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New cancer support group in Armidale
28 February, 2008
People touched by cancer will be able to get together and share their experiences and feelings about their cancer journey as part of the newly-established Armidale Cancer Support Group.
The group will have its first meeting on Wednesday 5 March and will be open to anyone over 18 who is living with any type of cancer. The venue and refreshments will be donated each week and there will be no costs to participants.
The meetings will be run by Armidale Oncology Unit Cancer Nurse Co-ordinator Jo Bindley and Oncology Social Worker Fiona Ord.
Jo said up until now there had been a successful support group for people with breast cancer, but this newly formed group would be open to anyone, with any type of cancer.
After the success of the Living with Cancer program it was identified there was a need for the support group.
“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 meeting up each month to share their stories and participate in any educational sessions.”
Fiona said they 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 affect - 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.”
Guest speakers will also feature at the monthly meetings and will be arranged by Jo and Fiona according to the group’s needs.
The Armidale Cancer support group will hold its first meeting on Wednesday 5 March between 10am and 12 noon at The Wicklow Hotel (crn Marsh and Dumaresq streets), Disabled access is available. Morning tea will be kindly provided by Moxon’s Bakery. No RSVP for the meeting is required.
For further information please contact either Jo Bindley or Fiona Ord on
6776 9761 or the Cancer Council on 131 120.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767
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