Friday Update - 23rd June 2023

Mez_BCNA
Mez_BCNA Administrator, Staff, Member, Moderator Posts: 1,068
edited July 2023 in Community news and events

Greetings to new and existing members,

Hope you are all rugged up in your part of the the world with winter's visit (If its still warm where you are up Nth, please send the warmth). If you are lucky enough to have snow near you or even a good touch of frost, please share pictures in the comments below!

We have the final result of the Pink Bun Campaign to share and BCNA has been busy hitting the road with two forums in WA this week.

Hope you enjoy the update.

Here is a snap of the snow as I headed up our local mountain this week:


Community Highlights

Popular Forum Discussions 
If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the last few weeks, you can check them out via the links below:



Member 'Search' Feature (reminder)

Quick reminder for new members and those who missed the announcement; the Online Network 'search' function now features a Member search. You can also change the 'Sort By' if you are perhaps looking for a new member recently joined. This is really handy if there was someone that you wanted to connect with and having trouble finding their profile.


Community News

BCNA Support policy change 
BCNA has joined the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and other health organisations in support of 60-day dispensing of medicines.

Vicki Durston BCNA's Director Policy, Advocacy & Support Services says, "Those with cancer are often required to take medication, particularly hormone-blocking therapies, for a long period of time and that can extend five to ten years past their diagnosis".

We urge parliamentarians to support 60-day medicine dispensing to save Australians with breast cancer money and time. CLICK HERE to read full details.


BCNA - The Beacon Issue 95, June 2023
Did you miss the latest copy of The Beacon? You can access it here via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-95-june-2023/

This is a special edition celebrating 25 years of BCNA! You will go on a journey of BCNA's history and how the organisation has supported people affected by breast cancer.

There is also a 'Download' option if you prefer to read it as a PDF.


BCNA Pink Bun Campaign - Thankyou!

Whether you bought a Pink Fun Bun (or six!), purchased a beanie or bucket hat, gathered your friends or colleagues for a Pink Bun Party, or gave a generous donation, you have helped support those in your community and all over Australia affected by breast cancer.

With the support of our network and incredible team at Bakers Delight, the 2023 Pink Bun campaign raised over $2 million and still counting! 

https://player.vimeo.com/video/836799888

This amazing result will help BCNA continue to provide vital information and support and be the voice for all Australians affected by breast cancer


Cancer Council Victoria - Introducing new legal support program

From the 1st of July Cancer Council Victoria will be launching a new Legal Support Program that will support eligible people with advanced cancer who need help with basic Wills, Powers of Attorney and Medical Treatment Decision Maker arrangements. This new program will provide vulnerable Victorians with useful and relevant legal support. To learn more about this program, including who is eligible please call Cancer Council Vic 13 20 11.

Counterpart 

Counterpart recently celebrated 20 years of supporting women with cancer. They have a range of in-person and online sessions available to all women who have had a cancer diagnosis. 

Some of the upcoming online programs:

Music therapy: creating supportive playlists 29/06/2023 1:00pm-2:15pm AEST

Dance flow10/07/2023 11:30am-12:30pm AEST

Music therapy: guided imagery for relaxation 20/07/2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm AEST

Meditation to help with emotional pain16/08/2023 10:30am-11:30am AEST


BCNA Forums/Webcasts

Forums
BCNA held the 'Living well with breast cancer' information forums in both Karratha and Bunbury this week. The forums covered a range of topics including current emerging treatments, strategies to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing, and living well during treatment and beyond. It was also the opportunity to hear from a range of breast cancer experts, as well as a panel made up of local community groups and BCNA members who shared their lived experiences. Recording will be available soon! 

In the meantime, check out the Red Earth Arts Precinct in Karratha being lit up pink for BCNA:



Webcasts

BCNA is hosting a webcast: Ask the Expert: Understanding and managing pain with metastatic breast cancer on Thursday 13 July 2023.   

You will hear from Dr. Belinda Yeo, Medical Oncologist. Dr. Yeo is jointly appointed to the Austin Hospital as a medical oncologist and Olivia Newtown-John Cancer Research Institute as a clinician scientist, located in Melbourne. She is also co-lead of the VCCC Research and Education Stream for breast cancer. 

This webcast will aim to increase knowledge about different types of pain and tips to assist in explaining your type of pain to your treating team. It will also include information about current therapies, and strategies to help maintain quality of life when living with pain associated with metastatic breast cancer. 

REGISTER VIA LINK https://kapara.rdbk.com.au/landers/bc22ce.html

Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries

You may like to check out this story of a beautiful 'little lifesaver'  

A mum hails her dog as 'little lifesaver' after he discovered cancer (****)A mum hails her dog as 'little lifesaver' after he discovered cancer (****)

Hope you enjoyed the update everyone and if you have any feedback please feel free to comment below or send a private message.

@Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA 

If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEST), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au 
 
The mod team - Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Pat, Denise and Risha
 

"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold" - Aristotle

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