The Blue Mountains Cancer Help Story
February 2011

Blue Mountains Cancer Help Incorporated is a local organisation supporting people diagnosed with cancer in the Blue Mountains community. Since inception we have assessed over two hundred and seventy (270) clients and are currently actively supporting over seventy clients & their families. We are a registered, charitable organisation with deductible gift recipient status having started up in May 2005. Our organisation is based on the 'Bloomhill' model located in Buderim, Queensland which has been operating successfully on the Sunshine Coast since 1997.

With over thirty seven (37) fully trained and insured therapists, Blue Mountains Cancer Help is providing a large range of Complementary Therapies such as Oncology Massage, (including lymphoedem treatment), Reflexology, Art & Music Therapy, Reiki, Counselling, Qi Gong, Acupuncture and Meditation as well as facilitating support groups for member clients and their families/carers. These therapies promote relaxation during a very challenging and often life changing experience. All therapies are subsidised by Blue Mountains Cancer Help and if necessary can be carried out at the client's home. In 2010, one thousand and sixty six (1,066) therapies in total, including counselling, were provided to clients. Each new client member is initially assessed by a Registered Nurse after which they may choose to attend any of the above services.

Other services include a ''buddy system" for a particular member of the client's family. We can also assist with transport costs as required in conjunction with Great Community Transport service, and have established a library for client use. Our aim is to work alongside General Practitioners and Specialists and to complement existing services such as Community Health, Palliative Care and other support organisations in the Blue Mountains. The BMCH Community Cancer Conference has become a regular event that is well supported with excellent speakers.

BMCH Op-Shops in Blaxland and Katoomba provide us with a regular source of income, along with fund–raising events and donations. The Op-Shops provide an important focal point for the community and volunteers. Volunteer training is offered on a regular basis. The organisation has already provided both a sense of purpose, friendship and support to clients and their families and we are committed to do so into the future.

We welcome you to visit our Op-Shops at Unit 2, 27 Whitton Street, Katoomba, and 148 GWH, Blaxland, donate goods, help out with fund-raising, administration, buddying, or even become a volunteer to work in the Op-Shop! Should you have further enquiries contact us at BMCH Office on (02) 4782 4866 between 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday; or ring our Op-Shops at Katoomba (02)4782 6076, or Blaxland (02) 4739 9905.

APPENDIX A
This section is currently being updated to 2010/2011 figures. A sample of achievements is included below for your information.
BMCH Achievements over last nine months –April 2008

• Subsidising of two hundred and sixty three (263) therapies (massage, reiki, reflexology and art therapy) to clients. These include individual counselling.
• Sponsorship of four (4) clients to "Quest for Life" courses at Bundanoon, plus one client attending in May 2008.
• Sponsorship of five (5) of our therapists to "Massage, cancer and more" course at "Quest for Life", Bundanoon. Four (4) massage therapists attended the "Oncology Massage" advanced course with visiting teacher and massage therapist, Gayle McDonald. Gayle was sponsored by the Cancer Council NSW and works at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, New York.
• Subsidising of transport for two (2) clients to attend regular treatments at their doctors surgery as well as to Nepean Hospital.
• Provision of taxi vouchers to two (2) disadvantaged clients to allow them to carry out normal activities like shopping.
• Sponsorship of two (2) clients, three (3) nurses and two (2) therapists to attend Australian Integrated Medicine Conference held at Fairmont Resort, Leura.
• Facilitating regular cancer support groups fortnightly on alternate Tuesdays and Saturdays. Other new specific groups include Breast cancer, Meditation, Music Therapy and a Cooking and support group for men.
• Provision of "buddies" for two (2) clients.
• Purchase and setting up of library of over eighty (80) books plus CD's for use by clients and members.
• Establishment of new support group, administration and massage premises at 66 Waratah Street, Katoomba.
• Provision of wheelchair and wigs to clients. Construction of ramp for client on walking frame.
• Supplying Christmas vouchers and gifts to eight (8) children and three (3) partners of recently deceased clients.
• Holding our first Community Cancer Conference at Jemby-Rinjah Resort, Blackheath on 21st October 07 to a full house of eighty (80) supportive attendees. UPDATE: This year's Conference was held at Mountain Heritage Hotel for 150 people on 28 September 08.
• Volunteer training day held in August, 07 and May 08.
• UPDATE: Third Newsletter produced in July 08.
• Our Op-Shop sales for 2007 increased by over 52% on 2006 figures thru great community support for our work via donations and customer purchases.

"With the community working together we can achieve anything."

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