Ladies Lunch Raises Over $18,000 For Gynaecological Cancer Research
Last Sunday, 1st May, fifty-five women (including a few of our team) gathered at the beautiful Swells Restaurant in Terrigal for a special ladies lunch to raise funds for gynaecological cancer research.
The event was hosted by local women’s intimate health and facial aesthetics clinic, Coastal Goddess, with the goal of raising funds for crucial cancer research for women. To break it down, these cancers include ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulval, vaginal, fallopian tube and placental cancer (a pregnancy-related cancer). Sadly, this year, over 2,000 women will die from these cancers.
The stunning venue for the Coastal Goddess Ladies Lunch
About the event
Dr Kelly Needham and her passionate team at Coastal Goddess in Saratoga have partnered with WomenCan, a wonderful charity that helps Australian women diagnosed with these cancers. WomenCan are currently running the Save the Box campaign to fund cancer research conducted by ANZGOG – the peak national gynaecological cancer research group for Australia and New Zealand.
Over this deliciously long lunch, guests were treated to the light-hearted commentary of local business coach and MC, Suzy Miller.
We also heard from local gynaecological cancer survivors Rebecca Willetts and Bronwyn Grout, who count themselves amongst the ‘lucky ones’. Their journeys, however, have been long, heart-breaking and complicated. In both cases, these beautiful womens’ stories left few dry eyes (if any) in the room.
Speakers Bronwyn Gout (left) and Rebecca Willetts (right)
Important themes that they gave insight on included early detection and the importance of getting a second (and sometimes third) opinion when something isn’t quite right, the psychological struggles that come with cancer diagnoses (and treatment), as well as the lasting physical and emotional impact that gynaecological cancers can have on survivors – even once their treatment is complete and ‘successful’.
We also heard from Dr Kelly Needham, and guests participated in special ‘balloon donations’ and an auction. All guests who donated went home with special, unexpected gifts from donors, while the auction saw many women take bidding to meaningful heights, all in the name of an amazing cause.
One lucky bidder who snagged a luxurious escape to Kim’s Beachside Retreat
Donors included Skinceuticals, Kim’s Beachside Retreat, Kyal & Kara, Physio Zest, Seaweed & Sand Homewares, United Cellars, Freestate Café, Royal Doulton, Swells Terrigal, Astetica Beauty, Skin & Laser, Body Movement Kincumber, Country Road, Reality Marketing, Boost Juice Woy Woy & Lakehaven, The Agency, and many, many more.
Getting intimate with Coastal Goddess
As many learnt on the day, many women are in need of special intimate care after surviving gynaecological cancer treatment. Dr Kelly and the The Coastal Goddess team deliver evidence-based, medical grade treatments to all women, with an emphasis on maturing women’s physical and intimate health.
Dr Kelly (centre) and the beautiful Coastal Goddess team.
These treatments include customised dermal therapies and aesthetic injectables, right through to vaginal laser therapies and vaginal injections such as the ‘O-Shot’, which are designed to improve sexual and urinary function.
The ultimate goal?
When we ask Dr Kelly what her longer-term goals are, she has two priorities.
“First and foremost, we aim to empower women to take control of their own bodies. We do this by delivering health treatments in a safe and welcoming environment filled with truly passionate healthcare professionals. With this in mind, we have now also created a platform and a space where we can educate the community about pertinent women’s health issues, raising funds and awareness for causes that aren’t well-known, and are often underfunded. That’s my vision, and the vision of Coastal Goddess.”
To learn more about WomenCan and donate to Save the Box, you can head online here. To further explore the services and treatments offered by Coastal Goddess, you can find them online or call the practice on (02) 4319 4415.
