Guest speakers for Armidale Cancer Support Group
People touched by cancer can get together and share their experiences and feelings about their cancer journey as part of the established Armidale Cancer Support Group.
The group meets the first Wednesday of every month and is open to anyone over 18 and living with any type of cancer. The venue and refreshments are donated by the Wicklow Hotel and Moxons Bakery each week and there is no cost to participants.
The meetings are run by Armidale Oncology Unit Cancer Nurse Co-ordinator Jo Bindley and Oncology Social Worker Fiona Ord and McGrath Breast Nurse Helen Goodall.
Armidale currently has two cancer groups, the Breast Cancer Support Group and the Armidale Cancer Support Group. People are welcome into either group. An education calendar has been developed for the year to allow participants to learn about different aspects of cancer care.
“There is naturally a lot of emphasis on the medical side of cancer treatment but the emotional impact of cancer can be neglected,” Jo said.
“We hope all cancer patients living in the Armidale area will be able to benefit from the meetings, where they can share their stories and participate in any educational sessions.”
Fiona said it was hoped the supportive atmosphere would help people open up about their experiences.
“It will give people a chance to talk to others with similar experiences, understand how they are feeling and provide each other with strategies to live with the diagnosis,” Fiona said.
“The emotional impact of cancer is just as crucial as the physical effect - you can’t treat one without the other. We’re hoping anyone who comes along will be given the support to get through their cancer journey.”
This year a number of guest speakers will address the cancer support group. In March, Greg Hannon from Mount View Pharmacy spoke to the group on a variety of issues. Guest speakers for the remainder of the year include:
5 May 2010 – Gillian Woodward, Dietitian
7 July 2010 - Kimberly Johnson, Massage Therapist
1 September 2010 – Greg Moin, Lawyer, Moin and Associates
3 November 2010 – Alistair Gilbert, Psychiatrist
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: 6767 7137