Seeing cancer from both sides

Raenor Priest has experienced cancer from both sides of the fence.
Working as a radiographer in Lilydale she regularly meets people facing all types of cancer.
Last September, Raenor was diagnosed with breast cancer and is now facing up to the challenge of overcoming the disease.
In order to maximise her body’s healing potential, she has just completed The Gawler Foundation’s cancer 12 week Healing & Wellbeing program at Yarra Junction.
“I always thought I’d be on the other side of the fence,” she said.
Since her diagnosis, she has undergone two operations and credits The Gawler Foundation’s integrated approach with helping her maximise her body’s potential to restore its natural state of balance.
“I first heard about Ian Gawler in 1979,” she said. “I attended a program here 15 years ago as a support person.
“In my job as a radiographer I’d always kept up to date with what The Gawler Foundation was doing, mainly from a professional and personal development viewpoint.
“Now that I’ve been diagnosed with cancer myself, it feels like the things I’ve learned at The Gawler Foundation over the years have helped me prepare for this moment,” Raenor said.
She describes her participation in the Healing & Wellbeing program as a ‘growing knowledge’.
“I don’t feel like I’ve stopped now because I’ve done the 12 weeks,” she said. “It feels as though I’ve just got a toe in the door.”
She said the Gawler Foundation approach has enhanced the treatment she is receiving and if anything, it has helped her become more proactive in confronting and treating her breast cancer.
“I felt like the initial treatment that was offered was going to be done to me, not with me,” Raenor said. “I was interested in a more proactive approach. The Gawler Foundation has helped me become stronger not only in my outlook but also to treat my cancer on my terms.”
“I feel ‘lighter’ now that the 12 week course has finished and I’m grateful for the guidelines and goal setting exercises that the program gave me.”
The next 12 week Cancer Healing & Wellbeing program starts in Yarra Junction on Wednesday, May 28. For information on this or any programs offered by The Gawler Foundation, please call (03) 59671730 or visit www.gawler.org.

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