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Welcome to Grace Gawler's Integrated Cancer Solutions: Soon to be -The Grace Gawler Institute for Integrated Cancer Solutions.
The Institute will be at the forefront of a new paradigm in allied healthcare.
Mission Statement is to Build Bridges in Medicine for the Advancement and Knowledge of Health Professionals for the Benefit of Patients and their Care-Givers.
Functions:
Educational Support Groups for people with all types of cancer.
Consultations for Wellbeing-Living Well with Cancer
Residential programs (at Marina Quays-Hope Island, Qld)
Health Professionals Education via world wide webinars.
Organise Conventions nationally with the aim of encouraging discussion, respect and building bridges between all health and healing modalities.
Grace Gawler DHM (dist), DBSc, ATMS Co-founder the Gawler Foundation - Patron Reiki Australia
In the early 1980’s I pioneered and co- founded Australia’s first Cancer Support groups that soon evolved into a national and international educative and support centre. When I left the organisation in 1996 – the turnover was more than a million dollars – we had 30 people on staff and a large volunteer network. The Gawler Foundation exists today – but the other co founder Ian Gawler has retired and the centre has taken a more spiritual approach to cancer management.
In 1997 – complications from a routine surgery saw me unexpectedly “wearing the shoes of a patient”. I had a life threatening situation many times with 20 surgical procedures and two overseas surgeries – one a world first. During this 13 year period I had several tries to re-establish my services; however my own recovery was not yet complete. I therefore was involved in donating services to other groups as well as helping patients and carers on a pro-bono basis. Having now made a full and medically unexpected recovery – the creation of an Institute as a platform for my work is a gracious opportunity. I am totally dedicated and committed to this end.
2010, and now living on the Gold Coast; the need for practical help and life quality strategies assistance in cancer has escalated – indeed cancer in the community has escalated, as has interest in the contribution of complementary therapies.
The Institute has as a priority, the mission to bridge the gaps that exist in the delivery of healthcare for cancer patients. This gap is acknowledged by oncologists and allied health professionals who in the main welcome the concept. Due to their busyness and or protocols designed for moving large numbers within a system as fast as possible – they welcome strategies that will enhance patient’s life quality and give time to the many aspects of their human needs when involved in a life challenging illness.
Although I am a qualified Natural therapist, my approach is not focussed in the area of prescriptive supplements. Experience has shown me that the most effective way to assist cancer patients is to help them re engage with their spirit – encourage their raison d’etre, support them emotionally and help them de-stress while assisting them to seek the best medical options possible. I help cancer patients and their care-givers navigate the cancer maze. My desire to train others – passing on the skills I have learned is an important aspect of the Institute’s charter.
In 2007, myself and a group from Reiki Australia’s professional standards team designed a training package; two Supportive Care Units which are now available across both the Health and Community Services RTOHLTCOM509A, The RTO program provides a structure for providing support to people with a life Challenging illness.
I am a Rotary International Jean Harris Award recipient; Patron for Reiki Australia, a former member Vic Government Ministerial Advisory Committee for Women’s Health (complementary medicine representative) and was a National finalist in 2009 for a Churchill Fellowship. I am a Member of the International Advisory Board for the UK Journal: Complementary Medicine in Clinical Practice and have articles about my work online with Science Direct. As well I am published in the British Holistic Medical Journal and Cancer Nursing Practice.
A bridge builder between alternative and mainstream medicine; I recommend a middle path approach to cancer management in conjunction with the best that mainstream medicine can offer, including referrals to some of the world's best integrated oncology clinics.
About the New Institute: We endorse the new concept of supportive care medicine and integrated oncology, imperative additions to both complementary and mainstream. Supportive care medicine supports and respects all systems of healing and is truly holistic. It is Grace’s belief that any system that excludes mainstream medicine cannot call itself holistic. Integrated oncology ensures that cancer patient’s needs are met with access to qualified practitioners in mainstream and complementary medicine who communicate with each other for the holistic benefit of the patient. The Institute aims to bridge the existing gaps by educating and training practitioners at both ends of the healing spectrum to build respect and understanding on both sides as well as opening healthy dialogues between practitioners of different modalities. In keeping with my philosophy of patient-centred care - a new standard of excellence in cancer medicine can be achieved.
Professional Recommendations:
Prof Karol Sikora - Professor of cancer medicine UK says...
“The Key player in the delivery of modern medical technology is the patient, and Grace Gawler’s approach puts them in the driving seat.”
Dr Ruth Sewell RN PhD. Former Head of Education Bristol Cancer Help Centre Psychotherapist, Autogenic Training Therapist - UK comments....
“Grace is a leader in supportive care medicine, particularly in the field of cancer and notably for her work with women experiencing breast cancer. Grace’s work remains at the leading edge of cancer care. No other single professional has lead the way in developing greater understanding of health and healing for people with cancer.”
Professor Ray Kearney Associate Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Sydney NSW comments....
“Grace has helped charter the territory for medicine of the future. Unquestionably, a leader in this area she has continued to make significant contributions in augmenting conventional therapies by her revolutionary approach to the healing arts, with specific application to client and therapist alike.”
The Institute via education programs; aims to dispel confusion caused by a growing number of unqualified cancer entrepreneurs who utilise the internet to disseminate anecdotal and simplistic ideas about cancer and its ‘cures’. Many of these sites generate fear, anxiety and information overload. How does a traumatised patient with no previous knowledge of cancer discern? How do they know which avenue to follow?
The Grace Gawler Institute for Integrated Cancer Solutions will set a standard of excellence in cancer care education and support that will serve as a model for other groups and institutions to follow.
Key Points about Grace’s Cancer Work:
1. Unique – Due to her unique background and experience - no one in Australia is providing these integrated services
2. Solutions focused for cancer patients and care givers
3. Proven track record - beginning with husband Ian Gawler (bone cancer remission - still alive after 35 yrs) followed by 13,000 patient/clients over 35 years
4. Educative role – for patients, public, naturopaths, oncologist MDs
5. Integrative – means employing all proven/trusted healing or treatment modalities (Grace’s work is NOT ALTERNATIVE - NOT EXTREME OR RADICAL)
6. Overseas options and referrals when solutions not available in Australia
The Institute (ICS) is a Centre of Excellence offering the following and more...
- Individualised Health-Restoration Plans – ICS assists and empowers patients to design a multi-layered restoration pathway - establishing dialogue with all relevant health professionals. ICS collaborates with innovative MDs and Oncologists across Australia.
- Globalised Medical Options – When cancer solutions are not available in Australia, ICS, in collaboration with the patients, will liaise and communicate with proven overseas centres of excellence.
- Continuity of Care - When patients return from their O/S clinics, ICS provides ongoing support via webinar, Skype or one to one consultations. ICS continues to liaise on their behalf with local treating doctors.
- Dynamic Solutions-Focused Support Groups – includes groups for prostate, breast, colon and other cancer. ICS teaches strategies and skills to enhance recovery. ICS demonstrates realistic & practical tips on how to be a successful patient including dietary help and stress reduction methods that work! NB: Research indicates patients who attend professionally run support groups can increase their life expectancy and their wellbeing. We endorse and help patients to create an Integrated Cancer Care Pathway.
- Emotional And Psychological Support – A diagnosis of cancer changes the lives of all concerned - ICS provides special training and support for families and care givers. People are often left to fend for themselves and often source conflicting information – especially via the internet.
- Patient Advocacy – ICS aims to train retired health professionals as advocates. These ICS trained representatives can attend oncology consultations with the patient helping them to understand and process complex but important information
- Research - ICS will fund innovative and creative scientific research into integrative therapies
- Establish a Bursary Fund - ICS prioritises establishing a bursary fund to assist financially compromised patients to attend programs.
- Educational Programs – ICS aims to educate the following groups about the complex issues surrounding cancer by hosting educational events for: Public, Patients and Practitioners.
A Potential Home for The Institute at Hope Island
 This beautiful property will be the home of the new Grace Gawler Institute for Integrated Cancer Solutions. Located at Hope Island on 2 acres of land; the premises is for sale and we are currently seeking investors.
The Institute will provide services for patients and caregivers as well as providing a training venue for all health professionals in Supportive Care Medicine.
For patients who require treatment outside Australia – the Institute will aim to facilitate referrals to linked Integrated oncology clinics and Special Hospitals in Europe and the USA.
The premises is currently an owner occupied health related business situated in a parkland area fronting a quiet street with ample parking facilities on the premises as well there is a lecture hall for support groups and practitioner trainings. We plan to host international webinar link ups from the Centre with guest cancer experts from around the world.
The Next Step:
How you can help
We need your support to make this centre of excellence a reality.
Please help us to help others:
Spread the word - Let people know about our services and specialised support groups.
Let friends and colleagues know about this project.
We are currently seeking an investor with Heart and Passion! This person has an opportunity to contribute to cancer patient welfare whilst owning prime real estate at Hope Island; leasing the property to the Institute for a negotiable period.
The Institute will be not for profit organisation with Tax deductible status. All donations will support services to cancer patients and caregivers and support cancer educational pursuits.
Bursary funds will be established so that our services are available for the financially compromised. We have already received a generous donation that has paid for transfers and Qld registration.
Please contact me – Grace Gawler for more information: Email
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Integrated Cancer Solutions - PO Box 880 Paradise Point Gold Coast – Qld 4216.
Background to the creation of the new Grace Gawler Institute
When I left my position as co-director of the Gawler Foundation in 1996, I intended to begin a new Trust or Foundation as a base for my work.
I purchased a couple of acres with a cottage and began a 'safe' practice for women's health named 'Ellimatta' a Wurundjeri word which means coming home. In 1997, personal disaster entered my life with the rapid dissolution of my 21 year marriage closely followed by a major health crisis; a result of complications sustained during a routine surgical procedure. Like my patients, I found myself taking an unexpected journey to survival and my plans and visions had to go on hold; as it turned out it was 13 years and 19 more surgical procedures later that I found healing and health again. Skilled surgeons and doctors both in Australia, Europe & Singapore created an opportunity for my body to be restored anatomically (I had a world first bionic procedure in 2003 - Rotterdam) while I worked hard to restore my soul, energy, fighting spirit and heal emotionally. Indeed I was a wonderful self-experiment for my own brand of "Holistic Healing" and proof that mainstream, complementary and psychological medicine are a powerful healing trilogy. I have survived and thrived and so the next stage of life begins. My passion for my work has only increased as a result of being a patient without options. My experience brought home an all important question - where do other people go when they are told they are out of options? How do you search through the maze of possible solutions eg on the internet? How do you develop possibility thinking and spin gold from straw while facing tumultuous adversity?
Therein is my vision and continuing mission to help others find their way through their dark night of the soul'.
My story about creating and co founding the Gawler Foundation in the early 1980's is recorded in my Memoirs: Grace, Grit and Gratitude - available at the online shop.
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