Ron Drake pictured recently with Leonie McCallum, Marylin Leermakers and Joan Gedrych, members of the LinC team who will see his Cancer Support Project become reality.By Kath Gannaway
RON DRAKE was never alone in his battle with cancer.
He was shocked when he discovered, during treatment, that not everyone was as fortunate as he was to have the same emotional and practical support he had from family, friends and his LinC colleagues.
Mr Drake, coordinator of Yarra Junction-based LinC (Love in the Name of Christ) welfare organisation, died last week, but not before he laid the foundations for a mentor program for people undergoing treatment for cancer.
When the Mail spoke with Mr Drake last month he was frail, but determined to see the program on its way.
“I could not figure out how it was that so many people were going in on their own to visit oncology and doctors,” he said.
“I made inquiries when I went in for my operation and was shocked to find out it was not only people going in on their own, but that the lack of having someone to go through that experience with them was also the reason some people were knocking back treatment.”
With no one to care for them, Mr Drake said some could see no reason to go on.
LinC already provides a medical transport service where people are taken to and from appointments and treatment, but Mr Drake’s experience exposed a greater need.
Colleague Marylin Leermakers said volunteers would become mentors.
“They would go with the person, stay for the duration of the treatment and return home with them that night.
She agreed it’s a demanding role but said it was also a rewarding one and was confident there are people in the community who will respond to the need.
“They could be people who have recovered from treatment themselves and who would identify with the situation, retired medical staff or nursing people who have dealt with hospitals and illness and who understand what it feels like to have to go through treatment, or they might know someone who has been there,” she said.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer with the LinC Cancer Support Program, or about using the program, phone LinC on 5967 2119.
