Cancer Council NT eNews - July 2018

CEO report

Welcome to our second e- news for 2018.  As you can see, again Cancer Council NT has been very active delivering services aimed at reducing the impact of cancer for Territorians – local service to local people.

This will be my last e-news.  After five busy and rewarding years leading the Cancer Council of the Northern Territory, I feel I have made the best contribution I can and it’s time to hand over the baton.   A cancer diagnosis has a huge impact on so many – the individual, their family and friends and the community. Through Cancer Council NT I have had the honour of creating outcomes and making changes for individuals and the community that otherwise may not have been achievable. 

People have often said to me that my job must be hard – having to deal with cancer every day.  I know the loss from cancer with both my beloved Granma and my sister dying from cancer.  Being part of Cancer Council NT gave me the opportunity to give and make a contribution that would be worthy of my loved ones and so worthy of Territorians.  Over the past five years Cancer Council NT has introduced new programs addressing practical issues of legal and financial concerns, more access to financial assistance and Transport to Treatment.  More forums and support groups have been delivered and healthy activities such as walking, yoga and healthy cooking offered.  We have been active in the regions and the Katherine office was opened during this time in response to cancer treatment services offered from the Katherine Hospital.  All our services remain cost free to clients.

I thank the many volunteers and community supporters that generously give time and money to create these local opportunities.  To the team of Cancer Council NT workers, I thank them for their commitment and professionalism.  I leave satisfied I have contributed and added to the story of the Cancer Council of the Northern Territory.  It is a strong and colourful story, full of love and commitment but also of loss and frustration and one that has many more chapters to be written. 

Yours in good health, 

Kathleen Cole
CEO, Cancer Council NT