Cancer group to widen net

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 411, 5 November 1991, Page 3

Cancer group to widen net

A meeting was held at the Ruapehu Lions Den recently to discuss the role of the Cancer Support Group in the Waimarino community. A suggestion discussed was the need for extended services to support sufferers of other conditions eg. heart conditions, stroke victims, asthmatics, the aged and infirm and many other situations. Funding would not be available through the

Cancer Society for this extended service, the meeting heard. It was decided to hold rc.ffles in Raetihi and Ohakune to start the fund raising. Other funding as required would perhaps be available from the associatipn specific to the case involved or possibly from the Social Welfare. The meeting heard that the most important role of group members is as visitors in the home of the cancer sufferers.

First the afflicted person must make an approach to the Cancer Support Group either through their doctor, District Nurse or directly to the co-ordinator in Raetihi or Ohakune. Arrangements are then made for a suitable person to 'adopt' the sufferer and visit regularly. The visitor is the 'listening ear' to pick up any problems and liaise between the patient and the social services. This

person befriends the family and gives support to those members as well. Arranging a visit from an ex-cancer patient is also beneficial in many cases. Baby sitting, shopping, transport to clinics or doctor as required is another way in which the CSG can be of help. Assistance from the Cancer Society is available for those who require it and this can take many forms. Provision of sheep skins for nurs-

ing, bed-linen supplies, assistance with prescription fees, travel allowance if required for visits to specialists, etc. It was decided to try to increase public awareness of the existence of CSG and in future regular ' meetings every three months will be held, with anyone interested welcome to attend. The meetings will be a 'pot luck' tea at the Lions Den. The next meeting will be late January 1992 and will be advertised in the Ruapehu Bulletin. Barbara Anderson from the Budget Advisory Service mentioned the need for food parcels. The Presbyterian Church has a 'basket of love' every Sunday and donations of nonperishable items are collected. The Baptist Church has also donated food parcels. Boxes will be placed in the grocery stores for donations of non-perishable items

and grateful thanks are given to the owners of the shops for allowing this. Budgeting skills are taught by the BAS and further assistance in

housekeeping skills are offered. Donations of household necessities eg. blankets, pillows, linen are required also for families in distress.