A Break Away
I just returned from a week away to the coast. Back in February when I was still recovering from surgery, I was lamenting to one of the breast care nurses at Calvary Hospital how sad I was that our family had to miss their annual holiday because of my surgery (no one complained or said anything about it, but I felt bad they had to miss out). The nurse told me about Fiona Lodge, part of the Ronald McDonald Houses which offers a weeks' holiday away to Batemans Bay for patients of cancer and their families. I applied for a week away and was accepted but had to wait until everyone went back to school to take the week in October (kids with cancer get first dibs on the place during school holidays - fair enough too!).
We were spoilt. The place is breath-takingly gorgeous and well equipped. As well as the accommodation, several businesses around Batemans Bay pitched in and provided;
- free entry to the Mogo Zoo
- a half day cruise on the MV Merinda up the river to Nelligen and back
- a $50 meal voucher to Tomakin Sports Club
- free entry to Old Mogo Town
- free entry to the Birdland Park (my favourite outing!)
- free entry to Putt Putt Golf
- and free meals at McDonalds
Our family loved the week away and my littlest ones said it was the best holiday they ever had. I was able to relax and read too which meant a lot to me and I didn't have to do much at all (just the way I like a holiday). If you think you might be interested, google "Fiona Lodge" as the application is online (needs to be signed by a specialist to ensure you're eligible and you don't need to be in active treatment, just be a cancer survivor:) When I get a chance, I'll upload a few pictures.
