President’s Report 2018

I would like to thank you everyone for hours spent
devoted to Blush Cancer Care in 2018.

I believe that Blush has consolidated its position in the Toowoomba
Community. Unheralded patients have stated the impact that Blush has
had on their life. One patient, to the point, where she said she did not
think she would be here without Blush.

Once again, this year we have had external groups planning events and
raising funds for Blush. The efforts of such people as Hanneke in Warwick,
The Royal Agricultural Society Queensland Ladies Auxiliary, Ruth Moss, The
Willowburn Football Club, Sue Kirkegard, Minx Hair Design, Toowoomba
Golf Club both Men and Women’s groups, The Toowoomba Tennis
Association, in particular the HBTI tournament, and Rotary in
assisting Blush with funds is sincerely appreciated.

In the last year we have handed out over 200 Breast Care Bundles,
assisted in funding 1,120 hours of Breast Care nurses hours, fed watered
and provided an educational day for over 150 patients at the Forum, put
60 patients through Fitlab , this equates to 3,240 hours of fully supervised
and specifically designed exercises for patients post breast cancer.
Initiated the Advanced Breast Cancer Forum group, after hosting the
initial forum for this group. Handed out 200 patient diaries, 360 bras
and many fluffy ducks. We have spoken at many venues to increase
breast cancer awareness. Between our little committee at least 2000
hours volunteered time to coordinate services and raise funds.
Additional hours have been extended to apply for grants and I don’t
think we can tally the hours that has led to the launch of our website
or perpetually keeping the accounting in hand. The Fitlab program has
increased the workload for the Breast Care Nurses and I thank them
as this is proving to be a resounding support and even a turning
point in recovery for many patients.

The Steering Committee meetings have been held over with only one
meeting to follow after the upcoming AGM at which we will report our
activities for this year, and thank the hospitals for their support and in
particular funding for the reprint of diaries.

Consolidation of our aims and goals will be explored at a brief planning
morning to follow on from this AGM. I note that in going forward we need
to recruit additional personnel to assist in the working of this group to
dissipate the load so that Blush is sustainable.

I would like to record our appreciation for all the work Maree Parsons and
Cassie Hunter have contributed to Blush. We wish both of these women
well and thank them for their input. I also thank everyone here and also
the extended Blush family of respective partners and children. I do know
it is a big ask to give many hours to Blush when everyone already has
very hectic schedules.

In going forward in 2019 and beyond, if we can maintain the level of
dedicated work and care by the committee Blush will continue to support
those unfortunate to have a breast cancer diagnosis. I think this is done at
a level which exceeds many other patient support groups and is changing
recovery outcomes and overall health of the people we are able to support.

I think Andrew Carnegie said it best,

“Teamwork is the ability to work together

toward a common vision. The ability to

direct individual accomplishments toward

organizational objectives. It is the fuel

that allows common people to attain

uncommon results.”