My interest in supporting women who are experiencing a cancer diagnosis started a few years before I had a cancer diagnosis myself. A dear friend was diagnosed with leukemia twice and had a bone marrow transplant. It was through this friend that I learned about many ‘other’ things that accompanied cancer, and when I had my first diagnosis in 1999 (breast) it was her friendship that also supported me. Sadly this friend has since died and she will forever hold a place in my heart for many, many reasons.
My next diagnosis (melanoma) was in 2011 and once again found me questioning how both I was receiving the information and curious about what the impact might be. My third cancer diagnosis (thyroid) came in 2024, and was a shock to my system yet again. Fortunately at this time, none of the cancers were related, and all have been surgically removed and successfully treated. (However, there still remains a little disappointment that the radioactive iodine treatment following thyroid surgery did not leave me with a glow worm bum.) Ultimately, their gift was that they brought with them knowledge and an understanding of how different cancers can impact on one’s life.
Early in 2025 I came across an advertisement for lived experience peer support volunteers for a new Geelong Hub, and being a Geelong local felt that this just might be something of interest. Several contacts later, I found myself sitting in a room with three other ‘newbies’ learning all about the work of Counterpart and how we could contribute as volunteers. As I am not quite there in full retirement, I was looking for some way to give back some of the wonderful support I have received over the years following my diagnoses. Counterpart provided the opportunity I was looking for and as a regional area, a very welcome resource for the women of our community.
I have now completed my training component and will be soon moving into the realm of doing some of the telephone contacts and offering support for women who have made contact with Counterpart. The training has been comprehensive, and I have loved working through the modules at my own pace, learning so much about the many aspects involved in a cancer diagnosis and treatment. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed the meet and greet sessions held monthly at the new Geelong Hub, speaking with amazing women, enjoying a laugh and an occasional tear as each of them share their particular pathways through the cancer experience.
I know that one of the supports that helped get me through was the presence of my wonderful friend sharing her own experiences, and I hope that I can honour her memory and her willingness to be there for me, by supporting others through Counterpart volunteering into the future.
Chris S, Counterpart Peer Support Volunteer, Oct 2025
