Hi ladies, someone mentioned this in another thread so I thought I'd elaborate on it a bit. In case any of you lovely ladies decide to take on the role yourselves - we always need new Champs and some of you, you know who you are would make excellent candidates.
My Volunteer role is mostly confined to the Online Community. I received so much support here on the Womb group at my first diagnosis I felt inspired and wanted to give something back so I did the Induction and training courses back in January 2021. My role was initially confined to the Womb group and welcoming new members to the Online Community. For so many it's a huge leap of faith to write anything on social media.(I'd myself had never written on them before)The saddest one I replied to just said "Hello" so I had to find out a bit more about the poster and signpost her to the relevant group to find support. She regularly posts now and has found the support she needs.
At first it was very easy for me as I was so positive about my own personal experiences - hysterectomy, Brachytherapy and clear. Once I found It's recurred all over my body I thought about giving up as a Champ as I wasn't sure if my story would put people off - but then decided who will that benefit so I'd rather be positive about things and encourage others - not every cloud has a silver lining! Mine's turned out a bit grungy. My sense of humour, often very dark gets me through. and my determination to beat this hateful disease isn't dented.
I have now joined the Chemotherapy and Incurable - patients only (the humour there can be hilarious - but also extremely sensitive posts are there which make me very emotional)
Once Covid's over and I feel more confident I'll happy to speak out about Cancer at WI meetings or local ladies meetings, that's next on my list and I'll contact Macmillan to find out how to go about it.
So if any of you ladies decide you'd be interested in Champing email the team at community@macmillan.org.uk and let them know. You can choose just to remain in your own group of help out answering unanswered posts in other forums. It's important to us Champs that no-one's post ever goes unanswered even if it's just to say hello and direct the poster to the Macmillan Support helpline.
Hugs, Barb xx
Hello Barb
You were the very first person to contact me when I joined the community, and encouraged me to think about being a community champ. And look what happened! You were so friendly and kind to me it gave me that push to do it.
I think it’s very important that you stay in your role and continue to help and inspire, particularly in this group where you are a shining light to other ladies.
It took me a little while to put my info in my bio, as I didn’t want to discourage anyone who was just starting out with their diagnosis, by reading what can happen if the cancer recurs. I avoided mentioning it to others when I first joined and started answering posts. So I can understand what you’re saying. But it’s just how things go-cancer can come back, and what we go through then can continue to help others. So I needed to do it as part of being a champ, and I hope it can inspire others facing the same thing. I do my very best to be positive and encourage, just like you do.
You are hugely important as a champ, and as a support and encouragement, so keep doing what you’re doing Barb. And everyone here will be wishing you the very best as you continue with your treatment.
Big soft hugs to you, and keep going!
Sarah xxx
Hey SarahH21. So very pleased to see you covering here and the Cervical group. Thank you for your lovely message,
Great big hugs, Barb xx
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