an intention and a goal
wellness news Wellness News is published by Cancer Support WA and distributed free to members. Wellness News is dedicated entirely to publishing informative, inspiring and helpful articles related to wellness and healing. The magazine is for people with cancer and other serious health issues; for people who want to maintain their good health naturally; and for integrative and natural health professionals who are looking for a deeper understanding of wellness.
editorial & production... Editor & Design Mandy BeckerKnox mandy@cancersupportassociation.org.au Advertising/Sponsorship Adam Bennett adam@cancersupportwa.org.au Distribution To our dedicated volunteers – thankyou, your efforts are sincerely appreciated!
contact...
e info@cancersupportassociation.org.au ph (08) 9384 3544 f 9384 6196 a 80 Railway St Cottesloe WA p PO Box 325 Cottesloe WA 6911
social media...
www.cancersupportwa.org.au Facebook: Cancer Support WA Twitter: CSAWA1
disclaimer The contents of this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Cancer Support WA and should not be construed as medical advice. Cancer Support WA encourages readers to be discerning with information presented and make treatment, dietary and lifestyle choices in consultation with a team of health-care professionals. © Copyright of all articles and images remains with individual contributors.
What does healing mean to you? Dear members and friends, Recently the Cancer Support WA team took to the streets of Perth CBD for our Christmas Street Appeal. Everyone from the Board, counsellors, staff and dedicated volunteers got involved to help raise the money we need to fund our cancer support services – all of which are now completely free to our members, with most support services also free to the community. It was interesting to be in the city in this capacity and observe the reactions of passersby, it certainly provided deeper insight into the psychology of giving. We live in a city of such abundance and it seemed ironic that it wasn’t the well dressed, wealthy shoppers who gave the most – even a neighbour who I know quite well walked by without a glance towards the fundraiser shaking the tin! For me it was the schoolkids, immigrants, pensioners, workers and people who have been touched by cancer themselves who emptied their purses and gave what they had. Even a young, self-confessed homeless man stopped and gave a few coins, which shows we should never make assumptions! I heard many fragments of stories that day, some were heartbreaking, such as the beautiful young woman shopping with a friend who told me she had lost her husband to cancer only two days before and was in the city to buy a dress for the funeral. Her grief was raw and tangible and a few kind words were enough to unravel her composure. She now knows about the Cancer Support WA services, such as our grief group and counselling, which could potentially help her when she is ready, and she now knows that she never need feel alone, we are here for her. Others in the team heard different stories which made an impression and affirmed for us all the importance of Cancer Support WA’s mission and the healing potential of the work we do. Healing means something different to each of us. For me, healing is not the absence of disease or having a perfect life, it is the blossoming of real gratitude and appreciation for all the experiences life has gifted us with. Healing is the unconditional acceptance of ourselves and those we share our world with, and importantly it is the unhindered capacity to give, to receive and to share love. What does healing mean for you? It is my hope that each of our readers finds their answers and discovers the essence of healing within themselves this Christmas. Please enjoy this edition of Wellness News which is our gift to you.
Mandy BeckerKnox Chief Executive Officer
please give online to our Christmas Appeal cancersupportwa.org.au