The Wesley Hospital Kim Walters Choices Program hosts many different events associated with the program. These range from events aimed at supporting people with breast cancer, to fundraising events in support of the Choices program. For more information on Choices, fundraising, or to attend events, please contact Choices  on (07) 3232 6228.

The Wesley Hospital Kim Walters Choices Program
The Younger Women’s Group

Exercising Safely and Effectively

 Which exercises can I safely do at the gym?
 Can I still do the same exercises I used to do before my surgery?
 How can I manage my weight and become fit again?

Regardless of the type of surgery you had, it is important to undertake exercise routines that will not cause further injury.
Ange Gutowski is an accredited exercise physiologist who worked with Choices in facilitating our gym classes.  Ange will talk through issues surrounding weight management, nutrition and ways to exercise safely.

DATE: Tuesday
TIME: 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
VENUE: Choices Rooms
RSVP: Please phone 3232 7596, 3232 7064, 3232 7092

More Choices

Breast Cancer Recovery and Exercise – What are the issues and how can they be overcome?

Sandi Hayes, PhD is part of a team of QUT researchers who developed the “Pulling Through Study” which tracked the physical and psychosocial recovery following breast cancer diagnosis.

You are invited to the More Choices presentation by Sandi where she will discuss her research and the implications that exercise and healthy living have on survivorship.  Although this research is focused on breast cancer, there will be many aspects of her findings that relate to gynaecological cancer as well.
Everyone is welcome…

DATE: Tuesday
TIME: 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
VENUE: Choices Rooms
RSVP: Ph:  3232 7096, 3232 7064, 3232 7092

PLEASE NOTE:   It will be possible to park in the evening near the Choices Rooms.  Press the button at the boom gate on Chasley Street and let security know you are coming to Choices.  The Choices Rooms are in the first demountable building on the boarder of Coronation Drive.

Field of Women

The Field of Women is an initiative of the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).  Its aim is to raise public awareness of breast cancer.  Choices volunteers facilitate a small ceremony to honour those women and their families who have experienced breast cancer .  Attendees are invited to join in the “pink lady” planting ceremony.

In 2006, an indigenous theme was adopted to encourage indigenous families to feel more comfortable about accessing the programs.  Female indigenous elders took part in the ceremony as well as the children’s choir from Bardon State School.Approximately 100 people attended. 

STRETCH Reunion – Art Exhibition

The STRETCH Exercise Program was one of the original programs of Choices.  Each year Choices hosts the STRETCH Reunion which provides an opportunity for women to reunite with friends from past years.  A special guest speaker is invited to speak during the light luncheon which is provided.  In 2006, a representative from the Leukaemia Foundation was the guest speaker.  STRETCH participants from past years are acknowledged year by year during the function.

Because the programs have expanded extensively since the early days when the STRETCH Exercise Program was the only program offered, a different formal has now been implemented.  In 2007 Choices hosted an Art Show.  The works were donated by women who either were artists at the time of their diagnosis or who had become artists since their diagnosis.  Some works were also donated by friends and supporters.  A majority of the facilitation of this show was coordinated by one of the Choices volunteers who not only donated her time but also her art works and expertise.

Gala Fashion Parade

The Gala Fashion Parade has grown from strength to strength since its inception.  What began as a small affair in the breast clinic now caters for over 500 attendees.

All “models” are breast or gynaecological cancer survivors.  Local fashion houses donate their time and the clothing.  Hairdressers and makeup artists who kindly donate their products and time prepare the models’ hair and makeup.

The fashion parade is consumer driven.  The Choices clinical team organizes the parade and seeks sponsorship for larger expense items as well as approaching local businesses to donate prizes and auction items.  Volunteers also assist in this area as well as help decorate the room and any ancillary items needing attention. 

In 2006 and 2007 sponsorship has been actively sought by Choices clinical staff.  This enabled Choices to increase the fashion parade’s fundraising ability by approximately $10,000 to $35,000.00.

Public Forums

The Breast Cancer Institute NSW hosted a interactive public forum nationwide via teleconferencing technology.  Choices helps publicise and hosts these forums on behalf of the organisation.  Feedback highly recommends that Choices continue to make these forums available.