Buddy Gifts
Our Buddy Gifts are lovingly handcrafted and generously donated by volunteers of Bosom Buddies. They serve as a heartfelt gesture to show that we care. It’s our way of ensuring that those on this challenging path know that they’re not alone and that we’re here to support them every step of the way.
In 2023, over 2,500 Buddy Gifts were created by our volunteers to be included in more than 850 Buddy Bags for breast cancer patients treated in Canberra’s public and private hospitals and surrounding New South Wales region.
That’s a lot, right?
Can you help with our Buddy Gifts?
Ever Heard of a Buddy Bag?
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.
Each Buddy Bag, valued at $15, is generously gifted by us to breast cancer patients in both Canberra’s public and private hospitals. The Breast Care Nurses distribute these bags to patients on our behalf.
We also supply our Buddy Bags to the McGrath Breast Care Nurses at no cost, who then distribute them to breast cancer patients in regional New South Wales. However, it's important to note that we do not receive financial assistance from the McGrath Foundation, other national cancer organisations, or the government.
So What’s Included in a Buddy Bag?
Drainage Bag : a pretty 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 & Fearless Women.
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 a small gift to show that we care and are here to provide support should they need it. Each Oncology Pack holds a value of $10.
We distribute Oncology Packs as gifts to breast cancer patients at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre (CRCC) and other hospitals throughout the ACT. 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?
Brush Pouches : The pouches hold make-up brushes that can be used with the online workshop “Look Good…. Feel Better”.
Wraps & Beanies : Wraps of various yarns are created to give a warm hug to a patient undergoing chemotherapy, and beanies to keep heads cosy and warm due to hair loss.
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 ACT.
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 was devastated when I received the news that I had breast cancer. I was given a bag and held it close to my heart and knew that I’m not alone and that someone cares. It’s filled with love, thank you. ”
“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”
“I would like to pass on my thanks to Ruth for making this beautiful blanket I received. ”