Left to right: Sandra Clark – Treasurer Companions Thru Cancer Inc, Angie White – Secretary Parkes Domestic & Family Violence Committee and Kay Ivey – Vice President Companions Thru Cancer Inc.
Companions Thru Cancer lnc was established to provide and promote a confidential, non-denominational, non-religious support network distinct from other groups,societies, associations and the time, for people whose lives have been touched bycancer in some way.
Companions Thru Cancer lnc began from a newspaper article featuring Dianne Tanswell’s 40th birthday party, headed ‘Cancer a word, not a death sentence’. lt expressed Dianne’s passion to form a support group in Parkes for cancer patients and their carers’. This article prompted well-known sportsman Len Gosper to contact Dianne about her idea. Together Dianne, Len Gosper and Dorothy Tanswell formed Companions Thru Cancer on 10 December 2001. Unfortunately, all three founders were cancer patients and have sadly passed away, but their legacy lives on.
Companion Thru Cancer lnc meet every third Wednesday of the month for social outings where friendships and support have grown, and many experiences have been shared in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. This sharing and friendship is reflected in the group’s logo designed by local artist Julie Hamilton, in memory of her late mother, Patricia Bigelow.
Companions Thru Cancer lnc have in the past made donations to Care West Lodge Orange, Currajong Enterprises, AngeI Flight, Currajong Disabilities, PCYC, RuraI Fire, Encore and Red Cross to name a few.
The group have also fundraised for Relay for Life and annually hold a Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council.
This year they donated $1,000 to the Parkes Domestic & Family Violence Committee.
Companions Thru Cancer lnc was formed to share experiences, to laugh, to cry and to embrace life! lf you would like to join please contact: President Mavis Moon 6862 2582 or vice president Kay lvey 0459 931 799.