Group aims to open up conversation

Two Harvey residents are hoping to start a support group for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Jenny Honsa and Kelly Pratt said they aimed to create a safe space for women going through similar experiences to themselves.

The pair said the group was still in the planning phases but they hoped to have regular coffee meet-ups and open conversations.

Mrs Honsa said she had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and was confused by the shock diagnosis. She said she would be starting treatment next month.

“I had just moved to Harvey, I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t know what to do or where to go. So I reached out online and got about 40 responses, that’s how I met Kelly,” Mrs Honsa said.

“We wanted to turn something negative into something positive and there were a few ladies who helped get the ball rolling. We want people to realise this group isn’t about doom and gloom. It’s about friendship, getting together as a community and supporting one another,” she said.

Mrs Pratt said October would mark eight years of being in remission and she felt ready to reach out and talk about her experience.

“When I first moved to Harvey I had just finished all my treatment, I just didn’t want to live in that world, I was afraid of being exposed to it all,” Mrs Pratt said.

“They told me there was a 30 per cent chance of it returning. For years I never said I had breast cancer, I used to just say BC, It was my way of separating myself from it. However, I feel like I can offer something positive now,” she said.

The group is so new that it does not have a name yet, but the pair said anyone is welcome.

“There will be women who are at all different stages so it may be heavy at times, but we want this to still be uplifting,” Mrs Pratt said.

“Being open about this can benefit other people, the information shared might just inspire someone and help to make a difference,” she said.

The ladies said it was important for other women to self examine their bodies or go to the doctor if they were unsure how.