Counterpart – a statewide service of Women’s Health Victoria that supports and informs women with cancer to live well – is again partnering with Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) to organise a free Wellbeing Day for women who have experienced cancer.
This free event will be held in Bairnsdale on Wednesday, October 9.
Swan Reach local Hayley Morris, 33, is planning to attend.
“When I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in January 2023, I hadn’t turned 32 and my youngest Eden was only eight months old,” she said.
“I went to the doctor with back pain, and discovered I had cancer in my bones.
“There are so many times when you feel like you are the only one going through this. I’m looking to connect with other local people who are experiencing something similar to me.
“Because I have stage 4 cancer, I may never not have cancer, but I’m a very positive person and I love hearing stories of women who have come out the other side and are cancer free.”
Ms Morris’ treatment team includes Jodie Campain, the cancer care coordinator and survivorship nurse at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service.
“My role provides practical and emotional support to our cancer patients and their families throughout their cancer treatment and beyond,” Ms Campain said.
“I am excited to be a part of this initiative again in 2024, after the success we had running the event in 2023 with over 30 women in attendance and fantastic feedback from those who attended.
“Women with cancer in regional Victoria often face many challenges including social isolation, difficulty accessing services and inadequate access to supportive care.”
Ms Campain said the Wellbeing Day “will open doors for women with cancer, by giving them an opportunity to network with health professionals and services in the region, meet with other local women with cancer and look after their mind, body and soul”.
Ms Morris agreed.
“Being so rural, it is amazing I can have access to those things even out in East Gippsland,” she said.
Counterpart manager Cindy Van Rooy said Counterpart provides peer support and information to women with cancer who are living across Victoria.
“We are thrilled to be returning to Bairnsdale and providing this opportunity for women to make connections and learn ways to care for their wellbeing,” she said.
“We are pleased to partner with BRHS to provide this support to women living in East Gippsland and grateful to the Victorian Government for funding this event”.
The Bairnsdale Wellbeing Day is free for women who have had any type of cancer and their partners, family or friends.
Registrations can be made by calling Counterpart.
