Our House

Garry and Jann Oberman of Tenterfield recently stayed at Our House during Garry’s treatment. Living so far away from treatment, it was not possible for them to travel every day for treatment. They were referred to Our House and were so happy to find out they could stay here in comfort in beautiful accommodation right next to the North Coast Cancer Institute and close to everything they need.

Garry and Jann are retired now but have had many jobs throughout the years, including running a Caravan Park in Coffs Harbour, being farmers with a huge sheep farm and having a milk run in Tenterfield for 19 years. Garry’s last job was as a driver, driving Tenterfield patients to medical appointments in Lismore, Toowoomba and Brisbane in a limousine, he loved chatting to the patients.

They have loved staying at Our House. “The staff are lovely, and the Tuesday and Thursday night dinners supported by the Lismore community are wonderful. Staying here has reminded us there are still good people in the world”, they said. When it came time to leave Our House they were happy to see Garry’s treatment end, however they were a little sad to leave their lovely room where they felt so safe and happy.

We wish the Garry and Jann all the best.

Meet Christine Wells. Christine is one of Our House's most frequent guests, staying at Our House 32 times during its 11-year existence.Christine's first visit was with her husband, John. Christine and John live in Tenterfield; when a doctor diagnosed John in Tugun, he was sent to Lismore for treatment in 2009. Our House wasn't built when John's first treatment started; he was housed in Hospital accommodation on Laurel Ave. They watched Our House being built.

Christine and John's first visit was in 2013, and they have stayed 32 times since then during John's treatment and through his many operations.Sadly, John passed last year to pneumonia.

"We named Our House our second home", Christine said.

"We have stayed in every room except room 1. It's a fantastic place, and we felt so welcomed when we first arrived," Christine said.

On one visit, Christine and John's son stayed. They mentioned that the time he spent with his Dad at Our House was one of the most memorable times because after his daily treatment, they would take John on a 'northern rivers excursion' for the rest of the day and then 'come home' to Our House.

Once John had passed, Christine thought she would sadly no longer visit Our House; however, this wasn't the case.

Her dear friend of 50 years, Narelle Dearden, also from Tenterfield, was recently diagnosed with cancer and needed treatment in Lismore.

Narelle thought one option was to travel back and forth each day, which would be doable until Christine shared about Our House and offered to accompany her.

"Our House has been a fabulous place to stay; it is close to the hospital, the place is beautiful, and the community dinners have been incredible," Narelle said.

Treatment isn't new to Narelle; this is her third treatment, and having Christine with her and staying at Our House has made this journey so much better.