Border Wellness Circle participant Kerrie Ryan and facilitators Brigitte Weber and Anthea Atkins, were presented with $4000 by Dartmouth Women’s Fishing Classic’s Robyn Scales. Picture: TARA GOONAN
THE Dartmouth Women’s Fishing Classic has reeled in more than $4000 for art therapy at the Border Wellness Circle.
The Albury-Wodonga-based group, which has been running for five years, provides services to 60 women with cancer, including art therapy, meditation, guest speakers and massage.
Dartmouth Women’s Fishing Classic president Robyn Scales said the club had chosen to support a local cause this year and the Border Wellness Circle was selected because of a personal connection.
“Someone on our committee has a connection and knew a woman in the circle,” Ms Scales said.
Facilitator Brigitte Weber said the circle provided support for women with cancer.
“I really believe in helping people to live quality lives.” she said.
Albury’s Kerrie Ryan has always liked art and colour and the art therapy provides a way to express her incurable diagnosis.
“That’s one way of not having to say it, but getting it out there,” Mrs Ryan said.
“Coming here has really turned my life around. It takes your mind off it.”
The program is modelled on programs at the Olivia Newton-John cancer centre and SolarisCare.
Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre project officer Greg Pearl said the Border Wellness Circle would be among support groups in its Wellness Centre when it opens in 2015.