Nurse awarded for top effort

BENDIGO Health oncology nurse Jenna Sing has been recognised with a top gong at the recent Fundraising Institute of Australia’s National Awards for Excellence.

Ms Sing’s work with the Cancer Wellness Program at Bendigo Health’s Gobbé Wellness Centre has led to her Fundraising Champion of the Year acknowledgment.

She said all money for the service must be raised by staff and volunteers.

“The Cancer Wellness Program is a program that’s a hundred percent philanthropically funded by donations, community donations, corporate sponsorships, things like that,” she said.

“There’s no government funding attached to the program whatsoever.”

Ms Sing said the wellness service is about supporting patients who receive a cancer diagnosis.

“The Cancer Wellness Program provides supportive care to cancer patients in the complementary therapy space,” she said.

“That means incorporating things like oncology-based massage, reflexology, walking and increasing patient’s exercises.

“As well as prehab and rehab, using things like pet therapy whilst they’re having treatment, yoga, mindfulness sessions, trying to keep a holistic approach to their cancer diagnosis.”

Though the award was in recognition of individual efforts, Ms Sing said she couldn’t have done it without her team and the generosity of the region.

“It might seem like an individual award, but it’s an award for anyone who’s ever contributed to the program,” she said. “This doesn’t happen without everyone’s help.

“It is also a community award for anyone who’s ever donated to the program in any way.”

Ms Sing said she doesn’t need the recognition but does appreciate it for the exposure of the service.

“It gives great promotion to the cancer wellness program,” she said. “People can understand that their money stays local when they donate.

“Now people know if they’re donating five or 10 dollars here and there it is actually staying for local cancer patients, which is really important.”