Our Story

Denise O'Sullivan - Founder of Care Buddy Gift Boxes

Denise O'Sullivan is the founder of Care Buddy Gifts, a thoughtfully curated Gift service specialising in Cancer Care and Get Well packages. Drawing from her deeply personal experiences with Grief and Illness. Denise channels compassion, empathy, and practical support into every box that she creates.  

Journey Through Grief

Born and Raised in Castleisland, Co. Kerry, Denise is the youngest of five and proudly knows as 'Daddy's Girl'. In September 2000, at just 24 years old, she suffered the sudden loss of her amazing Dad, Buddy. The experience was devastating and life altering and something you can never be prepared for. The journery of Grief is very different for everyone and there is no correct timeline or way to mourn. It is an undescribable pain you will always carry with you but you learn to deal with it as time goes on.

Cancer Journey

In January 2014, Denise's world was once again turned upside down when she received a Cancer diagnosis. With two young children Adam (then 11) and Ellie (almost 2) and her supportive husband Peter by her side Denise embarked on a arduous journey from Kerry to Dublin for Chemotherapy, Radiation and Brachytherapy Treatments. Throughout those challenging months, Denise experienced firsthand the power of Family, Friends, Neighbours and Community.

  • Family providing Childcare, Transportation and Encouragement
  • Neighbours and Friends sending cards, gifts, meals and encouraging messages
  • Strangers sending good wishes, mass cards, Care package

Now more than 10 years Cancer Free, Denise remains grateful but candid about the ongoing effects of her treatment. She lives with Radiation Cystitis, Radiation Colitis and Peripheral Neuropothy. All remnants of life-saving treatment that too often go unspoken. Her resilience and transparency inspire others to acknowledge the long-term impacts of cancer treatment.

The Inspiration behind Care Buddy Gift Boxes

Choosing the name Care Buddy was a heartfelt decision. "Buddy" was her Fathers name and to Denise it remains a comforting presence. Denise always felt her Dad close to her during her Cancer Journey. She felt her Dad's strength guiding her through both Grief and Illness, and she wanted his legacy of unconditional Care and Love to live on though her work.

During her treatment, Denise received a homemade Care Package from a Transition Year Class at Castleisland Community College. The kindness of that gesture alway stayed with her. Creating Cancer Care and Get Well packages has been something Denise has been passionate about doing for some time but health challenges and personal commitments delayed her plans. She vowed to launch her company in 2025.

Mission and Offerings

Care Buddy Gift Boxes combine practical essentials with small indulgences, all packaged with warmth and thoughtfulness. Each box is tailored to those undergoing Cancer Treatment or Recovering from an Illness and may include some of the following:

  • Soft Blankets, Eye Masks and Cosy Socks
  • Personal Care Items
  • Oncology Specific Items
  • Water bottles, Herbal Teas, Luxury Chocolate
  • Journals, Mindfullness Colouring
  • Gentle Skincare
  • Childrens Comforts

Denise aims to ensure Care Buddy takes the stress out of finding the perfect appropriate gift to offer real comfort during difficult times when it can be difficult to know exactly what to say or do. Denise includes a personally handwritten note with each gift.