Now I have finished my chemo it has given me energy to start lobbying for cancer support services in Katherine. I spoke to the Chief Minister of the NT on talkback Radio to bring him up to date with the dire situation of cancer patients in Katherine I have written to the Minister for Health, Mrs Robyn Lambley, sending copies to the Opposition, the NT Branch of the Aust Medical Association and the Cancer Council. Have met with CEO Kathy Sadler form the Cancer Council who is keen to establish a support position in Katherine. Haven’t heard back from the Minister yet, but have heard rumblings are happening at the Darwin Cancer Care Centre and the Hospital.
I did a social media campaign to raise awareness and get women to register for the free breast screening being held in Katherine and this had been very successful.
Below an email I received today.
As singer songwriter Paul Kelly said “From little things, big things grow.”
Hi Toni
My name is Sarah Webb, and I am the Senior Radiographer for BreastscreenNT. I have been working in Katherine at our Breastscreening clinic since Sunday, and have been hearing a lot about you! So many women have been coming in and telling me about this courageous lady who has had a breast cancer diagnosis in Katherine, and who has been strong enough to share her story with everyone.
Currently at this breastscreen clinic, we have had to put on four and a half extra days of screening, as the awareness and participation in our service has been overwhelmingly increasing! Considering we only come here 4 weeks of the year, that is nearly a full week of extra appointments, and we are working over weekends trying to accommodate all these women who are wanting to join us. We are seeing women who have never had mammograms before, or who have not had one for a long time, and lots of women from out in the communities are coming in and having a mammogram too.
I think in part thanks to you and the sharing of your story. I believe you have helped empower other women to take charge of their health and to come along and get a free check.
I just wanted to let you know that you are obviously a wonderful and strong woman, and that you are making a difference, we certainly have the proof in the number of women we are seeing!
Thanks so much for being such an advocate for breast awareness, i want to wish you well in your journey ahead, and hope that if times get tough, you can reflect on the this, and know that you are making a difference in a lot of peoples lives.
All the very best, and thanks again for being so strong
Regards
Sarah
Leave a Reply