And if you haven't worked it out by now - Giovanna Raco (as well as our members) was the biggest casualty in this decision making - leaving (or more directly, she would have been asked to leave) BCNA last month as her role WAS the Specialised Cancer Nurse on the Forum. She added a depth of understanding and knowledge to BC that will be sorely missed. She had spent a large portion of her nursing career, with Cancer patients. You can look her up on Lindekin.
She joined BCNA in Feb 2018 as a specialist Cancer Nurse for the Member Support Team and quickly took over the role of chief Moderator on the Forum. That was about the time that I 'joined' BCNA and I had fairly regular 'chats' with Giovanna on many occasions regarding various issues on the Forum that I believed needed addressing. She was a 'constant' - and whilst I may not have agreed with ALL of the decisions that were handed down .... at least she was consistent and approachable.
She contacted me personally (off her own bat) a couple of times when I was in distress, particularly earlier this year when my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4/Terminal cancer, even doing some research for me, looking into treatment options for him. I will forever be grateful for her advice and support and kindness at that time in particular.
She brought the Group Leaders together to discuss various issues at different times as well .... I am sure that this group would relish having discussions with the CEO (or anyone else) on any future proposed changes to the forum.
If you DO ring the Cancer Council for 'help and advice' - there is every chance that you may end up speaking with Giovanna again!
She is sorely missed here already, that I know for a fact.
