yes, i want to help the chris o’brien lifehouse at rpa …€¦ · proceeds to lifehouse at rpa...

The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA

Autumn UpdateMessage from the CEOI’m excited to say it’s all systems go here at Lifehouse with the construction of the new centre well under way. This extraordinary vision of the future of cancer treatment and care is made possible thanks to kind people like you.

Despite Sydney not having much of a summer this year with what seemed like endless downpours and storms, our building contractor Brookfield multiplex has been able to work some magic and we are on track to see the facility completed to ground level in the next month.

Our team, too, is hard at work with operational planning in the lead up to opening. All Sydney Cancer Centre services will be moving over to Lifehouse in mid-2013 and, as you can imagine, it isn’t just about constructing a great facility – we need to be fully up and running so that patients are getting the very best care from day one.

With the opening date getting closer, we’re also starting to fit out our new centre with all the services required to run a facility of this size, like the installation of a trigeneration plant. Designed so we can use energy as efficiently as possible, the plant is one of the first of its kind in Australia. You can read more about this and other services inside.

Thank you for your incredible supportEmployee Profile – 5 minutes with…

Gary Wall – Facilities Director at Lifehouse

What is your role at Lifehouse? my role is to facilitate the final design of the facility from a workflow perspective before we open. I am part of the procurement team selecting the furniture, fixtures & equipment for Lifehouse, and I’m also looking after formalising departments in a number of areas – engineering, biomedical, catering, hotel services, security and car parking.

Such a large complex must use a lot of energy?To give you an idea of the scale, we estimate spending around $2 million on water, gas and electricity each year – and that’s despite having a 4 Star Green Star rating, which is very rare in healthcare facilities. Lifehouse has been designed with natural ventilation, using maximum natural light through atriums. The centre has a low carbon footprint, with recycling initiatives underway for water, heat and waste. We will install a trigeneration plant to allow us to use energy as efficiently as possible.

With less than 18 months until Lifehouse opens its doors, what are your priorities?At the moment it’s sourcing the furniture, fixtures and equipment for the research facilities, patient accommodation, theatres and clinician consulting offices. more than 50,000 items will need to be purchased prior to opening – things like special chemotherapy chairs, patient beds and biomedical equipment. We are already in the process of recruiting core services like cleaning, catering, security and valet. Tenders will be open soon for waste, linen and biomedical equipment. many services will be undertaken in-house but others will be out-sourced initially.

How will Lifehouse be different to other hospital facilities you’ve managed?Lifehouse will combine the best of private and public services – the efficiencies of the private health sector with the compassion so well demonstrated by the public health system. This is an exciting new health care model - a comprehensive cancer centre fully focussed on the needs of its patients and improving their journey through the healthcare system.

An Officer and a Gentleman, the musical

Sunday 6 May, 2012Lyric Theatre, The StarBe the first to see the world premier of An Officer and a Gentleman in Sydney.

The Final Dress Rehersal Proceeds to Lifehouse at RPA$69.99 A Reserve Ticket. Book at Ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 795 267

Bringing innovation and research together, in a supportive working environment and culture, Lifehouse will be a place where shared learnings mean greater care for all our patients and their families. We have just signed a contract for our own unique information system which will see Lifehouse become a truly paperless, digital hospital. We’ll offer the first fully-integrated electronic medical record system in Australia, making access to patients’ medical histories fast and efficient.

On a final note, I am really proud to lead

Progress on site, February 2012

Gary Wall (far right) with Ric West, Brookfield Multiplex Services Manager – Constructions & Development; and Liz Wallace, Capital Insight Project Manager. Gary is in charge of facilitating the final design of the facility from a workflow perspective.

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ThAnK YOU FOR YOUR GEnEROSITY AnD COMPASSIOn FOR PEOPLE WITh CAnCER.

the Lifehouse team in the 2012 Sunsuper Ride To Conquer Cancer. Since we began training as a group, our numbers have grown each week and we now have 36 riding in our team. With six months’ training time remaining we’re hoping even more eager riders help us raise vital funds for cancer research, treatment and care. If you’d like to join our Lifehouse team, I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you again for all your generous support of Lifehouse. I look forward to updating you again soon.

Timothy DuganChief Executive Officer

If you would prefer to make monthly donations via direct debit from your nominated account please call us on 1300 852 500

Berry Cocktail PartyAn enormous thank you to Jilly Hampshire and family, and the local businesses and community of Berry, for all their support at the cocktail party held at Jilly’s beautiful Berry home this month. Silent auctions, sales of raffle tickets and tickets to the event resulted in more than $37,000 being raised to benefit Lifehouse. Our thanks also to Chicky Hampshire Catering, Santa Vittoria, Shoalhaven Hotel, Ross Hill Wines, The Blue Swimmer, Berry Sourdough Café, Hungry Duck and Pavilion Restaurant.

Club Mount Lewis FundraiserOur sincere gratitude to Club mount Lewis for hosting a spectacular fundraising dinner in honour of mr Ilie Pantea in February. Ilie is receiving treatment at Sydney Cancer Centre under the care of Professor michael Boyer, who was a special guest at the event. more than $18,000 was raised for Lifehouse on the night, with special thanks going to organisers including Beverley Sharmon, Jack Citraro, Keith Hutchinson and Ilie Pantea.

Australian Women of the Year Association LuncheonIn October, Lifehouse was the beneficiary of the AWOYA’s 36th Annual Luncheon. A unique group of inspiring Australian women shared their personal stories about overcoming life’s challenges and helped raised $15,000 for the Lifehouse project. Our appreciation to speakers Gail O’Brien, Heidi middleton, maureen Carter, Elizabeth Broderick and melissa Babbage, along with wonderful master of Ceremonies Deborah Thomas. Special thanks to the Australian Women of the Year Association National Committee, generous sponsors and guests.

Denim and DiamondsThe Sydney Gynae Cancer Committee added some real sparkle to the Denim & Diamonds cocktail party this month at the Hyde Park Barracks. Jean Kittson proved to be an entertaining master of Ceremonies once again and over $37,000 was raised to support Lifehouse and, specifically, gynaecologic oncology research and support services. Special thanks to committee members Sally Goss, Dianne Sinclair, Jane Thomas, Ester Fraser, Claire Wilkinson, Christina malcolm, Christine Agius, Ellen Farmer-maloney, Johanna martin, marisa Johnston and Sue Dickson.

The fabulous Jean Kittson with Committee member Ester Fraser from Mary Rossi Travel, who supported the event by donating a luxurious weekend escape as first prize in the raffle.

Former patient rides to conquer cancer

“In August 2009 the cricket ball-sized lump I’d found next to my stomach was diagnosed as non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. About two months later, I got into cycling after my oncologist told me exercise would help me cope

Cancer survivor Robert Dixon at the Ride To Conquer Cancer Big Day Out in Brisbane recently. Robert and his friend formed the team Simply all Survivors to support cancer patients and other survivors.

with the side effects of chemotherapy treatment and, ironically, alleviate fatigue. It did. And I’ve now been cancer-free for more than two years.

Later that year I heard about the Ride To Conquer Cancer and I knew this was for me. What could be more fitting than riding the bike that helped me to conquer my cancer, to help others? I work for CSIRO and know how hard it can be to find research funding, so here was a way to raise $2,500 as a thank-you for the research that has already been done and which helped me get well. A way to share the blessings I’ve received.

At the first annual ride in Brisbane last year I was offered a yellow ‘survivor flag’. People would come over, ask how you were going, encourage you, want to know about your experiences, and tell you about their loved ones battling cancer.

As a survivor, you’re not just riding for yourself – you’re a visible reminder of the reason for the ride – that there will

be more who conquer cancer. But you also ride in the place of those whose journeys have spurred us on to be here – those who have been triumphant, those who are still fighting and those who we have sadly lost – like my mum, a year before my own diagnosis. So it’s a special honour to ride with a yellow flag, and very humbling.

This year, a friend and I have formed a team called Simply All Survivors. If you’re a cancer survivor new to the ride, or you know someone who is, please join us for either the Brisbane ride in August or the Sydney ride in October. We support each other and offer a message of hope to those fighting cancer.

Earlier this year, a friend said, “You play the cards you are dealt.” His words got me thinking: what do you do if you’ve been dealt ‘a good hand’ and had lots of help to play it, like me? Well, I’m going to be riding to conquer cancer again this year. Come and join me!”

For more information about this epic event visit www.conquercancer.org.au

mORE than 500 cyclists took part in the 9th annual Johnny Warren Jamberoo Classic last month. The 96km event from Loftus to Jamberoo honours the late former Australian Socceroo captain Johnny Warren and is organised by Johnny’s nephew Jamie Warren.

“Uncle John was Vice Patron of the Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation and a self-proclaimed Professional Cancer Fighter at the time of his passing in November 2004,” Jamie said at the event.

“I know John would be both proud and

humbled by the support shown to him and to The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA by the 524 JWJC participants, and I would like to thank every participant, every sponsor and every volunteer for their ongoing support.”

Juliette O’Brien, daughter of the late Professor Chris O’Brien, also attended the event on February 12 and counted down the start of this year’s charity ride. Juliette thanked the audience for the incredible support offered by such a wonderful community alliance.

“I wanted to support my uncle Phil

Greenaway who rode again this year,” says Juliette, “and I was also keen to meet Tour de France commentator michael Tomalaris. The ride was televised on SBS and raised more than $30,000 for Lifehouse. It’s such a brilliant show of support.”

Lifehouse CEO Timothy Dugan took part in the ride and was thrilled with the extraordinary turnout.

“It was a fantastic day,” says Tim. “The weather cleared and rolling through the Royal National Park at the front of a 500 strong peloton was a great buzz.”

Cyclists take to the road again in support of Lifehouse

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Young breast cancer patient advocates for greater awareness

“It’s easy to find excuses for symptoms and just explain them away,” says Keely Bennett, a vibrant 36 year-old woman only recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Keely, a young mum of two, is advocating better awareness and earlier detection for younger women who don’t necessarily fall into the most common age bracket for a breast cancer diagnosis.

“As I was breastfeeding my daughter at the time, I really thought the lumps were just breast milk. I was very tired but I was working part-time, looking after our three year old Chloe and one year old Ellen, so I wasn’t surprised I was exhausted all the time. And more recently, when my back was constantly sore, I was sure it was from carrying two children and their backpacks, etc around.”

Keely learned that not only did she have breast cancer but that it had spread to her liver and bones. By sharing her story, Keely wants other women to take notice of any changes in their health and act on them – early.

She immediately began courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Sydney Cancer Centre, but a few days before Christmas was admitted to the intensive care unit at RPA after developing cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin. “The inflammation initially looked like a small bruise but within four hours it had spread the length of my leg and had become extremely painful,” recalls Keely.

Keely knew that when undergoing chemotherapy she needed to avoid infection as her immune system was more vulnerable, but she presumed that meant flu or chest infections, not something as potentially serious as cellulitis.

“The infection resulted in over a month’s break from chemo and I spent two weeks as an inpatient at RPA over Christmas. Luckily, family brought presents to the hospital on Christmas Day and we were able to celebrate together.”

Keely’s husband mark, mother Kathy and her friends have been an incredible support network, helping Keely juggle medical appointments with the general chaos of a young family. Keely says it’s also been extremely beneficial to speak with younger women in particular who are in a similar situation.

“I attended my first ‘under 45’ support group this month and I was awed by the welcome and courage of all the ladies involved,” says Keely. “It’s been a steep learning curve, educating myself about medical terminology and navigating

Upcoming Events

Apple of Life Black Tie Gala DinnerFriday 6 July, 2012master of Ceremonies mr Peter Overton, Channel NineLocation: Doltone House Darling Island WharfTickets: $200 – individual ticket$1,950 – table of 10$3,000 – corporate table with signage and recognitionEntertainment: Sincopa, Sydney’s premiere party band The Apple of Life black tie gala dinner is being hosted by a group of young and committed Lifehouse supporters, lead by 29 year-old Tim Cussell and his new wife Freya.

In 2010 Tim was a fit rugby player when he was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer that had spread into two lymph nodes. Tim underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and a month later underwent an operation to remove his large bowel and affected lymph nodes.

Today, four years after Tim noticed his first symptoms, he is passionate about raising awareness of bowel cancer and the importance of Lifehouse’s holistic approach to cancer treatment. Tim is using his personal experience to raise awareness and support for cancer patients and their families.

Funds raised will go towards funding a future position of LifeCare Navigator at Lifehouse when it opens in mid-2013. LifeCare Coordination is a key part of providing the very best care to patients from the first moment of a possible cancer diagnosis, throughout treatment, during the post-acute phase of care and beyond.

We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of Lifehouse. If you would like to receive our quarterly newsletters by email rather than mail (and help us save on administration costs) please sign up to our e-newsletter at www.lifehouserpa.org.au or phone us on 1300 852 500.Thank you for your continued support.

help LifehouseSave Lives

Every donation, large or smallwill help people with cancer survive.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please fill in the coupon overleaf.

To donate by phone, please call us on 1300 852 500 or visit our website www.lifehouserpa.org.au to make a secure donation online.

LOCATED in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital – Sydney University precinct at Camperdown, Sydney, Lifehouse at RPA will be a centre of excellence with integrated clinical care, research and education facilities, creating opportunities for innovative discoveries, compassionate holistic care and better outcomes for patients.

By making a donation you can help us realise Chris O’Brien’s vision and make a real difference to people with cancer.

You can help The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA transform the treatment of cancer and bring hope to the lives of cancer patients, their carers and families.

ARRANGING your Will is one of the most important things you will ever do. most significantly, a Will protects your family and loved ones by ensuring that your estate is divided in the way you intend.

Including The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA in your will is the most meaningful gift you can leave to fund groundbreaking cancer research and to improve education, treatment and care for all cancer patients.

If you decide to include a gift to Lifehouse, please let us know as we’d love to invite you to join our special group of supporters who’ve also remembered us in their Will, known as Lifehouse Partners. You will receive information about developments and topics that interest you, as well as a tour of the facility and invitations to special events.

Please contact our Bequest manager for further information on 1300 852 500 or email us at [email protected]

my way through treatment options. I took part in the Look Good… Feel Better workshop which helps women manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. That was helpful. And I had my first acupuncture treatment last week – I was very impressed.”

Keely, 2nd from right, holding daughter Ellen and surrounded by (from left) her mother Kathy, daughter Chloe and husband Mark, is urging younger women to make sure they get any changes in their health checked out sooner rather than later.

Keely hopes reading about her journey will encourage others to be especially conscious of any changes in their bodies, and to talk to a doctor straight away. When breast cancer is detected early there is a much higher chance of successful treatment – and that the cancer will not come back.

“The past four months has been a wild roller-coaster ride for everyone,” Keely says. “I recognise I still have a long journey ahead but a recent progress scan showed the Herceptin and the chemo treatment plan are having positive results. I’m very grateful for the positive and reassuring visits, calls and emails from family, friends and colleagues, and my husband and friends are also supporting me by participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer cycling event being held in October.

“I’m confident I’m getting the best medical treatment possible at Sydney Cancer Centre and, somewhat unexpectedly, I’ve started to develop some fun friendships with the wonderful staff!”

SBS Sports Reporter Mike Tomalaris (right) addressing the riders with Rochelle Gilmore, 2010 Commonwealth Games Road Race Champion.

Juliette O’Brien thanked the audience for the incredible support.

Former Sydney Cancer Centre patient Michael Bell, with wife Michèle and their sons Ewan and Thomas.

Tim Cussell and Freya Smith will host the black tie gala dinner fundraiser Apple of Life on 6 July.

Upcoming Events

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yes, i want to help the chris o’brien lifehouse at rpa …€¦ · proceeds to lifehouse at rpa...

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