Enduring heatwave conditions on the first day, and torrential rain the second, the inaugural Weekend To End Women’s Cancers was certainly a challenge for the 1,213 participants who walked 60km over November 9 and 10 to raise funds for research and treatment of women’s cancers. An incredible $3.4m was raised benefitting Lifehouse and will go a long way to supporting patient services and facilities at our newly opened centre.

Walkers set off early on the Saturday morning after a moving opening ceremony to remember those we have lost to breast or gynaecological cancers and celebrate the many lives being saved with earlier detection, improved medical treatments and more holistic care.

The sun beat down as teams wound their way through Sydney’s Hyde Park, across the ANZAC bridge and through the suburbs of Balmain, Drummoyne and

Gladesville. Despite regular pit stops offering snacks and drinks, walkers took advantage of the neighbour’s garden sprinklers and lemonade stands generously offered by local residents. A well-equipped camp site saw some very weary people enjoy a well-deserved foot massage, hot dinner and a night of entertainment.

After a hot breakfast on Sunday morning, walkers set off on another 30km journey – this time through heavy rain, wind and local flooding. Crowds cheered teams on as they walked past the new Lifehouse building in Camperdown and over the finish line at Darling Harbour.

Like many other participants, Poppy Moir and Bella Wood (pictured above) were walking for someone close to their hearts. The young women lost their best friend Luci Campbell to cancer in 2010, during their last year of school together. They completed their 60km walk in Luci’s honour.

Our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the first Weekend To End Women’s Cancers in Australia – participants, crew, volunteers and sponsors.

We look forward to seeing you for the 2014 event in November! Please find all the necessary information at www.endcancer.org.au or call 1300 339 255.

Summer Update2014

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse

Walking that extra mile for cancer

Some cancer treatments have side effects that impact a patient’s nutritional status. Patients may have a reduced ability to eat or tolerate food, leading to weight loss and fatigue.

Research shows that patients who are able to maintain their weight during treatment recover more easily and return to their normal activities sooner. It is therefore important that people undergoing treatment for cancer try to achieve an adequate nutritional intake.

The Lifehouse LivingRoom, a purpose-built centre offering a range of evidence-based complementary medicine used in

conjunction with clinical care, offers nutrition consultations and group sessions to all patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Dr Kellie Bilinski, Lifehouse Dietitian-Nutritionist believes nutrition is an important element in every patient’s journey.

“Those who are malnourished may not respond as well to medical intervention or may even need to delay their treatment,” says Kellie,who holds a PhD in the Faculty ofMedicine from the University ofSydney and is a principal investigator on a research project involving Vitamin D and cancer. “I see patients who are losing weight because of the symptoms of cancer, or side effects of their treatment, but there are others who gain weight with their cancer diagnosis. Some patients simply want to know what they can do to improve their diet to help reduce the risk of their cancer returning, while others are

unsure about what they should or shouldn’t be eating or whether they should be taking any particular supplements. Nutritionists play an important role in patients’ lifestyle and wellness education. People with cancer are often very motivated to improve their health.”

Typically Kellie will evaluate a patient’s nutritional history and objectives, look at their current eating habits, and provide a detailed nutritional assessment that addresses their individual requirements. Recommendations can range from how to improve nutritional status during treatment, to addressing dietary and behavioural changes after a cancer diagnosis.

“It’s rewarding to help people feel better,” says Kellie, “and to see them respond positively to cancer treatment.”

Dr Kellie Bilinski, Lifehouse Dietitian-Nutritionist.

Nutrition and cancer: Here’s some food for thought.

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Thank you for your continued support.

“Patients who are able to maintain their weight during treatment recover more easily and return to their normal activities sooner.”

Despite being open to patients just a few months, the Lifehouse volunteer program is growing rapidly and offering huge comfort to those having cancer treatment at Lifehouse. Volunteers welcome patients and their families on arrival, provide support through courtesy transport to and from appointments and offer refreshments in our clinics and reception areas.

Alfred Starr (pictured right) is a volunteer driver and transports patients and their family members to and from Central Station.

“The people I meet are really appreciative of the service,” says Alfred. “They don’t always have a family member or friend to drive them and often don’t feel like catching public transport after treatment. It’s great being able to help.”

Stephanie Eid, who began volunteering with us late last year, is a third year medical science student who says she liked the idea of volunteering in a hospital that offered everything a patient might need in the one building.

“I also wanted experience interacting with patients,” says Steph. “I’m planning to work in the field of medicine and it’s great to learn the social skills necessary for helping patients.”

“People appreciate assistance finding their way around but they also seem to enjoy the company of a volunteer. I think it takes patients’ minds off their treatment and provides a sense of normality. It is gratifying to help patients feel comfortable and make their experience a little easier.”

Steph has recently been helping in the Day Therapy suite, where patients have chemotherapy treatment and has been offering patients the use of tablet computers so they can access the internet,

watch television or Skype with their families.

There’s no doubt volunteering delivers a positive experience for patients but it also provides the volunteer with benefits, such as developing new skills and feeling a sense of achievement by supporting others.

If you are interested in volunteering with Lifehouse please email volunteers@lh.org.au or phone our Volunteer Manager Roz Valentine on (02) 8514 0301.

Volunteers keep Lifehouse moving

“ It is gratifying to help patients feel comfortable and make their experience a little easier.”

Lifehouse Volunteer Alfred Starr.

Milton had his right lung removed, followed by radiation therapy and was recovering well when doctors discovered fluid on his left lung. Subsequent tests confirmed more tumours. Currently Milton is having chemotherapy and he is full of praise for the treatment he is receiving at Lifehouse.

“I’m having my third cycle of chemo here right now and it’s certainly not your typical hospital,” says Milton.

“The chemo suites are private and spacious, so my wife Gail can be with me during treatment. These special chairs are incredibly comfortable. I have treatment for hours at a time so it’s important to

be as relaxed as possible. I’m really grateful to those who have made donations to Lifehouse so that people like me can have treatment like this.”

Geoff and Jan Hudspeth from Sydney recently decided to fund one of the new chemotherapy chairs at Lifehouse, by donating $7,000 to our Lifehousewarming campaign. The chairs are expensive because they are the best – offering patients superior comfort and convenience at what can be a very difficult time in their lives.

We thank the Hudspeth family for their generous donation and Milton Hawkins for kindly sharing his story.

Chemotherapy suite at Lifehouse.

Making a difference

“ I’m having my third cycle of chemo here right now and it’s certainly not your typical hospital..”

When he was 18 years old, Milton Hawkins from Engadine NSW began an apprenticeship with the Department of Defence - Navy at Garden Island dockyard in Sydney.

Unbeknownst to Milton and his co-workers, the boiler room in which they worked was heavily dosed with asbestos.

“I remember a few of the guys throwing the stuff around like snow, all of us unaware of the dangers,” says Milton, now aged 64 and being treated for Mesothelioma.

“I knew years ago I had asbestos plaque in my lungs as a consequence of the work, but I was told if I didn’t smoke, exercised regularly and stayed healthy it wouldn’t necessarily become cancerous.”

Milton didn’t smoke, played lots of sports and ran 60km a week but unfortunately eighteen months ago a scan confirmed he had Mesothelioma.

If you haven’t already seen our Lifehousewarming site, please visit www.lifehousewarming.com.au We would love to hear your feedback.