Media Releases
30 September 2008
YWCA ENCORE - PROUDLY CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN AUSTRALIA
YWCA Encore is a specifically designed free program of gentle floor and pool-based exercises for women of any age who have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast reconstruction surgery at any time in their lives. In the past 25 years approximately 6,000 women around Australia have completed the YWCA Encore program. During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, YWCA's around Australia will be hosting events to commemorate YWCA Encore's 25th anniversary.
Ann Hollingworth has just been appointed YWCA Encore's National Ambassador. Ann is a breast cancer survivor and physiotherapist, specialising in geriatrics, women's health and orthopaedics, she retired from practice in 1998. Ann is the wife of Peter Hollingworth, former Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Ann attended the YWCA Encore program and found the specifically designed gentle exercise program and companionship of the women in her group very beneficial. Ann believes, "There are many women during this phase of recovery who feel very isolated and respond to a program that includes both physical recovery, an active lifestyle and the emotional psychological side of recovery." Ann is a physiotherapist so she knows a good exercise program when she sees one.
On Friday 10 October at 7.30am, 2008, YWCA NSW, 5-11 Wentworth Ave, Sydney, will be hosting a Breakfast to celebrate YWCA Encore 25 years of operation in Australia. At this event Ann Hollingworth will speak about her own experience with breast cancer and why she is supporting the YWCA Encore program Ann will acknowledge the challenge of going through breast cancer whilst she was the Governor General's wife. Other speakers include Associate Professor Fran Boyle AM, Medical Oncologist at North Sydney's Mater Hospital, where she is Director of the Patricia Ritchie Centre for Cancer and Research. In NSW the program is coordinated by YWCA NSW and runs out of a total of 36 locations, assisting around 1000 women per year or 20% of those diagnosed.
The YWCA Encore program is an innovative and inspiring approach to recovery from breast cancer surgery. It is a gentle exercise program, and in NSW it is funded by NSW Health, which meets the exercise and support needs of women after the trauma of their treatment in a nurturing and supportive environment.
This 8 week program offered in over 60 locations across Australia is FREE and helps to improve mobility and flexibility, boost self esteem, relieve any discomfort experienced as a result of surgery, reduce the potential risk of lymphoedema and create a positive attitude to life and health.
An increasing body of worldwide research is showing that physical activity is of both biological and psychological benefit for breast cancer survivors.
Mary Macheras-Magias, National YWCA Encore Training and Liaison Coordinator believes "YWCA ENCORE is a service that compliments the mainstream treatment of breast cancer. It reaches out to women at what can be their darkest time; once their formal treatment is over and they are told to 'come back in six months for a check-up'. Thanks to the generosity of AVON and NSW Health , YWCA is able to offer it to women free of charge".
YWCA ENCORE has been operating across Australia since 1983. It is a National program of the YWCA of Australia. The YWCA Encore program originated in America by an ex-ballerina after her own breast cancer treatment. Since its arrival in Australia, the YWCA Encore program has developed into an 8 week exercise program that has been approved by a Medical Advisory Committee, It is now offered throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America and Japan. More information can be found at www.ywcaencore.org.au or call 1800 305 150.
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for more information please contact Elise Hawthorne at EXPOSURE Communications on 02 9559 3283 / 0413 363 232 or elise@exposurecommunications.biz
Editors
YWCA Australia is a national association of the World YWCA one of the world's oldest and largest women's organisation represented in 122 countries, with a global outreach of 25 million worldwide.
The vision of YWCA Australia is of a fully inclusive world where peace, justice, freedom, human dignity, reconciliation and diversity are promoted and sustained through women's leadership.
In Australia, the YWCA is represented in over 100 sites in all States and Territories, and currently delivers services to more than a quarter of a million women, men and children each year, throughout rural, regional and metropolitan Australia.
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