While the final numbers are still being crunched, it looks like the event will easily beat last year’s record $140,000 in funds raised to support women’s cancer services at GV Health.
All credit goes to the extraordinary Ladies Who Lunch Committee.
I don’t think there’s an event in Shepparton filled with quite so much fun and finery, and executed with such passion and finesse.
Now in its third year, the event’s generous sponsors and community supporters have funded equipment for faster diagnostic testing, and for reducing hair loss during cancer treatment.
The event has also made possible the creation of a new oncology social worker role (applications open) and a Women's Cancer Care Relief Fund for women needing financial support during treatment.
These initiatives are making a real difference for people in our community.
But we risk limiting their impact if facilities at GV Health’s Shepparton hospital aren’t up to scratch.
Frankly, access to cancer services in our region has fallen behind.
GV Health is the only major regional health service in Victoria without a fully integrated cancer centre.
That means no on-site radiation oncology, and gaps in cancer care and wellness.
What’s more, the services that are available aren’t all under one roof.
For patients and their families, this means longer travel (often to Melbourne) for treatments not available locally, including for some complex cancers.
A cancer diagnosis makes life hard.
Having to travel long distances for treatment only makes it harder.
Last month, the Shepparton News reported that Stage 1 of a new cancer centre is due to start construction at GV Health next year.
This first stage is an important step, providing more space to meet growing demand.
Of course, that extra space will quickly fill with new patients.
And even with Stage 1 built, cancer services will still be split across two separate locations at GV Health, and radiation therapy will be off-site at GenesisCare in the CBD.
Put simply: even with Stage 1, there still won’t be enough space, services won’t be in one place, and radiation oncology will remain off-site.
A true integrated cancer centre would bring everything together: clinics, treatment, recovery, wellness, and staff, side by side.
Cancer care that’s easier to access, and closer to home, with fewer trips to Melbourne, and the same level of care other Victorian regions already have.
Our community needs the full project, not just Stage 1.
That’s why the GV Health Foundation has launched a new website where you can register your support for a fully integrated cancer centre for GV Health.
Add your name and share it with family and friends, and help show that our community is united behind this vision.
With a fully Integrated cancer centre, the immense generosity of events such as the Ladies Who Lunch, the recent Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch and many other wonderful fundraising events would have an even greater impact on everyone who depends on GV Health for care and treatment for cancer.
To show your support, add your name to the petition at: ICC Pledge of Support - GV Health Foundation
— Stephen Merrylees, is the GV Health Foundation chair, a charity with an independent volunteer board raising money for GV Health.
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