Buddy Gifts
Our Buddy Gifts are lovingly crafted and generously donated by dedicated volunteers of Bosom Buddies. They represent a heartfelt gesture to show that we care. These gifts serve as a reminder to those navigating this challenging path that they are not alone and that we are committed to supporting them every step of the way.
In 2023, our dedicated volunteers crafted over 2,500 Buddy Gifts. These gifts were included in our Buddy Bags and Oncology Packs, which were provided free of charge to breast cancer patients receiving treatment in Canberra's public and private hospitals, as well as the surrounding New South Wales region.
That’s impressive, right?
Ever Heard of a Buddy Bag?
Our Buddy Bags program is a key support activity associated with our charity. The Buddy Bag is filled with useful patient aids, known as Buddy Gifts, thoughtfully crafted by our volunteers. It also contains helpful post-surgery instructions provided by medical professionals and information on available services in the region.
In 2023, our dedicated volunteers made over 2,500 Buddy Gifts for 850 Buddy Bags, valued at $15 each. Without the invaluable contribution from our volunteers, each Buddy Bag would cost $55. Bags are distributed free to breast cancer patients in Canberra's public and private hospitals. The total value of the Buddy Bags each year is over $12,000.
Additionally, we extend our support beyond Canberra by supplying our Buddy Bags to the McGrath Breast Care Nurses at no cost. These bags are then distributed to breast cancer patients in regional New South Wales, ensuring that individuals across the region receive our assistance. It's important to note that despite our outreach efforts, we do not receive financial assistance from the McGrath Foundation, other national cancer organisations, or the government.
Our operations rely solely on the generosity of donors and the dedication of our volunteers.
So What’s Included in a Buddy Bag?
Drainage Bag : a pretty”Drain Dolly” bag that holds the bladder and drains after surgery so that they’re not on display.
Seat Belt Pillow : designed to attach to a seat belt strap so that the cushion provides some comfort and protection when driving.
Stress Ball : helps strengthen the arm after surgery.
Breast Care Cushion : gifted by our community friends at Zonta Canberra. The cushion enables the patient to rest comfortably and preventing hurt from bumps.
Oncology Packs
Oncology (Neoadjuvant) Packs contain items designed to provide comfort to breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy before surgery. Crafted by volunteers, these items are gifted to show that we care and are here to provide support should they need it.
We distribute Oncology Packs to breast cancer patients at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre (CRCC) and other hospitals throughout the Australian Capital Territory. The Oncology Nurses present these packs to patients on our behalf.
We also supply our packs to the McGrath Breast Care Nurses at no cost.
So What’s Included in an Oncology Pack?
Each Oncology (Neoadjuvant) Pack includes instructions provided by medical professionals and information on available services in the region. Additionally, the pack features a Brush Pouch specially designed to hold make-up brushes, which can be utilised during the workshop “Look Good…. Feel Better”. Each Oncology Pack costs $10.
A Warm Hug
Volunteers of Bosom Buddies dedicate their time and skills to create wraps made from various yarns to give a warm hug to patients and to provide comfort during treatment sessions. Additionally, we craft beanies to keep heads cosy and warm for patients experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy.
At Bosom Buddies, we appreciate that the true worth of our warm hug wraps goes beyond monetary value. Each one embodies the care and creativity of its maker, making it a cherished and irreplaceable gift.
Canberra’s Breast Care Nurses and McGrath Breast Care Nurses
We maintain a close collaboration with the Breast Care Nurses at both public and private hospitals in Canberra, as well as with medical professionals and allied health practitioners throughout the Australian Capital Territory.
We actively coordinate with the McGrath Breast Care Nurses to extend support to patients at The Canberra Region Cancer Centre (CRCC) and in the surrounding New South Wales region.
“Just a short note to say thank you for the “showbag” my daughter received post her recent partial mastectomy. It was a bright spot in what has been a very distressing time. Every thing was beautifully made and we loved the seatbelt cushion the best! Once again thanks so much.”
“I am home after my surgery and find the drainage bag so helpful when moving around. It has given me the confidence to venture outside.”
“Thank you for your kindness ....... your beautiful bag made it much easier for my young children to deal with my surgery. ........ I could sit and have tea with them, play or cuddle them without them having to see my yucky fluid bladder”.”
“To know someone cares especially when you have had a double mastectomy is a truly beautiful feeling. Thank you all so much, how would I ever have coped without your beautiful gifts xx”
“Good afternoon, I am writing this as a very belated thank you to the wonderful volunteers at Bosom Buddies. I was diagnosed in November last year and have since recovered following surgery, chemo and radiation. The little seat belt strap pillow is a wonderful idea and very gratefully received.
Thanks again for all that you do to help others.”
“Dear Bosom Buddies, ACT
Thank you so much for my bag of great goodies, especially the drain bag, following my mastectomy in December 2022. My apologies for not expressing my gratitude earlier.”