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Overcoming: A Memoir
When Vicky Phelan delivered an emotionally charged statement from the steps of the Four Courts in April 2018 - having refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement in the settlement of her action against the HSE - she unearthed the medical and political scandal of our times. It would emerge that, like Vicky, 220 other women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer were not informed that a clinical audit -carried out by the national screen programme CervicalCheck - had revised their earlier, negative smear tests. Their cancers could possibly have been preventable.
Since then, Vicky has become women's voice for justice on the issue, and her system-changing activism has made her a household name.
In her memoir Overcoming, Vicky shares her remarkable personal story, from a life-threatening accident in early adulthood through to motherhood, a battle with depression, her devastating later discovery that her cancer had returned in shocking circumstances - and the ensuing detective-like scrutiny of events that led the charge for her history-making legal action.
An inspiring story of rare resilience and power, Overcoming is an account of how one woman can move mountains - even when she is fighting for her own life - and of finding happiness and strength in the toughest of times.
Since then, Vicky has become women's voice for justice on the issue, and her system-changing activism has made her a household name.
In her memoir Overcoming, Vicky shares her remarkable personal story, from a life-threatening accident in early adulthood through to motherhood, a battle with depression, her devastating later discovery that her cancer had returned in shocking circumstances - and the ensuing detective-like scrutiny of events that led the charge for her history-making legal action.
An inspiring story of rare resilience and power, Overcoming is an account of how one woman can move mountains - even when she is fighting for her own life - and of finding happiness and strength in the toughest of times.
'Calls to mind the work of Emilie Pine, or the memoir by Maggie O'Farrell, I Am, I Am, I Am ... Overcoming is more than the retelling of an extraordinary life. Its pacing and gentleness leaves plenty of room for tears and for reflection' Irish Independent
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 30, 2019
Such an inspirational woman, without giving away the details, Vicky has met many obstacles and broke down the barrier and got to the other side. Her battle to bring out the truth in the cervical cancer fiasco is truly amazing and she’s deserves so much respect and love for the countless women she has helped and inspired. At the core of the book is the love and dedication she has for her kids where she fights for them just as much as her own life. A fantastic inspiring read and also heartbreaking to know what she’s going through.
October 8, 2019
I knew from her public appearances that Vicky Phelan must be extraordinary but I didn’t know until I read this book just how awesome she is. A fantastic read. Brilliantly named. Couldn’t recommend highly enough.
October 16, 2019
This is one harrowing story. Allot of people has blood on their hands, and I just hope Ireland will learn. Vicky Phelan disclosed a scandal of epic proportions, just so sad women has died and are dying as a direct result.
January 19, 2022
Vicky has faced an unfathomable amount of adversity throughout her lifetime, as I learned in this book. She continuously displays enormous strength and tackles each challenge with a proactive and determined mindset, it’s truly so admirable. It was really interesting to read about Vicky’s life before she became the face of the CervicalCheck scandal, and about the details of court proceedings and her decision to go public, as well as how she handles her illness and the different treatments she has received. I have so much respect for Vicky, she is an absolute powerhouse of a woman. Her tireless efforts have undoubtedly saved lives, and I can only hope the failures of our government and health system regarding the CervicalCheck programme never repeat themselves again. This book was an easy read, as well as a must-read for Irish people. CW: car accident, death, injury & illness detail, medical trauma, fire
December 11, 2019
What an inspirational story written by an incredible woman. ❤️
April 11, 2023
Irish women have been infantilized by the medical profession for many decades, particularly in relation to their gynaecological health. There have been numerous scandals that have erupted in relation to abuses that have happened. These include the symphysiotomy scandal and the cesarean hysterectomies carried out by Michael Neary. Both of these instances involved numerous women being subjected to invasive medical procedures for no valid medical reason, and most importantly, without their informed consent.
Had it not been for Vicky Phelan, another scandal might very well have been swept under the carpet. The CervicalCheck scandal involved the misreading of many women's smear tests as clear by a lab that the Irish government had outsourced the checks to in the US. As a result, various women have died, Vicky Phelan sadly among them. She died in November of last year, though not before blazing a trail through the Irish health system and media, and letting the established order know what she thought of the attitudes to women's health still in evidence in Ireland today. By the time she died, many of us just thought of her as Vicky. She was the responsible older sister of Ireland, the one we didn't know we desperately needed until she appeared.
Vicky overcame a lot in her life. She was the first of her family to attend university, and refusing to take this opportunity for granted, achieved real excellence in her educational career. She overcame a horrific car accident at 19 while in France that paralyzed a friend, killed her adored boyfriend and another friend, and left her with debilitating injuries. Later, when she met her husband Jim, one of her two children was born with health challenges that would affect her for life. Vicky fought to overcome all of these challenges, and largely succeeded, though not without some heartache and anxiety through the ordeals.
Given all of this, it does seem unfair in the cosmic scheme of things that Vicky would be one of the women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal, and indeed, the first to discover that her cancer would have been easily treatable had an earlier smear test not been misread. Yet Vicky rose to this challenge with gusto too. Once the information came to light, she started to ask questions and do her research. Questions about why the mistake had not been communicated to her (and the other women affected) sooner, about what the government planned on doing about it. There was no sense in which Vicky was going to make life easy for those responsible for this scandal, given the amount of women affected, and who were now either infertile or terminally ill because of it.
Vicky refused to sign a gagging order in return for a settlement, choosing instead to eschew mediation and go through the stress and trauma of invasive questioning involved in a trial process, in the midst of severe pain and fatigue caused by her illness. (And believe me, it's a given that the Irish judicial system can be incredibly dismissive of what women have to say too.) Vicky emerged triumphant, with the judge praising her as an exemplary witness. She won a large settlement and then went to the steps of the Four Courts to let the nation know how she felt about the attempts to gaslight her and other Irish women over the CervicalCheck issue. The floodgates were opened for other women to speak, and Vicky became a national hero.
To some degree, you need to have grown up in Ireland to understand why Vicky Phelan is so important. Very few women have not, at some point, been talked down to in relation to their health, but especially in relation to health issues that are specific to women. It could be post-natal depression or depression that occurs due to an undisclosed sexual assault. It could be a responsible decision to go on the pill instead of getting pregnant at a time when their ability to take care of a child would be compromised. It's very much in living memory that women get judged, infantilized, belittled, told they are moral reprobates, or worse. In this book, Vicky recounts the experience of reading in the CervicalCheck report that one woman was told by a consultant that nuns do not get Cervical Cancer. The old Ireland is still alive in recent memory.
It shouldn't have taken Vicky Phelan to help our traditionally hallowed institutions (government, health professionals) to grow up and understand that they have an ethical obligation to treat women as human beings in the fullest sense. But Vicky was fully committed to reality, and spoke truth to power without any hesitation, even as she attended the funerals of other women affected by the scandal who had become her dear friends.
This is the life story of an extraordinary woman, written in that refreshing, straight-talking voice that she had. This is a woman who has left Ireland an infinitely more mature and honest place than she found it. I wish she was still with us, healthy, and running for Taoiseach, so I could vote for her. She deserves our eternal gratitude and respect.
Had it not been for Vicky Phelan, another scandal might very well have been swept under the carpet. The CervicalCheck scandal involved the misreading of many women's smear tests as clear by a lab that the Irish government had outsourced the checks to in the US. As a result, various women have died, Vicky Phelan sadly among them. She died in November of last year, though not before blazing a trail through the Irish health system and media, and letting the established order know what she thought of the attitudes to women's health still in evidence in Ireland today. By the time she died, many of us just thought of her as Vicky. She was the responsible older sister of Ireland, the one we didn't know we desperately needed until she appeared.
Vicky overcame a lot in her life. She was the first of her family to attend university, and refusing to take this opportunity for granted, achieved real excellence in her educational career. She overcame a horrific car accident at 19 while in France that paralyzed a friend, killed her adored boyfriend and another friend, and left her with debilitating injuries. Later, when she met her husband Jim, one of her two children was born with health challenges that would affect her for life. Vicky fought to overcome all of these challenges, and largely succeeded, though not without some heartache and anxiety through the ordeals.
Given all of this, it does seem unfair in the cosmic scheme of things that Vicky would be one of the women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal, and indeed, the first to discover that her cancer would have been easily treatable had an earlier smear test not been misread. Yet Vicky rose to this challenge with gusto too. Once the information came to light, she started to ask questions and do her research. Questions about why the mistake had not been communicated to her (and the other women affected) sooner, about what the government planned on doing about it. There was no sense in which Vicky was going to make life easy for those responsible for this scandal, given the amount of women affected, and who were now either infertile or terminally ill because of it.
Vicky refused to sign a gagging order in return for a settlement, choosing instead to eschew mediation and go through the stress and trauma of invasive questioning involved in a trial process, in the midst of severe pain and fatigue caused by her illness. (And believe me, it's a given that the Irish judicial system can be incredibly dismissive of what women have to say too.) Vicky emerged triumphant, with the judge praising her as an exemplary witness. She won a large settlement and then went to the steps of the Four Courts to let the nation know how she felt about the attempts to gaslight her and other Irish women over the CervicalCheck issue. The floodgates were opened for other women to speak, and Vicky became a national hero.
To some degree, you need to have grown up in Ireland to understand why Vicky Phelan is so important. Very few women have not, at some point, been talked down to in relation to their health, but especially in relation to health issues that are specific to women. It could be post-natal depression or depression that occurs due to an undisclosed sexual assault. It could be a responsible decision to go on the pill instead of getting pregnant at a time when their ability to take care of a child would be compromised. It's very much in living memory that women get judged, infantilized, belittled, told they are moral reprobates, or worse. In this book, Vicky recounts the experience of reading in the CervicalCheck report that one woman was told by a consultant that nuns do not get Cervical Cancer. The old Ireland is still alive in recent memory.
It shouldn't have taken Vicky Phelan to help our traditionally hallowed institutions (government, health professionals) to grow up and understand that they have an ethical obligation to treat women as human beings in the fullest sense. But Vicky was fully committed to reality, and spoke truth to power without any hesitation, even as she attended the funerals of other women affected by the scandal who had become her dear friends.
This is the life story of an extraordinary woman, written in that refreshing, straight-talking voice that she had. This is a woman who has left Ireland an infinitely more mature and honest place than she found it. I wish she was still with us, healthy, and running for Taoiseach, so I could vote for her. She deserves our eternal gratitude and respect.
November 19, 2023
This was a wonderfully well written story of a remarkable life. It was very moving to hear about the scandal from her perspective and all of the change she helped to make.
May 21, 2024
Vicky Phelan’s relentless fight for justice for Irish families affected by cervical cancer scandal is nothing short of heroic. Through her courageous efforts, she unveiled critical details that led to systemic changes, benefiting countless lives. Though Vicky is no longer with us, her legacy and advocacy continue to inspire and protect not just women, but all families facing similar challenges. This book is a poignant testament to her strength and determination. "Thank you Vicky"
For a more indepth review you can read it here https://audreyhogan.ie/overcoming-a-m...
For a more indepth review you can read it here https://audreyhogan.ie/overcoming-a-m...
December 2, 2019
This is a powerful read written by an incredible woman. It made me laugh. It made me cry. Having read Vicky's story I so understand where she gets her strength from. How one individual could go through so much in a lifetime is extraordinary but what is even more astonishing is how she still has so much strength to keep fighting against all that life has thrown at her
I am glad there are people out there as well as me who stand up to the m decal profession and question everything. The days for putting them on a pulpit are well and truly over.
I am glad there are people out there as well as me who stand up to the m decal profession and question everything. The days for putting them on a pulpit are well and truly over.
November 4, 2019
Powerful book. It took a few chapters to get used to the writing style but didn't look back after that. If you think this lady has dealt with cancer read it and see what else she has had to deal with. Difficult life but a very strong and inspiring lady.
October 12, 2019
Heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. An absolute hero for Irish women.
October 23, 2019
Vicky is an outstanding woman of great strength who has done so much for Irish women who were failed by others. It was an interesting book just the style of writing wasn’t to my taste
August 17, 2020
Vicky Phelan’s memoir was a really engaging and inspiring read. It was harrowing to read at times, sparing no detail on the extent of the suffering caused by cervical cancer.
Much of her younger life presented many obstacles, most notably a tragic car accident during a college year in France in which her boyfriend died and she suffered multiple fractures and was told she would never walk again. Her spirit of determination that saw her become the first member of her extended family to excel in education and attend university stood to her, and she fought against this bleak prognosis and was walking within a year. Later, she would encounter a difficult pregnancy, and learn that her beloved daughter would have many health problems, and further experience an accident which would leave her scarred. So clearly Vicky Phelan was no stranger to adversity when she first learned she had cervical cancer.
However, as if it wasn’t enough to fight the battle against cancer, soon she would uncover huge discrepancies, miscommunications and cover-ups in the testing in what would turn out to have devastating affects for quite a number of women.
Prior to reading this book, the only capacity in which I knew Vicky Phelan was her voice in the media fighting against the injustices of the system, being a voice for all the affected women and leading the way for women to get retribution and call out the cover-ups at the heart of this scandal. Hers is a voice of strength, determination and conviction, and what she has done and continues to do is remarkable, inspirational and hugely courageous. However, what the book does is give us the heart of the person behind this voice, it shows her vulnerability, her fears, her humanity. The well-presented, strong woman we saw on the steps of the Four Courts was also a woman who struggled each day to get in there and fight, a woman in unbearable abdominal pain, who had to take with her a hot water bottle each day to ease the pain.
A remarkable read by a very inspiring, brave and strong woman, I would highly recommend it.
Much of her younger life presented many obstacles, most notably a tragic car accident during a college year in France in which her boyfriend died and she suffered multiple fractures and was told she would never walk again. Her spirit of determination that saw her become the first member of her extended family to excel in education and attend university stood to her, and she fought against this bleak prognosis and was walking within a year. Later, she would encounter a difficult pregnancy, and learn that her beloved daughter would have many health problems, and further experience an accident which would leave her scarred. So clearly Vicky Phelan was no stranger to adversity when she first learned she had cervical cancer.
However, as if it wasn’t enough to fight the battle against cancer, soon she would uncover huge discrepancies, miscommunications and cover-ups in the testing in what would turn out to have devastating affects for quite a number of women.
Prior to reading this book, the only capacity in which I knew Vicky Phelan was her voice in the media fighting against the injustices of the system, being a voice for all the affected women and leading the way for women to get retribution and call out the cover-ups at the heart of this scandal. Hers is a voice of strength, determination and conviction, and what she has done and continues to do is remarkable, inspirational and hugely courageous. However, what the book does is give us the heart of the person behind this voice, it shows her vulnerability, her fears, her humanity. The well-presented, strong woman we saw on the steps of the Four Courts was also a woman who struggled each day to get in there and fight, a woman in unbearable abdominal pain, who had to take with her a hot water bottle each day to ease the pain.
A remarkable read by a very inspiring, brave and strong woman, I would highly recommend it.
September 16, 2020
Vicky Phelan is a household name in Ireland for her work in exposing the scandal around cervical screening that shook the country to its core. An audit carried out by the CerivalCheck programme revealed that Vicky received a false negative to a smear test in 2011. Vicky wasn’t informed of this until three years later. Vicky was given a terminal diagnosis to a cancer that should have been treatable.
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Vicky has faced many obstacles and hardships in her life and I was struck by her immense strength. Even at her lowest point, when Vicky was overcome with pain, sickness and fatigue she was researching alternative medications and clinical trials. Vicky was determined to stay alive for her children and her fight for life is very moving to read.
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Vicky is an inspiration for the women of Ireland for how tirelessly she pursued systematic changes to the health care system that ensure wrongdoings of this magnitude cannot happen again. By refusing to sign a confidentiality agreement and going public with her story, Vicky gave a voice to the other 221+ women and their families that were affected by false screening results.
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Every reader will learn something from Vicky’s perspective on life. She knows what’s really important- spending time with her children, making memories and staying present. She appreciates every sunset and every sunrise because you don’t know when it’ll be your last. Vicky shows can you can experience happiness and peace even in the face of death. Vicky’s memoir is inspirational, powerful and an honour to read.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Vicky has faced many obstacles and hardships in her life and I was struck by her immense strength. Even at her lowest point, when Vicky was overcome with pain, sickness and fatigue she was researching alternative medications and clinical trials. Vicky was determined to stay alive for her children and her fight for life is very moving to read.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Vicky is an inspiration for the women of Ireland for how tirelessly she pursued systematic changes to the health care system that ensure wrongdoings of this magnitude cannot happen again. By refusing to sign a confidentiality agreement and going public with her story, Vicky gave a voice to the other 221+ women and their families that were affected by false screening results.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Every reader will learn something from Vicky’s perspective on life. She knows what’s really important- spending time with her children, making memories and staying present. She appreciates every sunset and every sunrise because you don’t know when it’ll be your last. Vicky shows can you can experience happiness and peace even in the face of death. Vicky’s memoir is inspirational, powerful and an honour to read.
November 24, 2022
How much can life throw at one person? Well in Vicky phelans case it turns out to be an awful lot.it may sound like a cliche but Vicky’s courage and tenacity as she deals with each layer of tragedy are awe inspiring.her absolute refusal to give in to the bureaucrats doing their best to cover up a conspiracy which led to the premature deaths of so many Irish women due to the abject failure of the cervical check scheme can only be described as horrific.she fought with all she had and Vicky left a wonderful legacy for all Irish women.sadly a week ago Vicky lost her Herculean battle battle against cervical cancer.to her family and friends I extend my sincere condolences.we are all much richer for having shared in some small way in Vickys battle.
October 21, 2023
Such a fighter, amidst her own personal fight she sought justice for everyone else. I knew one of the victims through a parenting group I was in and it’s just astounding what her husband went on to do for others, thanks to Vicki’s dedication and resolve to unearth the truth.
In addition to the facts I learned in this book, I also really enjoyed getting to know Vicki through Naomi’s beautiful writing. Vicki was born the same year as me and what hurdles she overcame before the CervicalScreen mess.
RIP Vicki knowing you did everything you could for everyone caught up in this debacle. Your kids can be so proud of the legacy you have left behind.
RIP Irene Teap too. Beautiful soul.
In addition to the facts I learned in this book, I also really enjoyed getting to know Vicki through Naomi’s beautiful writing. Vicki was born the same year as me and what hurdles she overcame before the CervicalScreen mess.
RIP Vicki knowing you did everything you could for everyone caught up in this debacle. Your kids can be so proud of the legacy you have left behind.
RIP Irene Teap too. Beautiful soul.
February 21, 2021
This is by far the best book I have read! The CervicalCheck scandal is something every Irish person is aware of. But this would not have been brought to our attention without the amazing courage and strength of Vicky Phelan.
This memoir covers her life prior to her cancer diagnosis. I knew she was brave before but what she has gone through in her life is something else. She has always gone through life with respect and courage and this can still be seen throughout her journey.
Highly recommend this book 💓
This memoir covers her life prior to her cancer diagnosis. I knew she was brave before but what she has gone through in her life is something else. She has always gone through life with respect and courage and this can still be seen throughout her journey.
Highly recommend this book 💓
February 8, 2023
I don't think I would have chosen to read this book but I was given it as a gift. It was worth the read. I knew of Vicky Phelan of course, she's a household name in Ireland and I admired her for bringing the Cervical Check scandal to light when she was terminally ill, and for her determination to do anything she possibly could to survive for her children. The book gives a very personal insight into her life and struggles. It's well written so an easy read though an emotional one.
May 24, 2020
Wow, what an incredible woman! My goodness Vicky Phelan has been through a lot, enough for several lifetimes. What a brave and inspirational woman she is. A truly worthy book that is also a very good read.
October 4, 2020
Inspirational
For a lady who has had so many disasters in her life her positive outlook and determined want to help others nearly before herself has summed up this book for me. Vicky is truly amazing. Loved the book from start to finish. It's a tear jerker.
For a lady who has had so many disasters in her life her positive outlook and determined want to help others nearly before herself has summed up this book for me. Vicky is truly amazing. Loved the book from start to finish. It's a tear jerker.
December 16, 2020
An amazing woman I'm in total awe & full of gratitude to her.
The book while harrowing is weirdly positive too.
She is a brave, compassionate and intelligent woman, the women of Ireland are lucky to have.
The book while harrowing is weirdly positive too.
She is a brave, compassionate and intelligent woman, the women of Ireland are lucky to have.
January 2, 2021
This book is described as powerful and i feel thats a very appropriate word to sum it up. I found it very engaging and was struck by the resilience, strength and honesty displayed throughout. It was an emotional read and an important read.
November 26, 2022
Powerful Memoir!
Vicky you have been an inspiration to the whole country, your legacy will live on in your beautiful children! Taken far too soon but you will never be forgotten, Thank you!
Vicky you have been an inspiration to the whole country, your legacy will live on in your beautiful children! Taken far too soon but you will never be forgotten, Thank you!
April 18, 2020
So inspirational
June 1, 2020
A difficult read, but very well written.
August 14, 2020
Vicky is such a strong, resilient and inspiring woman. Cancer is a small part of her story!!! This was beautifully written.
January 4, 2021
Inspirational woman!
December 17, 2022
What an incredible woman, fought for what was right and helped soooo many people who were suffering
January 17, 2023
Incredible and heart breaking story of the amazing woman
June 14, 2020
Such a good book unbelievable all she went through in her life
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews