Many thousands raised for wellness program

A GALA Ball held earlier this month organised by real estate agency McKean McGregor and attended by over 1000 guests has raised a whopping $252,820.02 to help fund Bendigo Health’s Cancer Wellness Program.

Combined with the previous three balls, the total raised by the agency now stands at $935,436.

The program, which delivers free mental and physical wellbeing support to cancer patients throughout their treatment and recovery, provides care for around 1500 people each year and relies on philanthropic and community assistance to operate.

Recently one of those people was local psychologist, budding podcaster, husband and father of three Glynn Chambers, who was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma just before Easter last year.

Now in remission, Mr Chambers said the program, which is based at the Gobbé Wellness Centre within Bendigo Health’s main campus, is an excellent service that he endorses.

“I’m really glad it’s there,” he said. “It’s a life-changing program because I felt alone in it all. It was a source of community, a source of deep care.

“When we’re going through something that is inherently stressful, the more things we can do for our own well-being and holistic health are absolutely critical. It’s all trying to help you work through the angst of it all.”

“The other part of it that’s wonderful that I would shout from the rooftops is I didn’t pay a dime. It’s free because generous people give their money because they think it’s important.

“People need to know how important this is and where the money doesn’t come from (the government). That’s not a gripe. It is what it is. There’s only so much to go around.

“It’s about being grateful to the Bendigo community who’ve been helping fund it. Because it’s free, no one misses out.

“When the chips are down in your life and you’re in the middle of treatment, you need good cancer-specific care and this place gives it to you in spades, so any dollar that people can contribute is really helpful.”

To make a direct donation to the Bendigo Health Cancer Wellness Program, go to the Bendigo Health Foundation website’s donation page and select Cancer Wellness Program.