When former American senator, Robert Kennedy said: "The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better, he could have been talking about Sally Whitehouse.
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Sally was a vibrant, fun loving woman when she was diagnosed with cancer more than 10 years ago.
Experiencing the difficulties of a chronic disease and the need to travel away from home to receive medical treatment Sally decided to instigate chemotherapy treatment in Forster.
With support from Forster Private Hospital, Sally was able to received treatment locally, spending much of her final two years at home with friends and family.
We could always tell which room she was having her treatment in - one just needed to follow the chatter and laughter emanating from her treatment room as 'the golf girls', friends and relatives kept her company through the treatment cycles, husband Geoff said.
Soon Great Lakes Palliative Care Support (previously known as Great Lakes Hospice) joined in and the oncology unit came into being.
After much lobbying by palliative care and Forster hospital funding for uninsured patients became a reality a few years later and the long term viability of the unit was assured, he said.
We could always tell which room she was having her treatment in - one just needed to follow the chatter and laughter emanating from her treatment room as 'the golf girls', friends and relatives kept her company through the treatment cycles.
- Geoff Whitehouse
Forster oncology unit now boasts eight treatment chairs, two oncologists and eight specialised nursing staff.
Great Lakes Palliative Care continues to support the unit and to provide palliative care to residents throughout the area who wish to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
A memorial event will be held to remember Sally Whitehouse and her selfless contribution and achievements towards oncology treatment at Forster Private Hospital on Saturday, August 10 at 1pm.
The event will start with a walk from the hospital following the Forster foreshore through town and along Bennetts Head to Sally's memorial chair at One Mile beach where sunset drinks will be held at Cape Hawke Surf Life Saving Club from 3pm, followed by a barbecue.
Proceeds from the event will raise funds for Great Lakes Palliative Care and Cape Hawke SLSC.
According to Geoff, Sally loved both Forster and being a mum.
"Her greatest joys were spending time with her children and with her many friends, patrolling on One Mile Beach and later on, playing golf."
If you wish to make a donation, a box will be placed at the beginning of the walk and at the SLSC.
RSVP to phillipa.whitehouse93@gmail.com if you are planning to attend the barbecue for catering purposes.
"We hope the afternoon is full of smiles, beautiful memories and support for our community."
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