Life Flora’s Cancer Tea and Talk: Hope Grows Here!

Cancer survivors and medical workers came together to celebrate hope at Life Flora’s Cancer Tea and Talk on June 9.

The oncology team at the hospital put together a get-together for anyone who is fighting, has fought, and knows someone who is fighting cancer.

The theme of the talk was ‘Hope Grows Here’ featuring guest speakers Sandra Bollen-Hughes, a cancer survivor and psychologist, and Kerry Walsh who became a motivational speaker after living with Spinal Muscular Dystrophy and realising she could make an impact in other people’s lives by sharing her story.

Sandra spoke about the role cancer has played in her family. Her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and seven years later she was diagnosed with the same type of cancer.

“Going through my cancer journey I realised that I could help others during theirs through my work as a psychologist,” exclaimed Sandra. She went on to explain that she focused her work on psycho-oncology, and through this, she aims to help cancer survivors reconnect with themselves.

“There is a part of trauma recovery that can be seen as positive. Someone who has gone through trauma is often left with newly found wisdom,” added Sandra, explaining that through various studies psychologists have found that the impact of trauma often does not deplete a person’s emotional capacity.

“This is where the term Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) comes in. Personal growth as a result of trauma. Two-thirds of the people who experience trauma also experience PTG, whereas one out of three people who experience trauma also experiences Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” elaborated Sandra.

The PTG can be subtle, according to Sandra, and people often experience one or more of the five areas of growth. Those areas are; better personal strength, relating more in close relationships, a greater appreciation of life, a discovery of new possibilities, and finally spiritual development or growth.

“I often say that going through a fight with cancer is a lesson in humanity,” added Sandra, concluding that the best way to ensure PTG is through realising that your experience was not in vain. She explained that processing grief and finding relief through distractions is often a balancing act, but ensures those listening that through this, and asking self-reflecting questions, trauma survivors can experience growth.

Kerry spoke about her life experience as someone who was diagnosed with a degenerative muscle disorder soon after birth.

“I have a twin sister, and while she reached her developmental milestones on time, my parents noticed that I wasn’t progressing the same,” explained Kerry. She added that doctors weren’t sure what was causing the delay and only later on did they realise she had spinal muscular dystrophy.

“They told my parents to take me home and cherish the time they had with me, which according to them would only be five years,” continued Kerry. She explained to the crowd that this was when she experienced her first defining moment.

“My parents did not accept what the doctors said and proclaimed that they will fight for my life. This soon became our new normal,” exclaimed Kerry.

“People don’t often understand your experiences unless they have lived through it themselves!”

Although Kerry is bound to a wheelchair, and this comes with many restrictions, she decided to say yes to every experience she could.

“When I matriculated my dream of becoming a teacher was crushed after learning that I wouldn’t be able to teach in a wheelchair. Instead of panicking and spiraling, I decided to make my own space and try everything,” added Kerry. She explained that she started her public speaking career shortly after matriculating when her mum made arrangements for her to go give a motivational talk at a school nearby.

“I winged it, and in doing so realised my passion for motivating others, hopefully inspiring them through my own experiences,” elaborated Kerry.

The talk concluded with refreshments and the attendees were able to network with various organisations that offer support to cancer patients.