My Charity

7 Days in the Sahara …. supporting St. Vincent’s cancer survivors

So why would they do it?

In 2006 Martin lost his father John to Pancreatic cancer. One of the things that stood out most from John’s battle with Pancreatic cancer was the warmth and professionalism displayed by those who cared for him in his treatment. This care was extended not only to John but to his family.

In 1997 Paul and his six-year-old daughter lost a wife and mother to breast cancer at the age of 32. Years later, after marvelling at the care his family received from the St. Vincent’s Oncology medical and social work teams, Paul is working at this great Victorian institution in IT and is determined to contribute to a new cancer centre being built in 2008.

To help others benefit from his family’s experience Paul helped set-up a dedicated space within Oncology known as “The Retreat”, where:

patients come out of the ‘typical’ clinical environment
they are free to mentally switch off
patients can relax and use positive living information, and,
they are able to talk to a social worker privately.

So… almost 8yrs ago via a number of fundraising events we created a room within the Oncology department called ‘The Retreat’.

It is a space that feels different to the other more clinical areas of the hospital where cancer care is provided – it has easy chairs, a library of inspirational books, calming art work on the walls, relaxation CD’s, television & video. The room is used constantly, & quite often an audible sigh of relief is heard as patients, and staff alike, enter into this calming space.

Time has moved on & the Oncology department is about to be moved to a new location within the Hospital…

…this means that ‘The Retreat’ will need to be re-built!

The new Cancer Centre “Retreat” at St. Vincent’s will incorporate many of Paul’s ideals for modern cancer care, emphasising a holistic approach to a patient’s cancer journey.

Your support and donations will allow the Cancer Social Work team to continue to perform their amazing job, in an environment that is conducive to well-being and provides a nurturing retreat from the daily stress of cancer.