Players and fans help cancer patients

BALLARAT Regional Integrated Cancer Centre held its Wellness Round between East Point and Redan on Saturday.

The annual matchup raises money for the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre’s wellness space, which supports cancer patients during and post treatment but doesn’t receive government funding.

Simone Noelker, Wellness Centre Co-ordinator, said the facility relies on philanthropic funding and community donations.

“We held raffles and other activities to raise much needed money for our programs at BRICC,” she said. “Our aim is to provide the wellbeing services to patients free of charge as often they already under financial disadvantage from the impact of their disease.”

Both football and netball teams wore commemorative jumpers on the day to raise awareness of issue.

The Wellness Centre delivers a range of physical therapies from oncology massage, yoga, art therapy and shiatsu as well as information sessions on diet and exercise, sexuality, lymphoedema and more.

Ms Noelker said the staff also offer strategies to deal with pain, fatigue, nausea and anxiety in a safe and healing environment.

The Wellness Centre has been created with the care of the patient its number one priority.

With couches and chairs, televisions, a fireplace, kids play area, reading material and kitchen facilities it is not a typical hospital setting,

“It is designed as a welcoming retreat for patients and carers,” Ms Noelker said.