CanTeen dishing out help for families living with cancer
18 February 2010
CanTeen is Australia’s key support network for young people living with cancer, and they’re hosting a camp in our region in mid April.
Western District Health Service Community Liaison staff met with CanTeen representatives this week to offer the service’s assistance in promoting the program across the region. CanTeen information kits will now be available from Hamilton Base Hospital.
One of the common misconceptions about CanTeen is that it is only for children with a cancer diagnosis. CanTeen was set up to support young people all the way from 12 to 25, who are either living with cancer themselves, or who have a family member with cancer. Some members have already lost a family member to cancer when they join the organisation.
Lizzie Slaherty’s mother was diagnosed with cancer four years ago when she was just 13 years old. One day during a hospital visit for chemotherapy, her mother found a brochure about CanTeen and passed it on to her daughters.
Lizzie looks back at this moment now and sees it as a turning point in her life.
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“CanTeen is definitely one of the best things in my life” she said.
“I have friends at school, but I can’t talk to any of them the way I can with my friends in CanTeen. And I can talk to anyone in CanTeen.”
Lizzie has been involved in several organisational sub-committees and sees herself being involved in CanTeen for many years to come.
Beck Walker started off working in CanTeen’s administration team four years ago, but was quickly recognised for her skill and passion and was offered the job of Recreation Officer, designing programs for CanTeen’s camps.
“My involvement with CanTeen has taught me so much about life and myself” she said, “I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”
The two young women stress that the camps are not for everyone, but that vital support resources were also available on the website for those were not inclined to be part of group activities.
CanTeen’s next camp will be held in Hall’s Gap from the 8th -12th April. The camps, and transport to and from the camps are all fully funded. Participants on camp can enjoy outdoor activities, water sports, informal information and counselling and an opportunity to build friendships with people in similar circumstances.
Interested young people and their families can call Community Liaison Manager, Kerry Martin on 5551 8231 or CanTeen Recreation Officer, Beck Walker on 08 8161 7488 or can register their interest on the website at www.canteen.org.au
National Bandanna Day is the key fundraising event for CanTeen and is held on the last Friday in October.
Photo: WDHS Community Liaison Manager Kerry Martin, WDHS Deputy CEO Pat Turnbull with Beck Walker and Lizzie Slaherty.
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