A Mackay Base Hospital cancer patient is giving back by volunteering to help those going through the same journey.
Stephen Ross spends time on the oncology ward once a week for a few hours through the Mackay Hospital Foundation.
“I talk to people while they are having their chemo because some are in here for a few hours, so it passes a bit of time for them,” he said.
“Having someone to chat to takes their mind off the fact they are actually getting treatment, so you just talk to them about anything and everything.
“Some people will talk to you about what’s going on, other people talk about fishing, the weather or football or whatever.”
Stephen was first diagnosed with cancer in 1983 when he found a malignant melanoma on his leg.
He immediately underwent surgery, which was followed by regular check-ups.
Twenty-three years after his initial diagnosis he started feeling unwell and despite treatment for gall stones he continued to feel unwell.
“New Year’s Day 2007 I was in real pain and I came to the Mackay Base Hospital to get some pain relief,” he said.
“The doctor said he didn’t think it was my gall stones playing up, so he sent me in for a scan and they found I had a tumour.
“About a week later I was in getting operated on and they found it was growing around blood vessels supplying blood to the top of the bowel.”
Stephen still has regular treatment at the Mackay Base Hospital oncology ward and uses his experience of life after a cancer diagnosis to help others.
“I enjoy volunteering here on the oncology ward for a couple of reasons. One is to let patients know there are people out there who have been through something similar and you can continue to live a normal life.
“Second to let them know to keep fighting. It’s an important message for people going through cancer to hear. It helps to keep them positive.”
While Stephen’s cancer diagnosis prompted him to volunteer, he encourages everybody to give volunteering a go.
“I think one of the other reasons I started volunteering is I was retired and sitting around at home doing nothing,” he said.
“I felt like I was becoming a bit of a vegetable you know. Not only does it offer me purpose but a bit of a social outlet too.
“There are all different ways you can volunteer; you don’t necessarily have to be interacting with other people.
“All sorts of places need volunteers like your local sporting clubs, just get out there and give it a go.”
This week is National Volunteer Week (17 – 23 May) and we are celebrating the people selflessly giving up their time to support those in need. If you are considering giving the gift of time to make a real difference, the Mackay Hospital Foundation has volunteering vacancies.
Click here to find out more Volunteer — Mackay Hospital Foundation
#NVW2021
