When Ingrid kiel-Monaghan was diagnosed with cancer, it turned her world upside down.
The Subiaco resident has an aggressive breast cancer discovered in November 2016.
She went straight into surgery, where another tumor was found.
At the start of her radiation treatment after four months of chemotherapy, she found out about Solaris Cancer Care.
Stepping into one of their centres takes patients into a place separate from intensive medical treatment, prognoses and clinics.
“It was a godsend,” Ms Kiel-Monaghan said.
“There are some incredibly compassionate people around you; it’s helped me beyond words and I’m one of many.”
This year, the amount of money Solaris has raised is not enough to guarantee the long term sustainability of the organisation; there has been a shortfall of $200,000.
The charity is holding a ‘May We Survive and Thrive’ campaign to boost its coffers, aiming to raise at least half of the funds required in May.
All cancer patients are carers can access free complimentary therapies, supportive care and activities, browse the library, or simply take time out to relax at the centres attached to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and St John of God Subiaco Hospital (SJOG) or Solaris Cottesloe centre.
SJOG Solaris centre senior client services manager Alison Hooper was previously an oncology nurse.
Solaris provides support to 8,000 cancer patients and carers per year, delivering $1 million worth of therapies free of charge.
“A lot of people used to think we were government funded, but no, we raise money ourselves,” Ms Hoper said.
Visit SolarisCancerCare.org.au
media and images published by Western Suburbs Weekly, published 22 May 2018
