Gala Ball – 1 April 2023 – Raising funds to support our Geelong Nurses in Oncology

I am organising the Gala Ball to raise awareness of the wonderful work our nurses do in the field of Oncology. The funds we raise will go towards a scholarship to one of our Oncology nurses in Geelong to gain post graduate qualifications in Oncology.

The reason I want to support our nurses is that after 8 months of seeing a variety of specialists I was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma T Cell which is a very rare form and affects only 4% of people who are diagnosed. My treatment then started with chemotherapy 3 times a week each fortnight over 12 weeks. I survived that without too many issues. The day Oncology nurses were so supportive. Over the first few weeks I did not cope mentally but they sat with me, comforted me and explained things in detail to assist me to cope. A month after my chemotherapy had finished, I was admitted to the Barwon Hospital for a stem cell transplant. What could go wrong did and I spent 7 weeks in hospital transferring to St John of God in Geelong for the last 3 weeks of my 7 weeks. The nurses at both hospitals were instrumental in getting me well enough to go home. They work incredibly long hours sometimes doing double shifts and then coming back the next day. They not only provide nursing care but emotional support. It was not the doctors who were keeping me alive but the nurses without them I and many others would not be here.

So I write to you now to support the Gala Ball as I have been inspired by the work all nurses I have come into contact with and want to profile them and support them by offering this scholarship.

I ask that you consider supporting me by way of a donation.

Tickets for the ball can be purchased through Eventbrite - Gala Ball - Nurse appreciation – Geelong for $160 each.

Any support you provide would be greatly appreciated.

Should you have any questions more than happy to discuss.

The funds and awareness we raise are vital and I thank you in advance for the difference we can make.

Best Regards

Marlene Ebejer