Services now available for Metastatic Patients

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday 30 October

Sweet Louise Services now available for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Following 12 months of preparation, the Louise Perkins Foundation has launched its Sweet Louise Services to metastatic breast cancer patients in the Auckland area.

Sweet Louise aims to improve the wellbeing of women with breast cancer.

The Louise Perkins Foundation has entered into partnerships with over 40 carefully selected organisations and therapists who are providing Sweet Louise services, free of charge, to eligible patients. The costs of the services are being met by the Louise Perkins Foundation.

Sweet Louise members receive an annual allocation of vouchers (in two six-month amounts) and can choose which of the Sweet Louise services they wish to select. The system has been designed to be totally flexible to enable each woman to meet her specific needs. Sweet Louise Support Co-ordinators are available to provide advice and support if required.

Executive Director of the Foundation Jennifer Clark is excited that the day has arrived and women with metastatic breast cancer can now access Sweet Louise services. “As a breast cancer patient myself, I know the incredible value of these services in improving patient wellbeing. The research community is focussing increasingly on the benefits of strategies that improve quality of life. Our services are complementary to conventional medical treatment and have been carefully selected to deliver the best possible experience for our members.”

Foundation Chairman Scott Perkins adds: “Sweet Louise is a friend to women who need a helping hand. We are doing something unique and innovative. We hope to become a trusted source of information and experiences that help women achieve the best quality of life as they live with their cancer.”

Sweet Louise services are offered in the following key areas:

Sweet Louise Helpers (practical help, including child care, gardening and lawn mowing, handyman services, personal home care, home cleaning services);

Sweet Louise Mind (strategies that may improve emotional wellbeing, including art therapy, counselling, positive mind techniques);

Sweet Louise Body (strategies that may improve physical wellbeing, including exercise, diet, beauty, massage, Reiki).

All metastatic breast cancer patients in the Auckland region are eligible for Sweet Louise services. Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has recurred and spread since initial diagnosis. Patients can get registration forms from their oncologist or GP, register online at www.sweetlouise.co.nz or phone 0800 11 22 77 to have a registration form posted out.

ENDS

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