When Carol Adams walked out of the Adem Crosby Centre in 2019 after 36 rounds of radiation therapy and a third of her tongue removed, she had nowhere to go for support.
She never wanted anyone else to have to go through that experience so she established Head and Neck Cancer Sunshine Coast.
“It's probably one of the most horrendous cancers you can get because you can't speak and you can't eat or swallow,” Carol said.
“When I came out after 36 rounds of radiation there was nothing.”
“It took a few years to get well enough, but I always thought I'm going to make a group, because I don't want other people to feel like I felt when I walked out of there.”
“Now, there's over 150 in our private Facebook group where they can come and ask questions about things, and usually someone has an answer.
Since the foundation was established in 2021 it’s held an annual fundraiser with proceeds distributed to local charities to help locals diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
That includes a recent $15,000 donation to Wishlist to pay for patients with neck and head cancers to stay at our affordable accommodation centres while they receive treatment.
In total, the group has donated $30,000 to Wishlist over the past three years – and also makes practical care packages which we give to head and neck cancer patients when they stay with us.
One of the founding members of the group Julie Lewis said the secret to its success is the power people get from talking with others who have gone through the same thing.
“When you can relate to someone else, you can help them out with other things and suggestions, as well as any questions that they may have,” Julie said.
“They know you understand and relate to having trouble eating, breathing, and that your everyday living is totally affected.”
“Lots of other things you can cover up, or bandage… but (with head and neck cancers) it's full on straight away - people can notice you straight away.”
If you have been diagnosed with head or neck cancer or know someone who needs support go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/headneckcancersupport
