SPRING 2024 NEWSLETTER Donate Online www.awcancertrust.org.au Kindness knows no bounds In a world where heroism often goes unrecognized, Barry and Jean Gibbons stand as a testament to quiet, steadfast dedication. For over four decades, Barry and Jean, local farmers from Walbundrie, have channelled their boundless compassion and energy into volunteering their time and raising funds and awareness for cancer services without seeking formal accolades or public acclaim. The couple’s connection to cancer and fundraising began in a deeply personal way. Forty-three years ago, Barry’s sister was diagnosed with cancer. With his sister battling cancer in Sydney’s North Shore Hospital, Barry and Jean organized an Open Day on their Walbundrie property. Barry tells us “That everyone wanted to help.” With the local community behind them, the Open Day was described as out of this world! More than 1000 people came through the property gates and together raised a staggering $10,000 for the North Shore Hospital Cancer Services Department. The day had something for everyone, with cake stalls, barbeque lunches, pony rides, donuts, drinks, a white elephant stall, an afternoon tea, a sewing stall, train rides, plane rides, radio-controlled planes, an animal nursery, parachute jumping demonstrations and a fashion parade. Raffle tickets were sold at 20 cents a ticket and raised more than $500. Remember at this time, we still had 1 and 2 cent coins in circulation. We were not surprised to learn that the couple’s four daughters were recruited to help count so many coins! With a milk pail filled to the brim with the $10,000 raised, Barry delivered the funds to the bank personally. But the couple’s motivation to make a difference, did not stop there. Over the years, they consistently volunteered their time at Albury’s Hilltop Patient and Carer Accommodation Centre. Here they offered support and comfort to those navigating their own battles. Barry and Jean’s dedication did not stop there. Recently, they sold 2 cattle for $4,000 with all proceeds once again directed towards cancer services, this time the Trust Fund was the beneficiary. This act of generosity, while just one of many, reflects their enduring commitment to a cause that has touched his family deeply. Despite the scale of their contributions, Barry and Jean remain a softly spoken, unassuming figures. Their preference for staying out of the spotlight only amplifies the sincerity of their efforts. However, upon meeting Barry and Jean, we could not help but share their story with you. On behalf of our community, we would like to extend our deep-felt gratitude for all you have done to support cancer services. • GENEROSITY IN ACTION: Barry, Janelle Day (daughter) and Jean Gibbons presenting the $4,000 cheque to Kerry Strauch (Trust Fund Board Member). A PUBLICATION OF COVER PHOTO SUPPLIED BY: TREVOR IERINO PHOTOGRAPHY
Hello and welcome to the Spring Edition of the Shine Newsletter. What a busy year it has been so far for the Trust Fund. We have welcomed new Board Members (Shona Stanton and Richard Lukins), finalised our 2024-25 Strategic Plan, graciously accepted both small and large donations from our community members, and have launched the 2024 Sunshine Walk! Yes, we have been busy! Our Board Members have been busy meeting with both Donors and Clubs who have volunteered many hours of their time to support our mission. Without you, our community, we would be unable to create lasting change. It is the strength of our community that drives us forward. This edition focusses on our Four Pillars and how together, we are creating lasting change. Be sure to read about how we have invested in the Wellness Centre services, Staff Education, Research and Equipment purchased to help our cancer patients in our region. Our Sunshine Walk is on Sunday 10 November and we encourage all in our community and beyond to take part in this fun filled event. For those of you who are new to the Sunshine Walk, it is our biggest annual fundraising event that promises a distance to suit everyone. Whether you walk 5, 10 or 20km, every step counts. Bring a friend or loved one and share in the fun. We are in the process of creating Walk on Sunshine Honour Boards that will be ready to display at the conclusion of the 2024 Walk. These Honour Boards will publicly recognise and celebrate your contributions towards helping us to achieve our mission. In amongst this hive of activity, we have approved Grant Applications that promise to improve services at the Cancer Centre, and we now have a brand-new e-magazine version of the Shine Newsletter that you can read online. Make sure you follow us on the AWRCCTF Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up to date with all news. Yours in Sunshine, Michelle Hensel Letter from the Board Chair FOUR PILLARS EQUIPMENT Equipment that supports cancer treatment RESEARCH EDUCATION Research and clinical trials WELLNESS CENTRE Wellness Centre and supportive cancer care programs 1 4 3 2 Education and training for staff
The Wellness Centre continues to be a beacon of hope and support for those affected by cancer. Over the past financial year, the Wellness Centre has continued its mission to provide supportive and compressive care those addresses not only the physical aspects of cancer, but also the emotional, psychological, and social needs of patients and their families. The Wellness Centre is fully funded by the community through donations made to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund. We would like to highlight to you several programs and services that have made a significant difference to the lives of many. Voucher Program The subsidised Voucher Program enables our patients and carers to access services outside of the Cancer Centre. Our local service providers involved in the Voucher Program included Crawford Massage, Wangaratta Remedial Massage, PAL Clinic, Enhance Physiotherapy and Health Focus Physiotherapy. Exercise Oncology Physical activity is vital for maintaining strength and energy levels during cancer treatment. The exercise oncology program is quickly becoming the flagship program, with many more individuals taking part in the program this past year. Clinical Psychology and Social Work Satisfaction Survey Demand for clinical psychology and social work services remained strong, throughout the past financial year. Under a process of continuous improvement, the Wellness Centre issued other annual Satisfaction Survey and were thrilled to learn that client satisfaction has reached exceptional high levels! Survey respondents’ rate their satisfaction between 8 and 32, with 8 being low and 32 being the highest score. We are thrilled to announce that overall satisfaction was 30.7!!! Pillar 1 - Wellness Centre 8 32 30.7 0 100 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 FINANCIAL YEAR 200 300 400 500 600 700 VOUCHER PROGRAM Number of Vouchers issued 0 10 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 FINANCIAL YEAR 20 30 40 50 60 70 EXERCISE ONCOLOGY Group Programs Individual Participants
Pillar 2 - Research During the 2023-2024 financial year, the Trust Fund contributed $113,720 in funding to the Border Medical Oncology Research Unit, enabling local people access to clinical trials. When we learnt that one of the team, Jacqui McBurnie was about to celebrate 21 years of employment with the Unit, we couldn’t wait to talk to Jacqui to find out what drives her dedication in the challenging but rewarding field of cancer research. With a passion for helping others, ignited during her nursing years, Jacqui has always been drawn to the dynamic nature of research – a place where science meets humanity, where every day bring new questions, and where breakthroughs changes lives. Clinical trials are not just about testing new drugs but being part of a larger mission to bring better treatments to patients. Over the years, Jacqui has been involved in countless trials, each filled with a unique journey, puzzles to solve and successes. For Jacqui one of the most notable success stories was the involvement in the Herceptin clinical trials. Prior to the clinical trials “Women were mortgaging their houses to gain access to Herceptin, we had clinical trials, and now that’s standard care” Jacqui said. Immunotherapy has also been a game changer for Jacqui and how she approaches her work. Originally immunotherapy was only used in the treatment of melanoma, but now it has expanded, and it continues to expand, to be applied to other cancers. Jacqui tells us that “Each patient is now looked at very differently, and treatment is based on an individual’s type of mutations and DNA that can drive the treatment. We no longer have a broad approach to cancer.” In looking back, Jacqui tells us that there has been momentous change in a brief period of time. However, her mission has always remained the same, everything is about the patient, their needs, desires, and outcomes. “What the patient wants to get out of a clinical trial might be quite different from what you expect them to want, a lot of patients are doing it to benefit others and not themselves. But we want to provide the best outcomes, make them enjoy coming to the facility. Cancer is not pleasant, but I want it to be pleasant as it can be for the patients. Not having to put them through too many procedures is always front of mind.” As Jacqui looks back over the past 21 years, it is the challenges and playing detective that keep her curious. Jacqui’s insatiable curiosity continues to drive her forwards “It is interesting, that is what keeps 21 years of passion and curiosity. me coming back every day. You never know what is going to happen every day. Something new is always popping up. Is that side effect related to the drug, the disease, what’s going on? It is really interesting.” In looking to the future, apart from a beach holiday, Jacqui is looking forward to the ongoing changes in how we test cell mutation, Next Generation Sequencing testing (NGS) and the development of new agents to treat cancer. For Jacqui “Mutation treatments is what I’m finding quite exciting, and there are so many of them.” Jacqui’s work has contributed towards significant advancements in the field, including the approval of new therapies that have given hope to thousands of patients worldwide and here in Albury Wodonga. From all of us at the Trust Fund, the Cancer Centre, and our community members whom you serve, Congratulations Jacqui on achieving such a significant milestone. We all very much look forward to learning more about your work in the years to come and celebrating your important work anniversary on the 20 October this year. • PASSIONATE AND CURIOUS RESEARCHER: Jacqui McBurnie
Pillar 3 - Education and Training Driven by dedication: One student’s passion to improve cancer services. family time has had its challenges, Jess is up for the challenge! Jess explains that she has tremendous support from her partner, the Cancer Centre, and is not only loving the process of learning, but the structure of writing at such a high level. As to her Study routine, Jess tells us that she is “Structured and organised in her approach.” Jess is grateful to have so many learned people around her, and to the Trust Fund and the Tim Fischer family who made the scholarship available. “I love learning however the cost of study is quite prohibitive. I take immense pride in being awarded the scholarship and am driven to do the best I can” she said. Jess is passionate about providing an optional experience for patients at the AWRCC and is keen to learn more about improving service provision. “The people in our community see me and connect what I am doing is good for the centre. It is a conversation starter. Our community is invested in making sure we are offering the best service we can have” Jess said. We look forward to catching up with Jess again and hearing more about her learning, her ideas and how she intends to activate her goal of improving service provision here at the Cancer Centre. • PASSION TO IMPROVE CANCER SERVICES: Jess Donnelly With world cancer rates on the rise across the world, it is important that the Trust Fund invests in staff learning and development. The Tim Fischer Memorial Scholarship was established in 2022 and provides staff at the AWRCC the opportunity to enrol in the Master of Cancer Services through the University of Melbourne. This course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to improve the clinical care of patients with cancer. We recently caught up with the 2024 Scholarship recipient, Jess Donnelly to learn how she is finding her studies, how she managed to fit study into an already busy life, what she has learnt so far and her vision for improving cancer services here at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre. What became immediately clear when talking with Jess, is her passion and enthusiasm for learning. Jess explains that she loves learning, and having recently completed her first subject, is full of excitement for the learning process and what is to come next. You cannot help but get excited about study when talking with Jess. Having just finished her first subject (Cancer Research), Jess is full of praise for how the subject is structured, the relevance and type of assessments she had to complete, and the feedback provided from her academics. Jess tells us that while the master’s is a science driven course, she can see the practical application of her learning through the types of assessments she is required to complete. “I can clearly see that real world skills are being taught in the course. It is great to see that our academics are wanting us to move away from the traditional text heavy learning and assessments, they want to see how we apply our learning to our assessments, this is real world.” Jess said. “All three assessments were quite different in nature, however they ‘built’ on my knowledge in a sequenced way. It was a great subject, highly informative and the feedback was so positive and helpful. They want us to do well so to help ‘build the industry’” Jess explains. Jess is quite excited about starting her second subject, Foundations in Genetics and Drug Therapies. Jess can already see how this subject will enable her to understand more about the important cancer research undertaken at AWRCC. When working full time, undertaking a master’s level course, and fitting in
Pillar 4 - Equipment • IMPORTANT ASSETS: McGrath Breast Care Nurses Gabbi Pulla and Robyn Goldsworthy, and Trust Fund Chair Michelle Hensell with one of the Bioimpedance spectroscopy devices. Donations made to the Trust Fund enable us to ensure that our local patients have access to the latest equipment and technology. In looking back over the years, equipment that has made a significant impact on cancer patients are the 2 Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) devices purchased in 2020 for $30,700. Thanks to your generosity, patients can access this equipment at both the Albury Regional Cancer Centre and Albury Wodonga Health’s public lymphoedema service. The Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a non-invasive device that can accurately measure a patient’s total body water, extracellular and intracellular fluid volumes, allowing for early detection of lymphoedema. Lymphedema is a common side effect of some cancer treatments and involves swelling of limbs due to a buildup of fluid. When detected early, patients can be referred to a lymphoedema practitioner for support and management. McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Robyn Goldsworthy, tells us that since purchase, “The device has enabled us to assess on average 5 new breast cancer patients a week and the ongoing monitoring of many.” Over the past 3.5 years, 451 patients in our community have used the Bioimpedance spectroscopy device under the care of the McGrath Breast Care Nurses and Albury Wodonga Health’s public lymphoedema service. Prior to the Trust Fund purchase, our patients were unable to gain such an in-depth measurement of fluid. Trust Fund chair Michelle Hensel, who is also a breast cancer survivor, said “These devices are vital in providing quality care for patients and we thank all our donors who have helped make this equipment available in our region.”
Get ready for an unforgettable day of excitement in a fun and relaxed environment. We are thrilled to invite you to the annual Sunshine Races, an event where passion meets purpose. Join us as we cheer for our favourite local horses and jockeys on the VIP Deck, whilst enjoying a gourmet meal, drinks, and exceptional company. The biggest highlight of the day is of course, the Pony Hop! This is one event that you simply cannot miss. Date: Saturday 19 October 2024 Venue: Wodonga Racecourse Gates open: 11.30am, Marque open: 12.30pm Book tickets: wodonga.tickets.countryracing.com.au For every ticket sold, $10 is donated to the Trust Fund. If you buy a ticket to the Sunshine Races, we will add this $10 to your Sunshine Walk Fundraising Goal. All Funds raised stay local and help the Trust Fund to make a difference in the lives of our community. Sunshine Races Marquee on the VIP Deck Holbrook Football Netball Club............................$51,762 Danny & Caroline Phegan.......$50,000 Commercial Club Albury.........$50,000 Joss Group..............................$50,000 Zauner Construction...............$15,000 Estate of the late Lindell Dalton.........................$10,000 Camaro & Firebirds Nationals.$12,002 Centenary Foundation - The John Ryan Perpetual Charitable. ................................$7,731 Kathleen Thomas......................$5,000 Baker Motors............................$5,000 Howlong & District Senior Citizens Inc....................$5,000 NGI Holdings - McDonalds........$4,700 Berrigan Football Netball Club.$4,024 Barry & Jean Gibbons..................$4,000 Trudi Lansdown........................$3,775 Twin City Truck Centre..............$3,750 Rutherglen Corowa Football Netball Club................$3,684 Wayne Lamb..............................$3,586 Twin City Stomp........................$2,660 Financial MV.............................$2,500 St. Pats Junior Football Club....$2,500 Minis on the Murray Car Club...$2,000 Corowa Pony Club.....................$1,660 Kelsey Watts Memorial Trust....$1,607 Hehirs Transport.......................$1,500 Albury Junior Football Club .....$1,125 Howlong Spiders Football & Netball Club............$1,032 Alb-Wod Table Tennis Assoc.....$1,000 Sue Berwick..............................$1,000 Lia Hensel.................................$1,000 North Eastern Over 60s Bowlers Group..........................$1,000 Frances Luxon..........................$1,000 Kiewa Tangam Lions Club.........$1,000 R&K Andrews............................$1,000 Lions Club of Thurgoona...........$1,000 Allan Mackie.............................$1,000 Berrigan Football Netball Club.$1,000 Fay McDonnell..........................$1,000 In memory of Elizabeth Matthews..................$1,000 Campbell Wines...........................$920 Murray Heritage Motorists Inc ....$600 Rhonda Keller..............................$600 Inner Wheel Wangaratta..............$600 Daniel Salmon..............................$500 Allison Bowman...........................$500 Lions Cub of Benalla....................$500 Findex Community.......................$500 Myrtleford Lion Club....................$500 Bruce Christensen.......................$500 Helen Byron.................................$500 John Alker-Jones.........................$500 Michelle Roberson ......................$500 Wodonga Mid-Week Ladies Tennis.$500 Wodonga Bulldogs.......................$500 Thank You! We thank the following individuals and organisations for their support. They have made a significant contribution to cancer services to the benefit of our local community. RECENT SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS: • RARING TO MAKE A COMEBACK: Trust Fund board member Di Thomas, Commercial Club Vice-President Jim Maher and Elders Albury-Wodonga office administrator Narelle Hamilton on blow-up horses in 2023.
With an average of 300 patients a day treated at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre, the Trust Fund needs your support more than ever. Money donated to the Trust Fund is used to pay for cancer services, training, research and equipment that is not funded by the government. The $64 million centre has united cancer services under one roof, offering a place to educate, support, research, diagnose and treat all forms of cancer. But to ensure it remains a first class, proactive and formidable facility, we must continue to source and manage extra funding from within our community. Where will the money go? The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Trust Fund will allocation donations to the service area most in need, with the focus on our Four Pillars. Pillar 1: Wellness Centre and supportive cancer care programs Pillar 2: Research and clinical trials Pillar 3: Education and training for staff Pillar 4: Equipment that supports cancer treatment. ONLINE QR CODE www.awcancertrust.org.au IN PERSON Direct debit at any Bendigo Bank branch Scan this QR Code Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Inc. BSB: 633-000 Account No: 150854123 PHONE (02) 6064 1538 and have your credit card ready Donations $2 and over are tax deductible. Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Inc. has been established by the Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation and approved by donations of $2 or more. How your donation helps How to Donate: 100% of your donation stays in the Albury Wodonga Region The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund is proud to be a 100% local charity. All funds raised will stay here in our region to support our family, friends, colleagues and fellow community members who are going through the cancer journey. EQUIPMENT RESEARCH EDUCATION WELLNESS CENTRE 1 4 3 2
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