To show our support for breast cancer awareness month, we’ve partnered with the McGrath Foundation to ‘Make a Point for Breast Cancer’ by donating through our ‘BOOBS’ calculator. Read Janet’s story below to find out more about the impact a McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse can have on Australian families experiencing breast cancer.

Janet Furze was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2012 and underwent a gruelling treatment process for almost two years. She says having the support of her local Mildura McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Louise James, was vital.

“Louise was fantastic throughout the whole process. The way she would advocate on my behalf, and help with the little things like booking appointments just made everything so much easier.”

“When you’re going through chemotherapy you just don’t have energy to deal with these things. That’s where Louise would step in and help me. She became a great support system, someone to talk to and lean on,” said Janet.

Janet says that Louise’s strength lies in her approachability and caring nature.

“Louise’s sense of humor is so great. On days when I would have chemotherapy, we would take our own morning tea in and just have a chat together. She would make us all laugh, and it would make those difficult days seem lighter,” said Janet.

Louise says she’s delighted to be part of the Mildura community providing dedicated support to women experiencing breast cancer, and their families.

“I feel really privileged to be working as a McGrath Breast Care Nurse to provide support throughout the woman’s cancer experience and during a time of intense vulnerability and uncertainty. The women I work with on a daily basis are the reason I’m in the role. A key focus is the provision of relevant resources, supports and practical assistance. I work to reduce variations in care and to assist in the coordination of their care through advocacy and networking,” said Louise.

“I’m passionate about helping women and their families through what can be such a difficult time for them. I know the impact a diagnosis of breast cancer can have on the person affected, as well as their entire family. I’m here to help them through their experience, physically and emotionally,” said Louise.

Make your Point for Breast Cancer and donate here.

McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide a free service, based on self-referrals. You can find out more at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au