Pink Phoenix Care Bags support women in BRICC

BALLARAT Pink Phoenix Breast Cancer Support Group has donated thirty Care Bags to women currently experiencing breast cancer treatment at the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.

Last Thursday, McGrath cancer nurses, Joylene Fletcher and Leanne Storer received the bags to distribute to their patients.

Pink Phoenix’s Pauline Prebble said the Care Bags have been packed utilising proceeds from fundraising throughout the year. They’re designed to remind women experiencing treatment that they are seen, supported and understood.

“It’s just a way to make sure that the ladies know that they’re not alone going through this,” she said. “There’s others that have been through it that are there to support them if they need.”

The bags are full of items the group’s members found useful while they were experiencing chemotherapy themselves, including a pen and notebook, a soft toothbrush, sanitiser, water, mints, fruit tingles, lollypops, chocolate, tea and coffee, and a movie voucher to relax.

Ms Fletcher said her patients would absolutely love the packages.

“On behalf of all the ladies that this is going to be provided to, there’s huge gratitude, appreciation and thanks,” she said. “It’s the little things that count, and the kindness and generosity is overwhelming.”

Ballarat Pink Phoenix was formed in 2007 and meets every month to provide peer to peer support to women who are currently experiencing or have survived breast cancer.

It’s a nurturing and non-judgemental environment where women can travel their unique journey, but know they’re not alone. Discover more at ballaratpinkphoenix.org.au.