Emma Hannigan was a renowned Irish author, television presenter, and blogger. She was born on September 25, 1972, in Bray, County Wicklow, and was brought up in a loving family with her mother Denise, a home school teacher from Montessori, and her father Philip, a manager at a local engineering company. Hannigan had an elder brother named Timmy, and she attended St. Gerard's School, where she discovered her passion for writing. Her favorite teacher encouraged her creativity, but Hannigan disliked being asked to limit her words in her stories.
Hannigan was best known for her vivid portrayal of her experiences fighting cancer in her novels. She wrote several standalone books that were highly acclaimed, including "The Summer Guest," "Driving Home For Christmas," "The Gifts of Friends," "Perfect Wives," "Keeping Mum," and "The Perfect Gift." Despite her personal struggles, Hannigan's writing was infused with humor, warmth, and a deep understanding of human emotions.
Hannigan's family had a history of breast and ovarian cancer, and she herself tested positive for the BRCA1 gene, which carries an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. In 2006, she underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy and a bi-lateral oopherectomy to reduce the risk of cancer developing to 5%. However, breast cancer still developed in her body, appearing in her neck, shoulder, and under her arm in 2007. Despite repeated treatments, a tumor always reappeared, and Hannigan passed away at the age of 45 after her tenth battle with cancer. Her writing continues to inspire and touch the lives of many, and she will always be remembered for her courage, resilience, and literary contributions.