A 72-year-old Newman resident has praised Cancer Council WA's Accommodation Lodges in Perth, saying it has been their home away from home while undergoing treatment for breast cancer in Perth.
Carol Knight and her husband Neville are staying at Cancer Council WA's Crawford Lodge in Nedlands over the Christmas period and are keen to spread the message far and wide.
"I want to take this opportunity to let every country cancer patient know about the Lodges," Ms Knight said.
"We had no idea the Lodges existed until my breast cancer nurse informed us.
"It is absolutely fantastic; everyone from the front reception to the cleaners is so kind, supportive and welcoming.
"We want people in regional WA to know that if they need to come to Perth for treatment, accommodation support is available."
Ms Knight was first diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2022 after a chance appointment with BreastScreen WA.
"We had come to Perth to watch Geelong play West Coast Eagles and also to go to The Perth Home Show," she said.
"I said to Neville that I needed to get a mammogram and we turned the corner while driving to the Home Show and coincidentally saw the BreastScreen WA van.
"I did the mammogram and was later diagnosed with HER2 breast cancer. It has been a journey, but you just get on with it."
"Being at Crawford Lodge has certainly made our cancer journey a lot less stressful."
Cancer Council WA's Accommodation Services Manager, Ron ten Hoor, said he was pleased Carol and Neville had been able to make the most of the Lodges' support services.
"For many country cancer patients and their families like Carol and Neville, the Lodges can provide a comfortable place to spend their Christmas if needed," Mr ten Hoor said.
"A cancer diagnosis is never easy, especially at this time. For most West Australians, the holiday season means winding down and taking time off to celebrate with loved ones."
"But cancer does not take a Christmas break and neither do we."We have approximately 5000 check-ins by people from regional WA each year with an average stay of 10 days at our lodges.
"However, the number of people from regional WA seeking our accommodation while undergoing cancer treatment during the Christmas period has almost tripled in the past 14 years."
"In 2008, we had close to 40 guests during the Christmas period and in 2018 that number had almost doubled to 75. This year we expect to have approximately 113 patients and carers."
