From listening to the experiences of our grant recipients, it is evident that cancer treatment can take a significant toll, physically, emotionally and financially. Our recipients have shared with us the disruption of cancer treatment to daily life, the treatment resulting in being “at home a majority of the time”, “unable to work”, “struggling with boredom”, spending “many hours in hospital” and having to cancel travel plans. We have heard about the physical effects; such as “pain from the scar tissue”, hair thinning and loss, lost muscle and strength, and the emotional effects; such as the stress, feelings of hopelessness and the impact on their identity. They have described treatment as “challenging”, “draining” “intense” and “strenuous”. One recipient commented they “needed to clear [their] head after everything”.
We thank all of our recipients for sharing their experiences with us.
Following treatment of cancer, small steps can lead to lasting positive changes. It can be a time to consider ways to rebuild physical and mental health, connect with others, as well as regain a sense of self.
Our aim is to support young people during or after treatment, to take small steps towards accessing meaningful wellness activities that help to promote wellbeing following a difficult time.
Exploring wellness options
Our grant recipients have explored what is meaningful and important to them, and have chosen a wide range of activities and products: weekends away, spa treatments, tennis racquets, musical instruments, wigs, media, camping equipment, a sewing machine, a zoo experience and some golf equipment, to name a few.
Many grant recipients from the Christina Ghobadi Foundation have shared how movement played an important role after their treatment.
One recipient shared the impact of clinical pilates on their strength and confidence:
“The pilates class has really helped me in gaining [strength and muscle] back and to feel confident and happy in being able to look after my body again.”
Another recipient shared the benefits of exercise physiology:
“[It helped] me maintain a structured exercise and wellness routine during cancer treatment, which improved my physical and mental health. I believe exercise played a key role in minimizing complications during my treatment.”
A grant recipient shared the effect of a group setting:
“I noticed an improvement in my mental health and energy levels… It was great to meet other people in a similar situation at the group exercise physiotherapy sessions, it made me feel supported and less alone in my journey.”
These personal stories show that physical activity can lead to positive impacts on strength, identity and wellbeing. This approach is supported by research, which shows that moderate exercise such as walking or yoga has not only physical benefits, but it can also reduce fatigue and the long-term effects of cancer treatment (1).
Emotional wellbeing
Focusing on your mental and emotional health and wellbeing will look different for different people. It may involve making time for self care, spending time with loved ones, participating in a hobby or more formal pathways such as seeing a therapist or accessing a support group.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, have been described as another valuable tool for emotional wellbeing. One of our grant recipients shared their avenues of accessing wellness activities, which involved meditation and mindfulness:
“I used my grant to pay for: In person meditation classes at the Melbourne Buddhist Centre, a yearly subscription to the Headspace app, my entry into the Sydney marathon that I spent 16 weeks exercising and training for and flights up to the Sunshine Coast to attend a Men’s Brain Cancer Retreat. All of these have helped me on my cancer journey… and contributed greatly to my recovery and sense of wellbeing after being diagnosed with brain cancer”
Another grant recipient shared how connecting with a meaningful hobby made an impact:
“I used my grant to purchase an Ipad because my chemo regime was quite intense, being upwards of 5 hours a day. This was a great way to keep me distracted and get through my sessions. I enjoyed using my Ipad on a daily basis to read books, stream movies and video call my family overseas. It was a super helpful tool in getting through my time in hospital.”
Accessing support
Support is available, whether it may be through family, friends, healthcare professionals, speaking to others in similar situations, applying for a CGF grant or accessing the support of other organisations.
The options below can offer someone to talk to:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 – https://www.lifeline.org.au/
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- eheadspace: 1800 650 890 – Online and telephone support for young people aged 12–25. https://headspace.org.au/
- Cancer Council Online Community: https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/
- Cancer Hub: 1800 431 312 – https://cancerhub.org.au/services/canteen-connect/
The Christina Ghobadi Foundation provides wellness grants to young Victorians aged 18 to 30 during or after cancer treatment, to enable access to activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Our grant recipients encourage others to apply as well:
“During or after dealing with cancer, which is no small feat, why not take the few opportunities you get during this time to look after yourself or your loved ones.”
“When you’ve gotten to this point, anything and everything makes a difference.”
“It can help make treatment a little easier.”
“It gives you something to look forward to.”
“Cancer is so draining both physically, mentally and financially. This is a great program to support an activity or purchase that benefits your recovery.”
How to apply for a wellness grant from The Christina Ghobadi Foundation
- Apply for a grant
If you are aged between 18 and 30 years of age and living with or recovering from cancer, consider applying for a grant. You can include what you would like to use the grant for, or a member of the foundation can work with you to help you decide. You will need to provide a medical document with proof of your diagnosis or your medical professional can make a direct referral. (Click here to Apply)
- Contact the Foundation
Reach out directly to The Christina Ghobadi Foundation if you have any questions. (Click here to Contact Us)
- Forward this information to some-one you know
If you know someone who fits this criteria and would benefit from receiving a grant to help with their recovery please forward this information onto them.
References:
- Mustian, K. M., Sprod, L. K., Janelsins, M., Peppone, L. J., & Mohile, S. (2012). Exercise Recommendations for Cancer-Related Fatigue, Cognitive Impairment, Sleep Problems, Depression, Pain, Anxiety, and Physical Dysfunction—A Review. Oncology & Hematology Review (US), 08(02), 81. https://doi.org/10.17925/ohr.2012.08.2.81
Enjoy reading this?
Join our newsletter today!