Margaret Gargan - Aspiring Writer
RN Founder Bloomhill Cancer Help.
For the past 30 years I have been caring for people living with cancer and those who are dying. It became my grand passion. For me the most important and significant model of care I developed is the Bloomhill Cancer Help, which is based in Buderim on a ten acre property.
When I was 39 years of age I was the Clinical Nurse Consultant in- charge of Ward 4B at the Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane - the Respiratory/Oncology Unit. At that same I was diagnosed with cancer and had to face the trials of breast cancer whilst leading in a demanding job. It was a devastating and life-changing event in my life. I was a single mother with two daughters aged 13 and 10 years of age - vulnerable ages to have to cope with the threat of losing their mother. I soon learnt first-hand what the care system needed.
I was determined to set up an organisation that supported not only the person with cancer but the whole family from the time of diagnosis onwards. It had to be self-funded so that it could be a flexible model of care that could meet the needs of the people without government influence.
I can proudly say that Bloomhill is all about community. It is primarily a volunteer based organisation with over 400 volunteers and only 30 paid staff. It is a professional organisation that is governed by a management committee and I, as well as my Co-Founder Gerry Van Pypen, remain trustees for life.
I am currently writing a book that outlines the models used and all about the development of the Bloomhill concept. The title of this book is I Made A Sacred Vow. Bloomhill was created by me because there wasn't the level of care and support I needed when I was diagnosed, hence the vow.
I am a contributor on Book Creators Circle as I am determined to keep the vow of producing this book. I am very proud to have founded Bloomhill and to be able to share it through my writing and lectures. |
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