By Jennifer Spilsbury
November 16, 2024
The healing tentacles of COUCH Wellness Centre are long and powerful, you just have to ask Robert Soderberg.
A prostate cancer diagnosis late last year hit the 69-year-old for six, consuming him and wife, Cathy, with feelings of anxiousness and nervousness that only the Big C can do.
The feelings were compounded with another cancer diagnosis in the family not long after but by then, they had COUCH on their side.
“It’s not only all their services, you meet people who are in a similar boat as you – a bit worse or a lot worse than you – and that’s helped,” Mr Soderberg said.
“It’s even helped my wife, Cathy, because one of our daughter-in-law’s in Brisbane has not long been diagnosed with breast cancer. There are women who’ve been through that here and you ask questions and we’ve been able to pass things on to her.”
Mr Soderberg is sharing his story to highlight the impact COUCH Wellness Centre has on those affected by cancer in the Far North.
The Cairns Post is partnering with COUCH in their Champions of COUCH Christmas Appeal to help raise awareness and much-needed funds as they face their federal government funding ending in March.
COUCH board chairman Dr Scott Davis said you could become a “champion” by donating $2700 for a year, however any support was appreciated.
Mr Soderberg said he and his wife used COUCH’s facilities off Reservoir Rd four times a week, utilising the specialised gym with an exercise physiologist, attending Men’s Prostate Group meetings and networking with other centre users at its cafe.
He gives COUCH a score of “10 out of 10” in helping him through his eight weeks of radiation and now in post-treatment.
“It really helped me. The gym’s been really good for me. I wasn’t getting as fatigued through the radiation.”
Mr Soderberg will find out at the end of November whether the cancer has gone or what he faces next.
“If there is a bit more there, it will have an effect but I think I have the strength and positivity to get rid of it and not let it worry me. I’ve got people here at COUCH I can come in here and talk to.”
COUCH is a community-owned organisation with its footprint extending from the Torres Strait to Cardwell and west to Croydon and addresses gaps in cancer care.
Dr Davis said the state-of-the-art facility offered physical therapies, mental health support and wellness programs as well as social connection so that people like Mr Soderberg were empowered and supported during their cancer journey.
“You walk into COUCH and there’s nothing too hard for them to do – they’re beautiful people,” Mr Soderberg said.
To become a Champion of COUCH: Call 4032 0820 or email: champions@couch.org.au