Finding peace: Maria Sampey and Robyn Jones are encouraging healthcare cardholders to take advantage of a cancer program. Picture: Ted Kloszynski
The Journal
Monday, May 4th
LIKE many people in the Greater Dandenong area, Cr Maria Sampey’s family has been touched by the horrors of a life-changing diagnosis to a family member.
Cr Sampey turned to cancer survivor and therapist Dr Ian Gawler’s tapes tohelp her cope with her son’s struggle with leukaemia.
She is imploring others to take advantage of the Gawler Foundation’s discount cancer healing programs to be run in the city.
The foundation’s 12-week Living Well program is being offered in Dandenong to health-care cardholders for $35.
‘‘Back in 1980 when our three-yearold son Paul was diagnosed with leukaemia, his [Dr Gawler’s] tapes helped me to cope with what we were going through,’’ Cr Sampey said. ‘‘I think this is absolutely fantastic that Ian Gawler would like to branch out to Greater Dandenong.
‘‘I know that we have people that have been diagnosed with cancer in our city who are not financially well off and who would like to know what else there is available that might enhance the cancer treatment that they are undergoing.’’
Gawler Foundation therapist Robyn Jones said the Dandenong program would be based on principles of selfhelp and self-empowerment.
‘‘It covers elements like looking at the foods we eat, and meditation, which has been acknowledged as one of the best anti-stress techniques. ‘‘We talk about healthy emotions and pain management, and talk about the causes of cancer.’’
In 1974, Dr Gawler developed bone cancer in his right leg, which was amputated at the hip. The following year, the cancer spread to his pelvis and chest and he was told he had only weeks to live.
After an intense regime of research, meditation and diet, he has marked 30 years of being cancer-free.
The program will run from May 25-August 17 at the Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Garden, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. The foundation is running another program at Springvale council chambers from September 28. Bookings: Gawler Foundation, 59671730 or www.gawler.org
Filed under: Media Coverage
