We enjoyed a lazy morning, socially chatting - which is something I don't get to do often enough these days as the demands of the this role are ever increasing. We have 12 potential new member groups waiting to join up. Isn't that amazing!
This morning I was at Parap Markets at our regular Dragons Abreast market stall - this is a great way to connect with people, and a fairly newly diagnosed lady called past. She was anxious to know whether she cou
ld come paddling as she's only recently finished her treatment but desperately needed to connect with other survivors.I get so much pleasure talking to the new ladies - as this is exactly what we are about - that beacon of HOPE! I remember well when I was first diagnosed and being so desperate to meet others who had travelled the same journey and survived.
There are always lots of tourists at Parap Markets and it is amazing how many know of their local Dragons Abreast group - the banner is always much admired (Geelong you are stars!!! - see photo) and today another lady stopped to tell me she was from Caloundra and what a magnificent event it had been - could not speak highly enough of the street parade (well done Pink Pete!). It really is a small world as last week we had Stuart from Merimbula stop by too. We've been running the stall there for over a year now - and have a permanent spot - we sell merchandise, raffle tickets and most important of all have information pamphlets on not just Dragons Abreast but also the NT Breast Cancer Voice, the walking group and the My Journey cards. The stall runs on a rotating roster of dedicated volunteers - so if you are in Darwin, don't forget to call past!
Easter is a time of renewal and remembrance. I personally think it is also a great time to give thanks for this wonderful second chance we have had at life post breast cancer diagnosis. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful opportunities that have opened up. But I never loose sight of what we are there for - to raise awareness and promote education about this insideous disease so that a cure may be found (sooner rather than later!).
I would also like to give thanks to all the wonderful people who have so generously supported Dragons Abreast in so many different ways - it has made it possible to reach out across Australia. It really does make an enormous difference - just like I said at the beginning of this post - that new lady today went off feeling a lot better having had the chance to learn that we are there for her.
We really are keeping the spirit alive and helping women actually LIVING with breast cancer.
May God Bless all of you this Easter.
Michelle
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