Survivors turn out in force.
Almost 100 delegates attended The Nelson Regional Breast Cancer Trust's inaugural “Survivorship Day”, on Friday 16th
May. The conference was specially developed for breast cancer patients and their carers and focused on moving forward
with life beyond treatment for Breast Cancer.
Guest speakers and health care professionals presented sessions throughout the day aimed to help delegates understand
the facilities available locally in terms of follow-up medical care and support services. Topics covered included
dealing with the physical and emotional effects of treatment, the importance of exercise and nutrition and lingerie
options post surgery. The emphasis was very much on practical information to help survivors move forward and embrace
life.
All delegates were given a Survivor's Passport with useful tips for managing health and recovery, written by guest
speaker, Andrea Fairbairn; herself a survivor, and founder of "Breast Cancer Nirvana" www.breastcancernirvana.co.nz, the Survivor's Passport is available in a downloadable format on the trust's website (www.nrbct.co.nz).
Dr Kate Gregory, Medical Oncologist and Nelson Regional Breast Cancer Trust Trustee, was very happy the event had been
so well attended, she says, "As far as I'm aware this is the first conference of its kind in the country, so the trust
was thrilled with such a great turnout". She continues, "The feedback from delegates was extremely positive, with many
calling for the day to become a regular event."
Attending breast cancer survivor, Veronica Hippolite-A'Court, says "I was so impressed with the day. The speakers were
really informative," She continues, "What I didn't expect was the feeling of camaraderie among everyone attending, it
was great to connect with other people who have been through a similar experience to me."
The NRBCT hope to run their Survivorship Days bi-annually in future, and have several fundraising events coming up later
in the year, including the annual Bootcamp for Breast Cancer (16th November) in order to fund an ongoing programme.
Visit the trust’s website for more information on upcoming events www.nrbct.co.nz.
ENDS