancer research in Ireland.

In 2003 at least 1,700 women were diagnosed with the disease and 54 women under the age of 45 died of breast cancer in the West of Ireland in 2004.

The 5 year survival rate varies from 97% when diagnosed at an early stage to 21% when diagnosed at a later stage.

Using the strength of his show John helped start the 'Good Morning Ireland Foundation' in July 2004 and in less then a year, with the funds raised, John and his many helpers have enabled the purchase of a extra mammography machine for breast cancer treatment based in the West of Ireland.