Hello online network community,I thought it was time to officially introduce myself to Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) online members. As the title mentions, I am part of the Member Support Team (Helpline) and will also oversee the online network. You are welcome to view my (short) introduction video via the link Mez BCNA IntroductionPlease feel free to introduce yourself or ask questions. I look forward to communicating with you further in the coming weeks as I navigate the online network.Thankyou :) Transcript of the video below for those unable to access:"Hello online network, community and members of Breast Cancer Network Australia. My name is Maryann, however you are welcome to call me Mez. I am coming on here to officially introduce myself. Perhaps you would have heard of a new team member coming on board with Breast Cancer Network Australia. I am part of the Member Support Team helpline, as well as overseeing and supporting the online network. I've had the opportunity coming on board only the last few weeks, to look at the online network; exploring the functionality, tools and seeing the wonderful connectedness and supportive nature of the community on here. So I do look forward to bringing my experience and knowledge from working in similar like-minded teams/helplines, where I've supported people with chronic illnesses and mental health challenges. I would encourage you to say hello if you wish and introduce yourself. I'm sure I will get to know many of you over the coming weeks and I really am looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the online community. Thank you."

It must be the security settings on my Smart Phone - will not allow access unless I have a One Drive A/c@Mez_BCNA There are ladies on here who are far from tech savvy................mentioned many a time on previous posts and hence some saying they could not Zoom recently when asked by BCNA to particpateIt may be an idea if you put some words on your profile for those of us who cannot access your Video and in this postBest wishes

Hi there and welcome, I thought the video was a great idea.I know I am not the only one who has found the online forum a great help in my breast cancer journey so far ( diagnosed almost 12 months ago).I look forward to catching up with you in due course.

@gumnut Thankyou for the welcome and feedback. The Member Support Team (helpline) all have diverse backgrounds and experience; ranging from nursing, helpline support, person-centered support and administrative expertise. Introducing my colleagues in the discussion board is an idea that I have also considered, so watch this space. My own background is 20yrs in client service manager/admin roles (phone support my key responsibility). I have also worked casually in the disability sector to support individuals in their community. I most recently completed a Bachelor Degree in Behavioural Science (Psychology), where I studied online while continuing to work for a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing support and resources to people with chronic illness. I think one thing that has really been highlighted to me in more short time with BCNA is that no matter the team (eg. Fundraising, Policy & Advocacy, Member Support), everyone clearly has the same purpose to support all Australians who are affected by breast cancer. How lucky am I to work with like-minded individuals and your community.

Hi @Mez_BCNA , Welcome to the blog! Looking forward to chatting with you! All the best!

Thankyou for your feedback @iserbrown, very much appreciated.I have transcribed the video and updated in my original post. Hopefully this helpful.Thankyou again

Maryann (Mez) - Member Support Team's newest recruit

gumnut
Member
4 years ago
Also it would be lovely if you were able to introduce your colleagues on the discussion board.
I am sure it would be greatly appreciated by the online BCNA community.
gumnut
Member
4 years ago
Thank you very much @Mez_BCNA for your reply
Best wishes
Mez_BCNA
Community Manager
4 years ago
@gumnut Thankyou for the welcome and feedback. The Member Support Team (helpline) all have diverse backgrounds and experience; ranging from nursing, helpline support, person-centered support and administrative expertise. Introducing my colleagues in the discussion board is an idea that I have also considered, so watch this space.

My own background is 20yrs in client service manager/admin roles (phone support my key responsibility). I have also worked casually in the disability sector to support individuals in their community. I most recently completed a Bachelor Degree in Behavioural Science (Psychology), where I studied online while continuing to work for a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing support and resources to people with chronic illness.

I think one thing that has really been highlighted to me in more short time with BCNA is that no matter the team (eg. Fundraising, Policy & Advocacy, Member Support), everyone clearly has the same purpose to support all Australians who are affected by breast cancer. How lucky am I to work with like-minded individuals and your community.
Mez_BCNA
Community Manager
4 years ago

@Julez1958 @SoldierCrab I cannot agree more with the wealth of knowledge and support that members like yourself (Plus many others included in this discussion) give back to the community. I am also on a mission to connect with our BCNA teams to see where we can collaborate to promote the Online Network in communications. Thankyou for your feedback
Cath62
Member
4 years ago
Welcome.and thanks for arranging the Friday updates
gumnut
Member
4 years ago
Dear @Mez_BCNA
Welcome and lovely to e-meet you, the video was especially a lovely touch to actually see you.
Best wishes with your new role.

Just thinking that it would be helpful if those BCNA members such as yourself who are involved in online support/helpline advised what their background was, eg nurse, psychologist, counsellor etc

Thank you and best wishes
Julez1958
Member
4 years ago
Hi Mez
following on from SoldierCrab’s post above.
The long time posters here ( and also the medium and newish posters too ) have proved a great source of information and support to others on the breast cancer “ journey “ ( or as some may say breast cancer “shitfest”).
I wish I had found the BCNA website and the forum earlier and it is a question others have raised- how can BCNA let newly diagnosed women know about its existence?
Food for thought.
SoldierCrab
Member
4 years ago
Welcome @Mez_BCNA
Looking forward to having your input and support in the online community.

9 yrs since dx and going strong, I am continuing to give back to the Online community so those newbies have support and not a DR Google horror story to be frightened by.
Locksley
Member
4 years ago
@Mez_BCNA Thankyou for adding words to your introduction. I was unable to open the video at all. I appreciate you including those of us that have some technically challenges without judgement.

I am very much looking forward to the return of the Friday updates. I enjoy reading these during treatment, recovery, covid, lockdown and down days. Thankyou.
Mez_BCNA
Community Manager
4 years ago
Thankyou for your feedback @iserbrown, very much appreciated.

I have transcribed the video and updated in my original post. Hopefully this helpful.

Thankyou again