THE Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group continues to make its mark in the South East, providing residents with financial support during their cancer journeys.
The support group – which has raised funds since 1981 – sold just shy of 100 tickets for its annual fundraiser on Friday night, with the Mount Gambier RSL Bowling Club flooded with community and business support.
Support group volunteer Lorraine Musgrove said the major fundraiser would help ease the financial strain of medical procedures and travel.
“We support clients by assisting with their financial situation while they are going through treatment,” Ms Musgrove said.
“We visit them and also support them post-cancer as well.”
The group’s 18 members work closely with the Mount Gambier Hospital oncology unit.
“We help a lot of people, which ranges from little ones to older (people), there is no age group,” she said.
“We have (received) wonderful feedback from our clients, because it really is a struggle when they need to have extra treatment which brings extra expenses.
“It all just helps with their struggles.”
Members Colleen and Bernie Winterfield and Karuna Buttle know first-hand the impact cancer can have.
“When Bernie was diagnosed with prostate cancer we had to go to Adelaide for three weeks for the operation, then we came back for several weeks before heading off again for further treatment,” Ms Winterfield said.
“The cancer support group approached us and said they have an assistance group which helped us so much while we were up there.”
Ms Winterfield said life did not stop, despite being five hours from home.
“You are in Adelaide for weeks and you still have to run the house down here,” she said.
“Just because you are dealing with cancer treatment does not mean the bills stop and it does not stop the expenses.
“You still have to eat while you are up there.”
Ms Winterfield said while her husband was halfway through his treatment, the group called to check on his progress.
“When you are up there for so long they do have a social worker there for you,” Ms Winterfield said.
“Everyone is in the same boat but you do not realise there are so many people up there.
“The support group asked if we needed more financial support, we declined and once we came back here we decided to sign up and help others as well.”
Ms Buttle – who joined the group following receiving treatment for breast cancer – also received financial support.
“The year I had cancer my husband was not too well either, which caused it to get very difficult financially,” Ms Buttle said.
“The support group really did help us and after I got better I decided to join as well to give back to locals.”
“People don’t know the group is here.
“They are always trying to fundraise and help locals.”
New members are welcome.
