ABCG Workshop MAR 24 – ‘Beginnings and Endings’

ABCG Workshop MAR 24 – ‘Beginnings and Endings’

Mary and Pia discuss their time running the Advanced Breast Cancer Group.

INTRO - PIA

Our March 2024 workshop starts with Pia Hirsch introducing the theme of Beginnings and Endings. She talks about the uncertainty regarding the group’s future with her and fellow Director Mary O’Brien retiring soon. She then invites the group and their partners to contribute their thoughts on the group and what they would like to see in its future.

CHRISTINA

Group member Christina shares her concerns about the future of the group, noting that it won’t be the same without Mary and Pia. She thanks them for their contributions and expresses her willingness to see how things unfold. Pia responds by explaining that current members’ continued involvement will help maintain certain aspects of the group.

TIANA

Group member Tiana is thankful and expresses her love for the group. She acknowledges the uncertainty of the future but emphasises that it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be negative. Mary then reassures the women that she, Pia, and the team are dedicated to making the transition as seamless as possible, with the aim of the ABCG continuing to provide the same excellent service they have for the last 25 years.

DEBBIE

Debbie, a member of the group, looks back on the time she found the ABCG and how much she was struggling at that point. She then discusses the unique bond and language shared by the women in the group before reflecting on how the interview process aided her integration. Debbie expresses her gratitude to Mary and Pia for welcoming her and for providing a safe space for discussing issues that others simply don’t understand.

JO

Sharing her story, group member Jo talks about her experience of joining, highlighting the early days of feeling supported and receiving help with some challenges she was facing with her Oncologist. She reflects on the importance of the group in her life and her hopeful outlook for it. Jo concludes by thanking the group for their support and acknowledging that she had no support system prior to joining.

KARYN

Karyn, one of our group members, reflects on her need for support following her diagnosis. She expresses her gratitude for the group and highlights the levels of care, support, and wisdom she experienced from the very start. She also mentions that the legacy created by Mary and Pia is deeply ingrained in the group and will continue to be a part of it.

JANETTE

Janette, the sister of a woman in the group, talks about the strength the group has been able to provide her. She expresses her gratitude for the help they provide her sister, acknowledging that they can offer assistance in ways she cannot.

EDITH

Group member Edith shares insights on the group dynamics and highlights the various ways it has assisted women dealing with a range of issues.

PIA

Co-Director Pia Hirsch addresses a point raised about family members feeling unsure about how to help. She emphasises that just being present and not shying away from the situation can be extremely helpful and perhaps the most valuable thing they can offer.

ANNIE

One of the group members, Annie, describes the group dynamics and how she finds them helpful, in particular how the facilitators enable the group to steer the conversation while providing gentle guidance to ensure everyone gains something from the experience.

DAVID

One of our group members’ partners, David, shares a family perspective on the group. He talks about how it has positively impacted his daughters and what it means to his partner, particularly the strength it provides her and the uplifting moments it brings. He expresses his appreciation for the group, thanking the team for making it all possible and expressing hope for its future.

MARY

Following a group discussion, Co-Director Mary O’Brien provides insights into the interview process. She emphasises that the process aims to protect the current members. She also highlights the significance of preparing new members to handle different situations, like the death of a group member, and understanding their needs to ensure a good fit with the group.