Reclaim Your Curves and local practitioners
invite you to an evening of learning and sharing.
At this special event you will learn about the different techniques for breast reconstruction and new technology making reconstruction more accessible for regional women. Partners and support people welcome.
Expressions of interest to hold an event.For more information about hosting a BRA event in your area please contact: Alison Madden Administration & Project Coordinator: p: 0416 519 939 e: alison@reclaimyourcurves.org.au. |
Who is this event for?
If you underwent a mastectomy years ago, just recently or if are planning your surgery now, this event is for you.
Program includes
Arrival at 5:30pm to register and view exhibitors displays Formal presentations
A light supper is included |
Event sponsors
Past events
Orange NSW March 2018
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RYC recently travelled to Orange, in NSW, to present a Breast Reconstruction Awareness Event.
Many women and support people attended the evening to hear about the options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, emotional wellbeing, and personal stories shared by local women. Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Dr Jared Chang and Plastic Surgeon, Dr Rohit Kumar gave informative presentations and local Breast Care Nurse, Sue Kuter was on hand to support women in the region. Other community organisations, including YWCA Encore, Oncology Massagy, Look Good Feel Better, and Sheer Indulgence lingerie fitter also provided information to help support those going through the challenging journey of breast cancer. A stretch break in the middle of the presentations was led by the fabulous ladies from the Encore exercise program. The evening had a wonderful, positive vibe to it and we thank all those who attended. |
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Albury NSW June 2017
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Reclaim Your Curves ran another successful Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Event, this time in Albury. Women, and their supporters, came from far and wide to hear about the current options available for breast reconstruction. Dr David Littlejohn and Dr Damien Grinsell shared information about various techniques, local women shared their personal stories, and the importance of emotional well being was also presented.
A variety of community services also attended to help promote awareness of what is available in the region. Many thanks to RYC member Yvonne for her invaluable help. We also had the opportunity to visit the newly opened Albury Cancer Centre, including a wonderful "Wellness" centre. |
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Port Macquarie NSW March 2017
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The 5th Breast Reconstruction Awareness Events was held in Port Macquarie on a Thursday evening. This event attracted about 50 people seeking information for themselves or a loved one. This event attracted several health professionals also, who were interested in hearing more about breast reconstruction techniques and what was locally available.
We heard about available reconstruction techniques from Dr Moradi and Dr Hingston. The surgeons spoke about the local options and about the arrangements for tissue flaps in Sydney. Our special women Alex, Trudy and Vicki shared their personal stories around making an informed decision regarding whether to move ahead with breast reconstruction or not. Thank you to all who helped make the evening a great success. |
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Is great to be able to attend these events
Would be good if you guys could meet with local support groups such as our Port Macquarie Pink girls and work together to help inform our group as to what help is available.
More question now in my head. Fantastic job - congrats
Wollongong NSW Feb 2017
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Favourite parts of the evening from attendees:
"Talks by the surgeons and visual results of reconstructions" "All was very helpful, there was a lot I didn't know about" "Talking with the ladies who have had surgery and talking with the doctors" |
The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Event held in Wollongong on Monday night was a great success with over 100 people registering to attend plus other community organisations and services.
Ladies and their support people travelled quite a distance to hear about the options available in the Illawarra region. The guest speakers included Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Dr Tony Palasovski and Plastic Surgeon, Dr Adrian Sjarif. We heard some encouraging and inspiring personal stories from RYC members Kelly, Annie and Karen. Louise shared information about Reclaim Your Curves, some of the barriers to women regarding reconstruction, and how to seek support. The subject of emotional well being was also presented. Thank you to all those involved (including the NRMA tow truck for getting us there!). |
Orange NSW October 2016
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"Please continue your great work. Congrats and big thanks." "This was an excellent session and I was glad I came and had the opportunity to be part of this seminar." "FANTASTIC!! Would recommend highly." |
On the evening of Monday 31st October the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Event took place in Orange NSW. This region is well supported by health professionals who value to needs of their patients when it comes to their surgical choices post mastectomy.
Presenters on the night included Dr James French, Head of Breast Surgery at the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Dr Peter Fox, Medical Oncologist, Daffodil Cottage Chemotherapy Unit, Bathurst, Dr Rohit Kumar, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Nepean Public Hospital, Sue Kuter, McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Central West Cancer Services.
The evening was attended by almost 100 women and their support people as well as local health professionals keen to understand more about the process involved in breast reconstruction.
The audience heard from some very special ladies who shared their personal and very unique stories, sharing their decision making processes, the techniques they chose and the journey they travelled. Speakers included one woman who chose no reconstruction which is of course a valid choice to make.
The participants had the opportunity to chat with exhibitors including Encore, Dragons Abreast, the Wig Library, Look Good Feel Better, an exercise physiologist and lingerie specialist.
Feedback from the audience was positive and women felt more informed and empowered to make decisions that suit them in consultation with their health professional team.
We are looking forward to planning future events throughout 2017.
Presenters on the night included Dr James French, Head of Breast Surgery at the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Dr Peter Fox, Medical Oncologist, Daffodil Cottage Chemotherapy Unit, Bathurst, Dr Rohit Kumar, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Nepean Public Hospital, Sue Kuter, McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Central West Cancer Services.
The evening was attended by almost 100 women and their support people as well as local health professionals keen to understand more about the process involved in breast reconstruction.
The audience heard from some very special ladies who shared their personal and very unique stories, sharing their decision making processes, the techniques they chose and the journey they travelled. Speakers included one woman who chose no reconstruction which is of course a valid choice to make.
The participants had the opportunity to chat with exhibitors including Encore, Dragons Abreast, the Wig Library, Look Good Feel Better, an exercise physiologist and lingerie specialist.
Feedback from the audience was positive and women felt more informed and empowered to make decisions that suit them in consultation with their health professional team.
We are looking forward to planning future events throughout 2017.
Central Coast NSW March 2016The Central Coast’s first ever Breast Reconstruction Awareness Event hosted by the Reclaim Your Curves charity was a huge success, attracting over 80 women and their partners to Green Point Community Centre on Monday evening to hear about the post-mastectomy options available in the region.
Patients heard from surgeons Dr Rita Poon, consultative surgeon at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals and Dr Fred Clarke, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who works at Gosford Hospital and Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital about the latest techniques and advances in the field. For many women this was the first opportunity they have had to hear how they can be supported to pursue reconstruction and the choices that are available in the region. Thanks to the sponsorship of AirXpanders and local community generosity, plus to commitment of several local surgeons, the night was a huge success. The Q&A session with the surgeons and women presenting their stories was lively and informative, with one guest commenting: “…all those women and their partners have been, and many still going through so much, and yet the room was chockers with positive & optimistic energy. I came away knowing that I never have to feel alone or confused again, ever”. |
Maitland NSW November 2015Maitland NSW BRA Event held on Monday night attracted more than 70 people from the Hunter region seeking information and support on the topic of breast reconstruction.
Information included the importance of being informed and becoming your own advocate, the techniques available in the Hunter Newcastle region, new technology, especially helpful for rural and regional women, and the more advanced techniques offered in the Sydney. This forum allowed women to chat and to find out how things really feel.
"I lived with one breast for nearly two years. I think I kind of just ignored the scar and probably didn't look at it much. That moment I woke up after my double reconstruction and looked down and saw two breast mounds was so emotional. I felt whole again. I could now go back to wearing whatever I wanted and not worry about mastectomy bras or whether my prosthesis was showing or my scar when I leaned over and the heavy prosthesis fell forward. Having a reconstruction was always my intention. I never once considered life without breasts. I have not ever regretted having my reconstruction, and yes whilst I am still a work in progress it has definitely helped me move forward." Paula W |
