STAFF WRITERS

 

LATROBE Community Health Service (LCHS) and Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS) teamed up to raise money and awareness for cancer research by braving the cold in the Daffodil Day Dip.

The event, which took place at LCHS in Morwell, also promoted the Cancer and Exercise program – a joint initiative by LCHS, GRICS, Latrobe Regional Health and Morwell Leisure, which uses exercise to improve the physical and mental health of those affected by cancer.

Jordan McMillan, LCHS Chronic Disease Management Team Leader, was first to take the dip, and said the event was about awareness and showing support to those living with cancer in the Latrobe Valley.

“The dip was freezing, but it’s of course nothing compared to the challenges people living with cancer face every day,” he said.

“I hope the event put a smile on everyone’s face and shows people that we care and are committed to building great programs to support them.

“Through our work, we see first-hand how much this disease can take from people and their families, so this initiative is a great way to give something back, and I’m really proud to be a part of it.”

Program Manager at GRICS, Stewart Harper, said the event was a great way to showcase some of the services on offer to those living with cancer in Gippsland.

“I hope the day showcased the number of programs out there to support individuals with a cancer diagnosis and their carers, and that these programs do not necessarily have to be based in a hospital.”

“The research on the importance of exercising during cancer treatment continues to steadily grow, particularly around chemotherapy tolerance and psychological wellbeing benefits – which is why we’re really proud to be able to offer the Exercise and Cancer program to our community.

“There’s a plethora of services out there to support those with a cancer diagnosis, and I’d encourage anyone who may be interested in the Cancer and Exercise program or other supports to reach out.”

The Daffodil Day Dip is a Cancer Council fundraising initiative held in August each year to raise money for the almost one in two Aussies diagnosed with cancer.

To learn more about cancer related services available at LCHS, visit: lchs.com.au/