Victoria’s longest-running breast cancer support group will celebrate its 21st anniversary with a party in Mernda later this month.
The Northern Breast Cancer Support Group, which started in 1997, is based at The Northern Hospital. It was created when local breast care nurses saw need for a group to help patients in the northern suburbs.
Group president Louise Knell said the group aimed to provide a friendly and comfortable place for patients and their families.
Ms Knell joined the group in 2013 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I didn’t have a big support network … I just didn’t know what I was doing,” she said.
“I met with the ladies and they helped me through my treatment. They helped me with transport, because the last thing you want to be thinking about when you are undergoing treatment is how you are getting there and back.
“We try to normalise the group by going on excursions and being a social group,” she said.
“The group has really touched so many people.”
The group will celebrate its 21st anniversary at Jindi Community Centre, Breadalbane Avenue, Mernda, on Saturday, May 19.
For more information about the group, email tnbscg@gmail.com
