Member's Experience - Dr John
The diagnosis of cancer is a terrible shock whoever you are or whatever the circumstances, as I know only too well. Following my brush with cancer in 2000/1 and the ensuing chemo- and radiotherapies, I found support in very many ways at Cherry Lodge Cancer Care, where I became a member (an easier name than that of patient) in 2002. After supportive counselling and a course of reflexology (to help my immune system recover), I also joined as a volunteer serving as a fundraiser for several years and served a term as a Trustee.
Cherry Lodge Cancer Care is an independent registered charity (No. 1011629) founded in 1987. From 1996 onwards it established a Centre in Barnet where people with cancer, their relatives and friends, can find information, support, complementary therapies and the comradeship of others in similar circumstances.
As many will be aware, there will, unfortunately, be a number of people in North London/South Hertfordshire, who are living with cancer, or who will be diagnosed with cancer in the future. It is a horrifying fact that most people will either be diagnosed with a cancer during their lifetime or be closely associated with someone who will. Indeed, my Consultant told me (in 2004) that there is an 8% increase in lymphoma alone each year and that specialists did not know why. It does not take a genius to work out how long it will be at this rate for everyone to develop lymphoma - a frightening prospect!
However, as I found, Cherry Lodge offers support and guidance to all and I am sure many others will benefit from its support and services now and in the future. But, as the Chairman has also pointed out, it does cost around £250,000 per year to keep Cherry Lodge going and no charge for any of their services is made to those seeking help and support. So, Cherry Lodge needs the financial support of very many people for it to continue. Can you help Cherry Lodge Cancer Care continue the vital work that it does by becoming a Friend of the charity or joining in the fundraising efforts?
