We welcome Michael as one of our Ambassadors for this year’s Ballarat Health Services Foundation Dry July campaign. Michael can’t speak highly enough of the BRICC Wellness Centre and the numerous services that are offered to people along their cancer treatment journey. Mike’s journey commenced in Melbourne, later being transferred to utilise the services of Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre (BRICC). Not only does Michael praise the work of the Wellness Centre, but also the helpful people he has met along the way, providing relevant information and tips that were of great benefit to him. Mike is now able to share his knowledge and first-hand experience with fellow patients when he meets them in the Wellness Centre or comes across them when he volunteers as a Patient Transport driver.
Mike’s bowel cancer was detected after he completed a home bowel cancer test kit. There has been numerous surgeries and treatments along the way and Mike attributes a level of comfort throughout this time to the fabulous services and offerings from BRICC and the Wellness Centre. Mike understands the importance of the great relationship between the patient and the Wellness Centre- the initial tour of world class facilities, the ability to access medical professionals, psychology services and other BHS staff and the many beneficial services offered in the Centre.
Mike still visits the Wellness Centre as a volunteer (often just to have a scone on a Tuesday) but is happy to help the Centre in any way possible, due to the fact that he has so much appreciation for the facility.
“The Wellness Centre is a place of solace. Even when I am volunteer driving and I have time, I enjoy going there to read quietly in a safe place, a space where I have done a large amount of soul searching. Now being a volunteer, it allows the opportunity to give something back to the community”. Mike adds “Having cancer puts life into perspective and I have been able to attribute much of my calmness to the Wellness Centre”.
We are appreciative of having Mike on board as one of our Ambassadors this year. It is so great that in turn Mike is happy to play a part in the campaign and help raise money so that the Wellness Centre can continue to offer services to patients during an extremely difficult time.
