A Sunshine Coast business has generously supported young people and families doing it tough through local charity Bloomhill Cancer Care, and now they’ve been thanked in person by 21-year-old cancer survivor Shelly Rankin.
During the hardest time of her life, Shelly was able to access counselling, dietetics, exercise physiology and other services offered at Bloomhill, thanks to the generosity of IGA Marketplace Wises Road.
“I found out I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, when I was 20 – it was the most massive shock,” Shelly said.
“The funds IGA Marketplace Wises Road gave Bloomhill Cancer Care were so great because it meant my art therapy classes were free. I was also able to access allied health services, and Bloomhill’s mind and body therapies – including massage and other touch therapies.
“It was really hard financially going through cancer before I hadn’t even started a career yet. All my mates were at uni, I had to put my degree on hold to get chemo and focus on my body.
“My family was so supportive and I’m grateful for that, but it’s also really important to have some independence and people around me who get what I’m going through. That’s where Bloomhill comes in – they just get it.
“Art therapy is so fun, and the therapist is lovely and so wise. I love the connections I’ve made there, and I’m so grateful to Bloomhill and its awesome supporters for providing those supportive groups for people in my situation. Thank you IGA Marketplace.”
Bloomhill Cancer Care chief executive officer Christopher John said he was delighted to work with and have the support of IGA Marketplace Wises Road.
“As a local charity, helping clients, their families and their carers touched by cancer, it means so much to us to have the support of our local IGA Marketplace Wises Road,” Mr John said.
“This is a long-standing relationship, where IGA Marketplace Wises Road have pledged to donate $25,500 each year, for three years, to help young families and their children impacted by cancer.
“This support includes counselling for the parents, their children, dietetics, exercise physiology, art therapy and where we can specific support groups, where these clients can interact with each other and share their stories and gain valuable understanding and support networks.”
Bloomhill Clinical Lead Nurse Helen Dunne said, “We know from our nurse-led model of care, that when there is a cancer diagnosis for a client and their family, their whole world is turned upside down. Life plans, parenting, loss of employment or study, increased care needs and therefore care giving by loved ones, are some of the immediate challenges our clients and their families face.
“IGA Marketplace Wises Road are instrumental in supporting these younger clients and we are so grateful for this local business support and the relationship we have built together.”
