It’s all about taking charge of treatment

What’s this? Article in The Footscray Mail (Victoria) relating to The Gawler Foundation’s ’12 Week Healing and Wellbeing’ Program.

By Sonja Viduka

Zen Buddhist Monk Seikan Cech says a new integrated healing program for cancer patients is all about self-empowerment.
The ‘cancer 12 week healing and wellbeing’ program will be available for the first time in the west this month.
Mr Cech is one of the facilitators of The Gawler Foundation program which uses an integrative approach to complement and enhance standard medical care.
“It’s where people take charge, make choices and settle into a peace of mind that is conducive to healing,” he said.
“We use meditation to access our own inner resources and that’s where my Buddhist background comes into it.”
Mr Cech has also worked as a clinician at the Western Hospital in Footscray.
The program was developed by Ian Gawler OAM and is based on his bestselling book You Can Conquer Cancer.
Each session focuses on a theme of self-help, including good nutrition, a positive state of mind, meditation and various forms of support, comprising the physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of healing and wellbeing.
The 12 week course, which until now was available only in the eastern suburbs at a cost of $400, will be just $35 for local healthcare card holders, thanks to a recent Tattersall’s George Adams Foundation grant.
It will be held at the Bluestone Church on Hyde Street, Footscray every Thursday from 10am-12.30pm, starting May 29.
Since its introduction in 1981, the Gawler approach has helped thousands of people affected by cancer, including their families, carers and friends.
Mr Cech said the course allowed patients to meet and discuss their situation in an intimate, friendly environment and gave them the best chance to improve the quality of their lives.
He said sufficient demand and ongoing funding could lead to the program continuing in the area.

Details: The Gawler Foundation 59671730 or www.gawler.org

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