Emma Pritchard
Members of the Grafton Country Women’s Association (CWA) branch celebrated CWA Awareness Week (September 4-10) by hosting a special afternoon tea and doing what they do best – advocating for positive change and promoting their commitment to improving the lives of women and their families within the local community.
Norelle McIntyre, Nurse Unit Manager of the Oncology Unit at Grafton Base Hospital (GBH), was invited to attend the event last week as guest speaker to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer.
As she was welcomed with a round of applause, Ms McIntyre said she felt “very honoured” to speak at the afternoon tea and educate members of the community about a disease which she called sinister and nasty.
“An estimated 1800 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and it is such an insidious type of cancer which can take a while to detect as a lot of women dismiss their symptoms such as bloating, weight loss, and fatigue as being normal women’s stuff,” she explained.
“The important message is to know your body, and if you notice any changes or different symptoms, go and see your GP.
“Ovarian cancer is not in the public’s mind a lot as it isn’t a high-profile cancer, so anything that can be done to raise awareness of this disease goes towards saving lives, and I thank the Grafton CWA branch for inviting me to share this message during CWA Awareness Week so together we can all help to make a difference.”
President of the Grafton CWA branch Carol Smith gratefully acknowledged Ms McIntyre for her attendance.
When she suggested she become their newest member, Ms McIntyre told her it was something she had been considering with interest.
The afternoon celebrations continued when beloved Grafton CWA member Val Wood was presented with a certificate in recognition of her 50 years of membership.
After joining the former South Grafton CWA branch where she served as President twice, Mrs Wood remained active throughout the local community and said she treasures the friendships she has formed through the CWA.
As her fellow members stepped forward to offer their heartfelt congratulations, Mrs Wood said she was proud of the work she had accomplished with the CWA.
“I’m glad I decided to join,” she said.
As she reflected on the offer of membership extended to her that afternoon, Ms McIntyre said it would be incredible to have a “legacy as extraordinary as Val’s.”