Volunteers are integral at Breast Cancer Care WA. As well as providing assistance around events and in the office, they also provide one of the most vital services available to clients; practical support. Following surgery and throughout treatment it can be difficult to do simple tasks such as getting to appointments, grocery shopping or gardening.
Meet Andy and Vicki, themselves breast cancer survivors, who are part of our team of volunteers that help our clients with transportation to and from medical appointments.
How long have you been a volunteer for Breast Cancer Care WA’s practical assistance program?
A: I have been involved for five years now.
V: Same here, I have been helping coming up to five years.
What made you put your hands up to get involved in practical assistance?
A: I felt the need to give something back. I was lucky that I had people around me when I had breast cancer. I had support but I know that not everyone has a network. I wanted to support the people who were not as fortunate as me.
V: I am just so grateful to be a twice-survivor. I feel lucky that I am able to give back. It is 15 years since I was diagnosed the first time and back then there wasn’t the help available that there is now, so it’s great that Breast Cancer Care WA can offer this type of support to its clients.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the practical assistance program?
A: I love meeting new people and helping them smile!
V: I love the sense of helping and also really enjoy the company!
If you think you have what it takes to be a practical assistance volunteer and provide support in the way of transport, gardening or general help around the house, then please call (08) 9324 3703, or email [email protected].