Patricia O’Shannassy, Ian Gawler and Robyn Jones of the Gawler Foundation.By Kath Gannaway
A 12-WEEK Cancer Self-Help Program will start at the Gawler Foundation in Yarra Junction on 22 March.
The foundation, founded by cancer-survivor Ian Gawler, has for more than 25 years conducted integrated programs in cancer management, disease prevention, self-healing techniques and total wellbeing for body, emotions, mind and spirit.
The foundation’s work focuses on what cancer-affected people can do to help themselves – how to develop peace of mind, how to provide active support, how to get the best from any treatment received and how to get the best from the immune system and self healing techniques.
Along with Mr Gawler and Robyn Jones, Patricia O’Shannassy is one of three leaders taking the program.
She said it is a strong conviction of everyone at the Gawler Foundation that there are a great many things that people affected by cancer can do to meet and overcome the many challenges cancer presents.
“My own experience of working with support groups within the community has led me to believe that group support and exploration together can be a powerful healing catalyst,” Ms O’Shannassy said.
She said her personal experience of family and friends with cancer has reinforced the importance of having a suitable self-help philosophy and set of values.
The 12-week program provides active educational support not only for people affected with cancer, but their support person as well.
Each session focuses on a specific self-help theme based on a chapter from Mr Gawler’s book You Can Conquer Cancer.
Ms O’Shannassy said the program is complementary to any mainstream medical treatment and each participant is encouraged to bring a support person with them.
For more information phone the Gawler Foundation on 5967 1730.
