Counterpart is a statewide initiative by Women’s Health Victoria that supports women who have encountered cancer.
The wellbeing event is on Thursday, November 16, at the Shepparton Senior Citizens Hall. It begins at 10am and finishes at 2.45pm.
All events are free, and a light lunch will be provided.
Participants are welcome to stay for all or part of the day.
The program for the day is as follows:
• 10am — Registration and welcome
• 10.30am-11.20am — Creative activity led by a local practitioner
• 11.20am-11.30am — Morning tea
• 11.30am-12.30pm — What a difference exercising makes
• 12.30pm-1.15pm — Lunch
• 1.15pm -2.30pm — Qigong and meditation
• 2.30pm-2.45pm — Closing
Shepparton resident Jen Scandolera was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in May, 2020.
“This is especially meaningful for me, as these kinds of gatherings weren’t available during my own treatment journey,“ she said.
“So it’s heartwarming to see this Wellbeing Day come to life.”
Mrs Scandolera had the good fortune of receiving her chemotherapy and radiation therapy locally, thanks to the opening of the Genesis Radiation Clinic in Shepparton.
She praised the incredible staff who even played her custom Spotify playlist ‘Jen’s Feel Good Tunes’ during her radiation treatment.
As a qigong and yoga teacher, she aims to share the invaluable skills that aided her throughout her treatment.
“My skill set in qigong and yoga, focusing on breathing, mindset and meditation,” Mrs Scandolera said.
“It was a lifeline during my 12-day surgery stay at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne when visitors weren’t allowed due to COVID restrictions.
“I’m eagerly looking forward to sharing the qigong experience on this day, and I hope many others will join me.”
She emphasised the significance of such events in helping individuals appreciate their unique experiences and find the beauty within, even during the most challenging moments.
“The gems we share with each other can light the path for someone else in their darkest hours,” Mrs Scandolera said.
“Events like this remind us to embrace the beauty and joy within us, even when it’s hard to see.”
Counterpart manager Cindy Van Rooy said the organisation was dedicated to providing peer support and valuable information to women across Victoria navigating cancer.
“Access to such support can be challenging in regional areas, which is why we are thrilled to collaborate with local healthcare professionals to offer this empowering day to women in and around Shepparton,” she said.
“We are grateful for the support of the Victorian Government, which has made this event possible.”
The Shepparton Wellbeing Day is open to all women who have faced any form of cancer, along with their partners, family or friends.
Book your spot by visiting https://counterpart.org.au/events/wellbeing-day-shepparton/ or call Counterpart at 1300 781 500.
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