| Cancer support group reaches out to locals |
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| Thursday, 09 October 2008 | |
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A NEW campaign to raise awareness of a vital cancer support services is underway with information evenings being held in a number of Northside venues. The ‘ARC in the Community’ programme has already offered practical and emotional support to thousands of cancer patients, but the charity is now reaching out into the community to inform locals of their innovative service Based in Eccles Street in Dublin 7, ARC is registered charity which provides professional support, advice and holistic treatments free of charge to those affected by cancer. Stephen Kenny is just one of thousands of people who have used the service since it was first established in 1994. “When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, I went through hell emotionally,” he told Northside People. “I felt anger, fear, shock, depression. I didn’t know what I would go through and I didn’t know how to deal with it. I needed some guidance and information, which the medical team couldn’t provide. “Then I visited ARC and I couldn’t believe the comfort and tranquillity of the place. “I started to go to ARC about three times a week for counselling, reflexology and relaxation treatment while I underwent radiation.” He added: “During the early stages of cancer, it’s very difficult to ask for help but ARC is there and it provides anything you could ever want.” According to Stephen, the centre also serves as a social club for people who all have one thing in common, cancer. “It’s not like I could ever go down to my local golf club to talk to my friends about my prostate,” he laughed. “So I really found it a great support that those in ARC knew what I was going through. They were going through something similar regardless of where their cancer was. “They understood what I meant when I said I felt like my energy levels were really low. I have built up some great friendships there over the last two years.” Although Stephen is well on the road to recovery, he still attends ARC for a relaxation treatment. “I go down every Thursday for my treatment, a cup of tea and a chin-wag with the others who attend the centre.” Rita O’Donovan is the Complimentary Health Practitioner at ARC. She explained how the service is available free of charge to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, regardless of where they live. “There are people who come up from all over the country for treatments in Dublin hospitals, so we are open to them if they want to pop over to us for an hour or two. “Unfortunately, not enough people know about us and the services we provide free of charge. Those diagnosed with cancer can ask questions and be counselled in a very private setting and they can keep coming until they get their legs back under them, until they can steady themselves.” She added: “Our service is also about empowering people and giving them back their dignity.” ‘ARC in the Community’ meetings are being held at The Halfway House on the Navan Road on October 13 and Jury’s Croke Park Hotel on October 20. All meetings start at 7.30pm. For further information about ARC visit www.arc cancersupport.ie or call 8307595. |
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Developed by Kevin Flynn