As the warmth of an Australian summer approaches, so does the unfortunate reality of natural disasters. The Salvation Army is gearing up to face this challenge head-on, calling 1,000 volunteers to join their Emergency Services (SAES) teams before summer’s start.
These emergencies range from summer bushfires to the recent floods in Queensland. They offer those affected by disasters vital meals, supplies, and emotional support.
The Salvation Army seeks to bolster its ranks in anticipation of the upcoming disaster season. It’s calling on Australians to step forward and become part of its SAES teams, ready to respond whenever and wherever disaster strikes.
Volunteering with the SAES is a significant commitment. It entails providing vital aid to first responders and evacuees and offering comfort and a listening ear to those in distress. The Salvos emphasise that volunteering is an enriching experience, allowing individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of others during their darkest hours.
The application process to become an SAES volunteer is thorough, including interviews, reference checks, and police checks. Successful applicants will participate in online training and may receive calls to assist in their local area anytime throughout the year.
While the Salvation Army encourages Australians to consider volunteering responsibilities carefully, it also stresses that it will work to find meaningful ways for everyone to contribute.
The Salvos urge interested parties to join their SAES family and help support those in need during crises.
A 91-year-old Stradbroke Island resident has made history as the 500th person to undergo a minimally invasive heart procedure at Greenslopes Private Hospital.
Sydney Owens, who had been grappling with severe aortic stenosis, underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) led by Dr. Peter Hadjipetrou.
TAVI, a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, involves replacing a narrowed aortic valve with an artificial one through a catheter inserted in the groyne. This approach significantly reduces recovery time and surgical trauma for patients.
Dr. Hadjipetrou expressed his pride in participating in this milestone procedure, emphasising its significance in the hospital’s commitment to advanced cardiac care. He highlighted that reaching 500 TAVI cases signifies a shift towards less invasive options, offering patients a better quality of life and a faster recovery.
The success of the TAVI programme is attributed to the collaborative effort of the cardiac team and the state-of-the-art facilities at Greenslopes Private Hospital. Dr. Hadjipetrou commended the team’s expertise and dedication, acknowledging their instrumental role in providing exceptional care to patients with heart conditions.
The hospital boasts a custom-built hybrid operating theatre for cardiac and vascular cases. This unique facility enables a seamless transition from
Additionally, the hospital’s comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive emergency care, procedures, and post-operative rehabilitation all under one roof.
Dr. Hadjipetrou thanked Sydney Owens and all patients, their families, and the healthcare team for their support and collaboration in achieving this remarkable feat.
This milestone showcases the hospital’s commitment to innovation and reaffirms its position as a leader in cardiac care.
A Greenslopes mother’s life turned unexpectedly when she discovered a lump on her foot one summer’s day in 2022. Jacqui Cooper, then 36, was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma, a malignant tumour more commonly found in children and adolescents.
The Greenslopes resident was warned that the cancer could have quickly spread to her chest and lungs if left unnoticed.
Ms Cooper, a human resources coordinator, underwent six gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, which severely impacted her physical and emotional well-being. The treatment left her bedridden and unable to care for her two-year-old son, Max, who struggled to understand his mother’s sudden absence.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Despite the immense challenges, Ms Cooper remained determined to overcome the disease. While confined to her bed, she dreamt of future travels and unfulfilled goals, clinging to the hope of a life beyond cancer. After going into remission, she has remained cancer-free for the past year and a half.
Now, Ms Cooper is on the road to recovery, undergoing physiotherapy and counseling to regain her strength and adjust to life after cancer. She has returned to work, resumed walking, and can once again care for her now four-year-old son. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early detection.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Medical experts warn that both patients and doctors often miss rare cancers like sarcomas until they have progressed significantly. Dr Wayne Nicholls, director of oncology at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, emphasised the need for more research into sarcomas, which can manifest in unusual ways and often deviate from textbook descriptions.
Dr Nicholls highlighted that sarcomas sometimes present as non-specific pain, often mistaken for a sporting injury. This delay in diagnosis can lead to the cancer spreading, making treatment more difficult and reducing survival rates.
The Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZA) is actively involved in sarcoma research, having conducted numerous studies and clinical trials to understand how patients respond to different treatments. The organisation stresses the importance of raising awareness and securing funding for further research to improve outcomes for sarcoma patients.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Dr Denise Caruso, ANZA’s chief executive, pointed out that while sarcomas account for only 1 per cent of adult cancers, they represent 20 per cent of childhood cancers in Australia. Sarcomas are the leading cause of cancer death in children and young adults nationwide, underscoring the urgency for more outstanding research and awareness efforts.
As Sarcoma Awareness Month continues throughout July, ANZA is raising funds to support its vital work. Medical professionals like Dr Vivek Bhadri, a medical oncologist and researcher, echo the call for greater attention to this often-overlooked cancer. Dr Bhadri noted that Ewing sarcoma, a common type of sarcoma, is often misdiagnosed as a sports injury or growing pain due to its presentation as non-specific pain.
Jacqui Cooper’s experiences and medical experts’ warnings highlight the importance of early detection and increased research in the fight against sarcoma. As awareness grows and research progresses, the hope is that more lives will be saved and outcomes improved for those affected by this rare but devastating disease.
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