Cancer Council WA making patients at Fiona Stanley Hospital feel connected

MEETING a Cancer Council volunteer at Fiona Stanley Hospital marked a turning point for cancer patient Steve Toon.

Mr Toon said he felt isolated throughout his treatment for prostate cancer until he made contact with the volunteer who connected him with Cancer Council WA.

“Until that time I had felt very alone in dealing with my cancer but I can honestly say, the Cancer Council really brightened my life and helped turnaround the way I was feeling,” he said.

Mr Toon recently met one of the Cancer Centre volunteers Mercy Ruka, who volunteers at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, to thank her for the work she does in reaching out to other cancer patients.

He thanked Ms Ruka for the difference she and other volunteers make through engaging with cancer patients in the waiting rooms and connecting them with Cancer Council.

“To me it really highlights the power of making the right connection and in my case it brought me so much positivity,” Mr Toon said.

Ms Ruka said she appreciated Mr Toon’s feedback and learning about the impact of her role with Cancer Council.

“It really gives me enormous satisfaction to know we can make a difference so it’s gratifying to hear that first hand from Steve,” she said.

Cancer Council WA operates a volunteer service within Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital.

To find out more about Cancer Council support services call the information and support line on 13 11 20.