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Cancer Connections

Beating Cancer in the Highlands ... This column is brought to you regularly by the Southern Highlands Cancer Leadership Committee and is first published in the Lifestyle section of the Southern Highland News. It is designed to inform everybody of matters relating to cancer in our local community and the wider society. We aim to focus on local news, forthcoming events, services and other cancer issues.

Cancer Connections - September 2014

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Can Assist’s "Venice Carnivale"

Berkelouw’s Bendooley Estate, Berrima, will be the venue for this Dinner and Auction on Thursday, 20th November. The evening has an Italian theme and guests are to be dressed “glamorous and masked”. The theme has been inspired by an original framed picture of the San Marco Piazza generously donated by its artist, Prof. Desmond Freeman. This beautiful painting and many other unusual and valuable items will be available in the “Amazing Mystique Auction”. The spectacular event is a major fundraiser for the Southern Highlands branch of Can Assist which is currently helping 60 patients with pharmacy bills, transport costs, accommodation at treatment centres, oxygen, palliative care, and respite night nursing. Full details are shown in the “News and Events” item on this website. For inquiries, telephone 0475 522 159 or email

 cavcarnival@gmail.com.  Tickets are $185 each and are available right now at www.trybooking.com/94578

Pictured below : The magnificent Venice panorama - by Desmond Freeman.



Volunteers helping others
Can you volunteer to help cancer patients in our GAPS program ? The General and Practical Support service is available in the Wingecarribee to people undergoing cancer treatment. Training for volunteers is provided by Cancer Council NSW. You can assist preparing light snacks; shopping; respite for a carer; and transport to medical appointments or to connect with the Patient Transport Service. Whether you are helping a patient or their carer, your assistance will be greatly appreciated by people who are facing a most serious challenge to their health. If you would like to take part, phone Tina Hunt at Cancer Council on 4223 0200.

YWCA Encore program returns
This is a free gentle exercise program for women who have experienced mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction surgery. The 8-week program – sessions of 2 hours/week – is based on gentle floor and hydrotherapy exercises specifically designed to improve movement, flexibility and strength after surgery. The sessions also provide time and space for relaxation, information sharing and discussion with women who have had a similar experience. More information is online at www.ywcaencore.org.au. To book for the program beginning at Henley Brae on 15th October, phone Mandy Lawson on 4868 3246 or 0438 68 3246.

Rare Cancers Australia events

Two dates for fundraising events : Rare Cancers Australia is staging its first ever “Sick or Treat” Halloween Ball on 31st October 2014 at The Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney. Hosted by the ABC’s Tony Jones, this night of fine food and wine also features a performance by Abby Dobson. Proceeds go to help Australians in need of cancer medicines that are not funded by government. After that, 2nd November will see the 3rd Annual Rare Cancers Cricket Challenge at Bradman Oval. Join a team or just come down to the ground and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. For more information on both these events, visit the website www.rarecancers.org.au or phone 02 4862 2768.


New Blood Cancer Support Group
The latest information received is that this new support group will definitely be functioning in the Southern Highlands. Those who are interested in enquiring about the group are asked to telephone Emily Barry at the Leukaemia Foundation on 4222 0602.

Does your cancer service help families?
If you provide a service to assist the family of a cancer patient, we can list it in the 2015 issue of the Southern Highlands Cancer Services Directory. Our committee is currently planning next year’s issue which will focus on support for local families. So, to obtain a free listing, or if you are interested in advertising in the booklet and you haven’t done so before, please get in touch with me. Or if you just need to amend a current entry, give me a call.

Coming Events
• “Bounce Forward” program at SH Private Hospital, Sept. 20-21
• October is Pink Month : “Girls Night In” & Pink Ribbon events are on.
• Can Assist meeting, Thurs. Oct. 9th, 10am at the old Bowral Hospital
• Haemophilia Awareness Week occurs October 12th -18th
• YWCA Encore program commences at Henley Brae, Wed. Oct. 15
• “Sick or Treat” Halloween Ball for Rare Cancers Aust., Oct. 31
• Annual Rare Cancers Cricket Challenge at Bradman Oval, Nov. 2
• Advance Notice : Can Assist’s “Venice Carnivale”, Nov. 20th

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
0407 234 780 or info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au


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Cancer Connections - June 2014

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Can you spare a little time ?
Currently some opportunities exist for people to volunteer to help cancer patients by means of our GAPS program. That’s the General and Practical Support service which is available throughout the Wingecarribee Shire to people undergoing cancer treatment. Training for volunteers will be provided by Cancer Council NSW. Some of the ways you can assist include preparing light snacks; shopping; respite for a carer; and transport to medical appointments or to connect with the Patient Transport Service taking patients to Campbelltown. Whether you are helping a patient or their carer, your assistance will be greatly appreciated by people who are facing a most serious challenge to their health. If you would like to take part, telephone Tina Hunt at Cancer Council NSW on (02) 4223 0200.





Pictured above are some of our team of GAPS volunteers (L to R) : Suzy Kennon, Jann Wadsworth, Aurelia Grigore-Reid, Chris Roode, Wanda Lach, Julianne Halpin, Belinda Lamb (Cancer Council), Judith Brooks, Joan Harrison (GAPS Co-ordinator),
Di Hinton, John Hinton. In front : Nick Goodall.


Relay For Life 2014
In the wash up to this year’s immensely successful Relay For Life in the Southern Highlands, the tally for funds raised has now passed the $286,000 mark – a fantastic achievement and proof once again of how generously the Southern Highlands community will respond to a good program and a worthwhile cause. (A report on Relay was given in our Cancer Connections blog for May – access via the tab above.) Our keynote speaker on that cold, wet day, Barbara Williams, was both entertaining and inspiring as she described the excitement she had in forming a breast cancer dragon boat team and competing at regattas. A reminder that the full text of what she had to say can now be read on the News & Events section of this website just click here.

New members for the committee
The Southern Highlands Cancer Leadership Committee has recently benefited from the addition of a number of local health professionals who have come on board. We shall now have the added expertise brought by : Peter Coupland and Mel Kalde, who are both employed as Social Workers at the Southern Highlands Cancer Centre; Mira Glavan, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Palliative Care, from the Wingecarribee Community Health Centre; and also rejoining the committee at its next meeting will be Jonathan Purvis who was this committee’s first chairman and, more recently, the co-chair of the successful local Relay For Life 2014. A full listing of the membership of our committee can be viewed under the “About Us” tab above.

Concerns about the co-payments issue
At its June meeting, a number of committee members expressed their concerns about some of the Federal Budget’s changes in the health area. Of particular concern were the proposals to charge a co-payment for GP visits and some medical tests, which, if passed by Parliament, will place extra burdens on cancer patients who already face financial difficulties due to their illness and which will, as a result, create an even greater demand for assistance from such organisations as Can Assist. The Federal Government’s stated intention to restructure in 2015 the pattern of Medicare Locals was also viewed as a backward step, in view of the fact that the Medicare Local for our district was making real advances in improving primary health care across a range of medical fields.

Coming Events
• Red Aussie Apple Day, June 18, to raise awareness of bowel cancer
• “Dry July” is a month for raising funds for families with cancer
• “Call to Arms” in July - football teams support action against cancer
• Can Assist meeting, Thurs., July 10th, 10am at the old Bowral Hospital.
• Community Hospice “Dying To Know Day”, Mittagong RSL, 10am-3pm August 23rd

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
0407 234 780 or info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au


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Cancer Connections - August 2013

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Daffodil Day happens in August

One of the most recognised charity symbols of all right across the country is the golden daffodil. It was chosen as the symbol of hope for all affected by cancer because of its reputation as a hardy annual flower, pushing its way through the earth after a long winter to herald the return of spring, new life, vitality and growth. As one of the first flowers of an approaching spring, the daffodil symbolises rebirth and new beginnings. To Cancer Council, the daffodil represents hope for a cancer-free future. While the official day is always the fourth Friday – this year it’s August 23rd – some collections will be held on other days. Buy your daffodil badge which says "Grow Hope".
Can you spare a little time ?
Currently some opportunities exist for people to volunteer to help cancer patients by means of the GAPS program. That’s the General and Practical Support service which is available in the Wingecarribee to people undergoing cancer treatment. Training for all volunteers is provided by Cancer Council NSW. Some of the ways you can assist include preparing light meals and snacks; shopping; light housework; respite for a carer; and transport to medical treatment. Whether you are helping a patient or their carer, your assistance will be greatly appreciated by people who are facing a most serious challenge to their health. For further information about the program, use the QuickLink on the LHS of screen. If you would like to take part, telephone Tina Hunt at Cancer Council NSW on (02) 4223 0200.

Relay For Life 2014 – advance notice
The date for the Relay For Life 2014 event has now been announced. Co-Chairman of the Relay organising committee, Jonathan Purvis, revealed that : “It will all be happening at Eridge Park Oval next year on Saturday, May 3rd and running right through until early Sunday morning.” So pencil in that date on your list of events to go onto next year’s calendar. More details to come in later months.

Children’s Cancer Welfare Services
This registered charity offers direct financial and practical support to families with children suffering from cancer. The scope of the services supplied is to the whole of NSW but with an emphasis on rural areas. Some of the help provided includes financial assistance for rural children with cancer while they receive treatment in the city; subsidies for transport, accommodation, and rehabilitation; and extends to some help with the family finances at this difficult time. More information can be found at www.childrenscancerws.org.au or ring the Secretary, John Causer, on 0427 939 021.



Support Programs scheduled locally
* YWCA Encore is for women who have experienced breast cancer. A free 8-week program at Mittagong on Wednesdays 1-3pm from 16th October to 4th December 2013. For bookings, telephone Vanessa Cashin on (02) 9285 6264 or contact the program by email :  encore@ywcansw.com.au

* Look Good…Feel Better. A free program to help in coping with chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects by restoring patients’ appearance and self-confidence. October 22nd, 10am-12.30pm at the SH Private Hospital. For bookings, contact Jo Pearson 4862 9472 or email Joanne Meehan at joanne@lgfb.org.au Further information about the program is available on this website; just use the QuickLink on the LHS of screen.

Coming Events
• Daffodil Day raises funds for Cancer Council programs, Friday, August 23rd
• Daffodil Day events at the SH Cancer Centre will be held August 21st & 22nd
• September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
• Fight Cancer Foundation Footy Colours Day, Sept. 1st
• Can Assist meeting, Thursday, Sept. 12th, 10am at the old Bowral Hospital
• High Tea for McGrath Foundation, Sunday Sept. 15th 9.30am-12.30pm, at the Gibraltar Hotel, Bowral. See all the details on this website under the “News and Events” tab.

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
0407 234 780 or info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au


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Cancer Connections - November 2012

Thursday, November 22, 2012

International Volunteer Day, 2012
Perhaps such days are often ignored by most people. There’s an International Day for this, World Day for that, etc. But I believe that, for a great many people in the Southern Highlands, International Volunteer Day, which occurs this year on December 5th, is quite a significant day. It’s when we should stop and reflect on what an amazing effort is made, month in month out, by so many volunteers in our own district. We have what seems like an army of volunteers here in the Southern Highlands, never tiring of turning out to give their time for a worthwhile cause. It’s even quite common to find folk who are volunteers for two or even three different organisations. What value such people contribute to the quality of life in this community. Maybe you could consider volunteering for a local group ?

The work of GAPS volunteers
One example of such local initiative is the work of those who volunteer in our General and Practical Support service (GAPS). They provide help to cancer patients and their carers, both in the home and by assisting with transport to medical appointments and so forth. This valuable effort by so many is organised through the tremendous commitment of the volunteer service co-ordinator, Joan Harrison. And a further local example are all the drivers for the Cancer Council Patient Transport Service who take cancer patients any weekday to their treatment at Campbelltown.


Pictured : GAPS volunteers (l. to r.) John Hinton, Joan Harrison (GAPS co-ordinator), Suzy Kennon and Nick Goodall, shown with Cancer Council Regional Programs Co-ordinator, Tina Hunt (second from right).
(Photo by courtesy of Southern Highland News)

Prostate Cancer Support Group being formed
Great strides are being made in forming a local support group for prostate cancer patients. A most successful fundraising event with solid support from Mittagong Tenpin Bowling was attended by 70 people and raised over $3,500. The next step will be the Information Evening organised for 6pm in the Henrietta Rose Room at Bowral Library on Tuesday, 27th November. The progress made on this issue is all due to the untiring efforts of another volunteer, Tom Carroll. Full details of the meeting for prostate cancer patients or survivors can be found on this website click here

Premier’s Award to Can Assist
News just to hand is that the fantastic work of the Can Assist organisation has been suitably acknowledged by their being chosen to receive the NSW Premier’s Award for Excellence in Public Service Delivery for 2012. The Award citation noted Can Assist’s ability to “consistently attract, motivate and retain highly committed volunteers for nearly six decades” and that Can Assist is “deserving of special recognition.” Can Assist CEO Richard Appleby said “it is timely recognition of the service which Can Assist supplies to country people in NSW so they are better able to deal with the inequities that rural and regional people face when dealing with a cancer diagnosis.”

The Southern Highlands branch has distributed over $48,000 to local cancer patients and families during the last 12 months, which was 93% of all monies raised. Branch Secretary Terry Hughes said to me : “One doesn't really need much motivation to try and help others, however recognition such as this is good for the morale !”

Can Assist has a simple phrase for what they do : “Local volunteers supporting local families affected by cancer”. I think that says it all.


Coming Events
• Movember, for men’s health, to focus on prostate cancer & depression in men
• “Living Well After Cancer” program, Nov. 24th. Telephone 1300 200 558.
• Prostate Cancer Support Group information night, 6pm, Nov. 27th
• International Volunteer Day, December 5th
• Can Assist meeting, 10am Thursday, Dec. 13th at the old Bowral Hospital

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
0407 234 780 or info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au


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Cancer Connections - August 2012

Friday, August 17, 2012

Daffodil Day is Friday, 24th August
This year’s Daffodil Day will show that the work of bodies like the Cancer Council gives HOPE. Hope that the causes of this disease will be better understood; hope that improved methods of treatment will result from all the research being undertaken; and hope that flows from knowing how much support there is in the community. Purchase a badge on the day and you are giving hope to cancer patients. And if you can spare the time to help out by volunteering to collect on that Friday, please contact Cancer Council on 4223 0200. Every daffodil and every donation grows hope.



Special Program : Living Well After Cancer
Cancer and its treatment can bring a host of practical challenges. Among them are the physical, emotional and social issues that may arise. This free 2½ hour program has been specially designed by Cancer Council NSW for the time when cancer treatment is finished. Course participants will have the chance to :
• Learn about the possible changes, challenges and opportunities they may face after completing cancer treatment;
• Have the opportunity to connect with others on a similar journey;
• Share tips, ideas and activities for living well after cancer.
If you are a Southern Highlands resident interested in attending this valuable program for cancer survivors, their family and friends, telephone 1300 200 558 to obtain further details.

Luncheon for volunteers
A recent Wednesday gave an opportunity for the Southern Region of Cancer Council NSW to recognise the work of its volunteers in the GAPS program. The Canary Café, Moss Vale, was an exceptional venue for the Thank You luncheon for this team of Southern Highlands residents who give their time so freely. General and Practical Support (GAPS) - the service previously called Volunteer In Home Support – provides help to cancer patients and their carers both in the home and with transport issues. Our trained volunteers have always spoken of the satisfaction they gain from helping others and the friendships which flow from working as part of a team. Wednesday provided another way for them to know how much their work is appreciated. For full details of this free service click here

SunSmart Program for Primary Schools
Schools in Southern NSW have been urged to catch up with the rest of the state when it comes to protecting children from skin cancer. “Good habits for life are formed during a child’s school years and the SunSmart Primary School Program will help students to grow up with sun safety top of mind,” said Tina Hunt from Cancer Council’s Southern Region office. “With more than 373 people facing melanoma in the Southern region in NSW each year, we encourage primary schools that have yet to join the program to sign up and protect students from the sun, not just in the summer months but all year round.” 

The program is all about teaching children the importance of sun safety in a fun and engaging way through online curriculum resources and fun lessons. Any Primary school which rings the SunSmart Infoline (02) 9334 1761 and comes on board before September 21st will receive $300 worth of Cancer Council sunscreen.

Coming Events
• Daffodil Day, Friday August 24 – a message of HOPE for those on the cancer journey
• Fruit ‘n’ Veg month commences on August 27
• Blue September aims to highlight cancer issues for men
• September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
• Fight Cancer Foundation Footy Colours Day, September 2
• Can Assist meeting, 10am Thursday, September 13 at the old Bowral Hospital

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au


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Cancer Connections - May 2012

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Relay For Life was a fantastic success

What a great day ! Relay for Life 2012 in the Southern Highlands was an outstanding success. This was a great tribute to the months of hard work of the organising committee, led by Judi O'Brien. The district turned on marvellous weather for the whole day, even if the night was a little chilly, and the number of people participating was simply massive.


The morning began with two major features : the Survivors and Carers Walk, accompanied by piper Andrew Hearn, and just before it took place, we listened to a totally inspirational speech from Jane Harris, one of those cancer survivors. (Jane's moving address can now be read in full on this website - see under News and Events.) In addition to the actual relay, the well-organised event was packed with activities for young and old. The popular Miss Relay contest definitely showed what a fun day it was.




and the entrants in the Character Race must have been the young-at-heart :



Now, the results :

Altogether there were 74 teams taking part and, the last time I looked, the total amount raised was over $213,900 ! A great result when you consider that the target was $200,000 and the proceeds are still coming in. A fantastic result when you consider the number of people who live in this district. This result will make a wonderful contribution to the work of Cancer Council NSW which maintains major research projects on the causes and treatment of cancer, costing $16 million this year. In addition, the funds raised will help their other ongoing programs : the Helpline 13 11 20; telephone support groups; Living with Cancer programs; peer support systems; booklet and online information services.


Here in the Highlands, apart from advances in treatment flowing from research and those support services listed above, we also have the benefit of Cancer Council services delivered locally : the Patient Transport Service; the General and Practical Support service (GAPS); and the Cancer Council Information Centre. All of these services in the Wingecarribee are made possible by the great work of our local volunteers in partnership with Cancer Council NSW.

Cancer Council wins award for transparency

The winner of the 5th annual PriceWaterhouseCoopers Award for Transparency in the not-for-profit sector was Cancer Council NSW. Charities asking the public to contribute to their work these days have to be transparent, cost-efficient and accountable. Given what was just achieved in the Highlands to donate to this cause, it is good to know they are rated so highly for the way the funds are then managed and spent.

Filling the GAPS

We have a new name for our Volunteer In Home Support service. It is now GAPS : General and Practical Support. The new title is apt because the service was intended all along to “fill in the gaps” where cancer patients or their carers need support in the home. This change will not affect the range of services available. It has been made to more accurately reflect the fact that much of the assistance patients are being given is actually outside the home : e.g. transport to medical appointments or shopping, or to connect with the Patient Transport Service bus. Speaking of which, the GAPS service does need new drivers. If you would like to volunteer as a driver, please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator, Suzy Kennon, on 0428 681 926 or by sending an email to shvihs@y7mail.com


Coming Events

• National Volunteer Week, May 14th -20th
• National Palliative Care Week, May 20th -26th
• Biggest Morning Tea at Cancer Centre, May 24th; look for others also that week
• World No Tobacco Day, May 31st
• Medical Research Week June 1st -8th
• Bowel Cancer Awareness Week, June 3rd -9th
• Can Assist meeting, 10am Thursday, June 14th at the old Bowral Hospital
• Men’s Health Expo, St Jude’s Anglican Church, Bowral, June 16th, 8.30am–2pm

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au

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Cancer Connections - April 2012

Thursday, April 19, 2012

New Oncology Unit opens

The relocation of the Southern Highlands Cancer Centre and the Cancer Council Information Centre has now taken place. The Centre has moved from its previous premises in Holmhale Street to the new Oncology Unit within the Southern Highlands Private Hospital, 99 Bowral Street, Bowral. The telephone number direct to the Cancer Centre is 4862 9470.

The modern and spacious unit involves an increase in oncology recliner chairs to 7; plus oncology procedure rooms with 2 new beds; 3 dedicated consulting rooms; an interview room; the services of a dispensary; and access to cancer information resources. There is also room for family and friends to accompany patients in a bright and relaxed atmosphere with the availability of watching television, listening to music, or their own discman/MP3 player.

Register for Relay For Life

The build-up to this great event continues. Relay for Life will be at Eridge Park Oval on April 28th – 29th. Part of the funds raised by this event go towards financing vital research into the causes and treatment of cancer by Cancer Council NSW. Their current research program totals a staggering $16 million. You can register online by clicking here Relay for Life to join a team or, better still, form your own team and make an entry. To obtain further information about Relay For Life 2012 you can talk to Tara Holloway : telephone 4223 0206 or email to her at tarahw@nswcc.org.au Who will you relay for ?


The program of activities planned for the day will ensure an entertaining and fun-filled event for all the family. At last glance, there were already 65 teams who have so far raised over $66,000 and still counting. People who are not able to take part are urged to make a donation to support the efforts of one of the teams and to purchase tickets in the Relay Raffle. (Pictured : a small section of the participants in 2010)


Filling the GAPS

We now have a new name for our Volunteer In Home Support service, known as VIHS. Its name has changed to GAPS : General and Practical Support. The new title is apt because the service was intended all along to “fill in the gaps” where cancer patients or their carers need support back in the home. This change will not affect the range of services available. It has been made to more accurately reflect the fact that much of the assistance patients are being given is actually outside the home : for example, transport to medical appointments or shopping, or to connect with the Patient Transport Service bus.

Speaking of which, the GAPS service does need new drivers. If you would like to volunteer as a driver, please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator, Suzy Kennon, on 0428 681 926 or by sending an email to shvihs@y7mail.com

Can Assist welcomes new members

The local branch of Can Assist always welcomes new men or women who are keen to help in the fundraising activities of the group. Remember that all monies collected or donated are spent here in the Southern Highlands helping cancer patients. Meetings are held each month at the old Bowral Hospital. The next one is on Thursday May 10th at 10am.

Coming Events

• Southern Highlands Relay for Life, April 28th -29th at Eridge Park Oval
• Can Assist meeting, 10am Thursday, May 10th at the old Bowral Hospital
• Mothers Day Classic - aiding breast cancer research – May 13th
• National Volunteer Week May 14th–20th is time to celebrate all our volunteers

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au

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Cancer Connections - March 2012

Thursday, March 22, 2012

New Oncology Unit

There has been a delay to the moving of the Southern Highlands Cancer Centre from its current premises in Holmhale Street to the new oncology unit at Southern Highlands Private Hospital. Recent wet weather has put back some of the building work at the hospital and the move will now take place on Tuesday, April 10th.



Cancer Services Directory 2012
The last week of February saw the publication of the 4th edition of our directory which lists the services available locally to assist cancer patients and their families. It also carries a number of articles about cancer and health-related matters along with advertisements from many local firms and organisations. The feedback we have had shows that it has been very well-received. Thanks are due to Southern Highland News and all the Directory’s sponsors who make this publication possible. If you missed out, a copy can be obtained at the Cancer Centre or you can now download it as a pdf file from the Directory tab on this website.

Register for Relay For Life

This major fund-raiser for Cancer Council NSW will be held at Eridge Park Oval on April 28th – 29th. It will commence at 9.30am on the Saturday and the Survivors & Carers Walk takes place at 10am. The event finishes at 10am on Sunday. For more details, see our additional item under the “News and Events” tab. 

You can register online by clicking here Relay for Life to join a team or, better still, form your own team and make an entry. Early bird registration (before April 14) is $15 per person. Who will you relay for ? Those not able to take part are urged to make a donation to support the efforts of one of the teams and to purchase tickets in the Relay Raffle.


BowelCare test kits
As part of the bowel cancer awareness campaign the test kits from BowelCare Australia are now on sale at most pharmacies until March 31st. The $10 fee covers the kit, pathology and notification of results. Completed kits can be returned to participating pharmacies up to April 14th. Note that there are instructions about avoiding red meat and iron tablets, and restricting the intake of aspirin and vitamin C, for three days before and during the collection period. Full instructions are printed on the test kits.

Smoke-free Outdoor Areas Policy
This important policy was passed unanimously by Wingecarribee Shire Council at its meeting on February 22nd. Full detail will become available when Council posts this on its website, makes its media release and includes it in Community Notices. Signage will then be erected at relevant areas.

Cancer-related News
The Herald Sun reported that an Australian cancer drug designed to kill cancerous cells while leaving healthy ones intact has been tested on Australian patients. The drug was discovered, designed and tested in Australia. Assoc. Prof. Martin Lackmann, Monash University, said : “We believe this antibody has the potential to provide significant benefit to a range of patients with blood cancers or solid tumours, given its potential to attack different types of cancerous cells”.

Coming Events
• 1st April is National Smile Day – supporting the Clown Doctors
• Can Assist meeting, 10am Thursday, April 12th at the old Bowral Hospital
• Southern Highlands Relay for Life, April 28th -29th at Eridge Park Oval

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au


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Cancer Connections - December 2011

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Balloons Day Raffle : Prize Winners

The Balloons Can Assist fundraising event was held on November 13th at Bowral Pool and was organised by members of the Southern Highlands Cancer Leadership Committee as a way of helping the local Can Assist branch. We were delighted that everyone's combined efforts raised in excess of $7,000. A great big “Thank You” to all the many generous sponsors and volunteers who helped make the day a success !


The Balloons Day raffle has now been drawn; the prizes and their winners were :

1st S. Willard - Balloon ride; 2nd A. Driver – signed 2009 Kangaroos jersey; 3rd M. Scamps – laptop computer; 4th S. Wolfe - Edible Gardener voucher; 5th A. Jackson - Illawarra Fly and dinner; 6th M. Mather - Ella Baché voucher; 7th B. Kerns - Sturt Gallery voucher. Congratulations to all prize winners. Thank you for supporting the day.


The Look Good…Feel Better Program

is fully described on its own web page on this site. (See the QuickLink on the LHS of this screen.) The next local workshop in the program will be held at the Southern Highlands Cancer Centre at Bowral on March 20th. “Most of all I loved thinking that despite cancer, with or without makeup, I am still beautiful and still me, there is more to cancer than the treatment. Keep up the good work,” says workshop attendee Shanti. If you would like to attend, you will need to register and this can be done by telephoning Jo Pearson on 4861 2177 or the facilitator Merrilyn Usher on 0412 756 139.


Encore Program

YWCA Encore is an 8 week program designed for women who have experienced breast cancer. The sessions of two hours per week provide gentle exercises, relaxation techniques and information. These are aimed at restoring mobility, flexibility and confidence, regardless of how long ago the surgery or treatment occurred. The program is safe, fun and therapeutic - and it’s free. A course will commence locally at Henley Brae on February 8th. Register, or find more information, online at www.ywcaencore.org.au or telephone 1800 305 150.


Continuing Support for Cancer Patients
Cancer patients seeking support now have the Cancer Council Information Centre where they can speak with trained volunteers and use the facilities available at the Centre. It’s open every week on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am – 4pm at 2 Holmhale St, Bowral, or telephone 4861 2177. There is also the Volunteer In Home Service, the Patient Transport Service and the Wig Library. Details of all these supports are shown on our website www.sh-cancerconnect.com.au in addition to the Cancer Council services which can be accessed through their Helpline on 13 11 20. Also there will be a “Living Well After Cancer” course commencing once the Cancer Centre moves to the new oncology unit at the private hospital in 2012.

Cancer Services Directory 2012
Planning for the 4th edition of our much-valued Cancer Services Directory has already begun. If you have a relevant local cancer service you wish to see listed or advertised in the booklet to be issued in Southern Highland News next February 22nd, just send us an email at info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au

Volunteer In Home Service

Cancer patients and carers will be pleased to know that referrals to our Volunteer In Home Service can be made by nursing staff or other health professionals. Self-referrals are also acceptable. If in doubt, check the details on the webpage (see the QuickLink on the LHS of this screen) or ring the Cancer Centre on 4861 2177. The service is always interested in hearing from men or women who can volunteer some of their time to help. If you can, please contact the co-ordinator, Suzy Kennon, on 0428 681 926 or email shvihs@y7mail.com.


Season’s greetings
With the Christmas season already here, we take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers and supporters who do so much to help others when they most need it. At the same time, the Committee sends sincere best wishes to all readers of this column for a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Coming Events
• Encore program commences at Henley Brae, February 8th. Register as shown above.
• LG…FB workshop at the Cancer Centre in Bowral, March 20th. Register as shown above.
• Advance Notice : Southern Highlands Relay for Life 2012 will be held on April 28-29 at Eridge Park oval.

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au

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Cancer Connections - September 2011

Thursday, September 22, 2011

ZUMBA Party success !
What a great initiative was shown by Danna Vozzo and her team from Curves ! Over 150 energetic souls put in four hours of intense Zumba and succeeded in raising over $5700 in aid of the Southern Highlands Cancer Centre Trust Fund. That was a neat formula : raising money to be spent on the equipment which local patients need, while getting fit at the same time. If that’s not a win-win, I don’t know what is.

Volunteer In Home Service

This local service, which helps cancer patients and their carers in the home or with some transport needs, is open to accepting more clients. Also, new volunteers can join the next training course. But needed urgently : volunteers who could drive a patient to meet the Patient Transport Service bus at Moss Vale. If you can help, please contact the co-ordinator, Suzy Kennon, on 0428 681 926 or email shvihs@y7mail.com.


Encore Program

YWCA Encore is an 8 week program designed for women who have experienced breast cancer. The sessions of two hours per week provide gentle exercises, relaxation techniques and information. These are aimed at restoring mobility, flexibility and confidence, regardless of how long ago the surgery or treatment occurred. The program is safe, fun and therapeutic - and it’s free. A course will commence locally at Henley Brae on October 12th. Register, or find more information, online at www.ywcaencore.org.au or telephone 1800 305 150.


The Look Good…Feel Better Program

is fully described elsewhere on this site – use the QuickLink on the left. Their next program will be held at the Southern Highlands Cancer Centre at Bowral, on October 25th. You need to register by October 17th and this can be done online at http://lgfb.org.au/lgfb_wp/workshops or by telephoning 02 9281 2322.


CWA Exeter did it again
I have only just learnt that, through their Amazing Aprons activity back in April, Exeter branch of CWA presented cheques for $6,500 apiece to Can Assist and the Jean Colvin Cancer Centre. Aren’t they just an amazing bunch of ladies at Exeter ?

October is Pink Awareness Month

We’ve learnt to associate the colour pink with action on breast cancer which has been well-publicised. It’s probably now time to also spare thought for people diagnosed with some of the other cancers which don’t have the same profile : such as cancers of the pancreas, brain, lung, and prostate (the one the guys don’t like to talk about).


Breast Cancer Trials group
The LATER study aims to find the best long-term treatment for women who have had breast cancer in the past. Postmenopausal women who have completed their therapy may be able to help. Volunteers are still needed to take part in the trial. Please telephone 1800 039 634 or visit www.anzbctg.org to join.
Coming Events

• Encore program runs Oct. 12 – Nov. 30 at Henley Brae, 1-3pm. Registration is needed.

• Can Assist AGM, October 13, 10am in the lecture room of the old hospital.
• Pink Ribbon Day, October 24.

• Look Good…Feel Better Program is on October 25 at Bowral. Registration is needed.

• “Balloons Can Assist” fundraiser is on Nov. 13, 10am-4pm, at Bowral Pool.

Grahame Hackett (Chair, SHCLC)
info@sh-cancerconnect.com.au




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