Called ‘Make Cancer Easier’, the aim’s to illustrate the wide variety of local support services.
Event coordinator Maria Bradley, group fitness coordinator for council’s Sport and Recreation, and a cancer survivor herself, says the Cancer Society is excellent, but people who are well-supported and don’t use it may not know what services are available in the Whakatipu.
Wednesday’s session starts with very short presentations from 10 groups.
That’ll be followed by afternoon tea, shouted by Frank’s cafe, during which attendees can wander around the display tables each group will have.
Bradley also sees this as an opportunity for people to discuss their experiences with others.
She notes some of the services, like her own Remarkables Cancer Gym, are fitness-based, "because exercise is just so beneficial for everyone".
The emphasis might differ depending on the cancer, she says.
"So, women with breast cancer, it’s usually shoulders and upper back that are tight and weak, whereas a guy who’s had prostate cancer, it’s going to be abdominal work and sort of strengthening their legs.
"I think often people who’ve had cancer are just so kind of shattered by the experience, they kind of accept their bodies are less than they were and they settle for less, and they shouldn’t because we can get them back."
Bradley adds the expo might also appeal to the families of cancer patients.
Support services lining up
The 10 support groups presenting at next Wednesday’s ‘Make Cancer Easier’ expo in Queenstown:
- Cancer Society — cancer navigation and other services;
- Central Otago Lymphatics — lymphatic massage for those suffering from lymphedema as a result of cancer treatment;
- Financial mentoring — by Nancy McMillan;
- Green Prescription — GPs refer cancer patients and those with other medical conditions to Alpine Health and Fitness sessions at discounted rate;
- Health coaching — medical centres’ healthcoaches/health improvement practitioners;
- Leisurelys programme — seniors exercise programme run by Alpine Health and Fitness and also Thursday morning walks;
- Look Good Feel Better — tips for women to keep looking good during and after cancer treatment;
- My Reflection — custom-made breast prostheses;
- Pinc and Steel Pilates and Physiotherapy — one-on-one cancer rehab; and
- Remarkables Cancer Gym — offering free 12-week cancer recovery exercise programme through Events Centre.
