Talk pink to stay healthy
DESLEY Ralph is getting into the pink spirit to spark important conversations about women’s health.
The owner of the Heritage Tea Rooms at Herveys Range is launching into Breast Cancer Awareness Month all decked out in pink to encourage women to get checked, which could potentially save their lives.
Ms Ralph said getting into the spirit of the awareness month was a great conversation starter with the community.
“It allows me to have a chat; if I’m walking around in my pink shirt I can strike up a conversation,” she said.
“You might just say one little thing and it might change someone’s day.
“It’s all about having that early detection; that’s the best chance of survival we have.”
Ms Ralph was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and underwent intense treatment that included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and mastectomy.
She said her cancer journey indirectly led her to taking over ownership of the Tea Rooms after leaving her previous full- time job in the corporate sector.
“Pretty much all of 2007 and into 2008 I was involved in treatment and recovery,” she said. “After I got that clearance I thought, well, I should be looking for something else do to and this opportunity came up.
“It just worked out that the business was for sale and it gave me an opportunity to talk to people.”
Ms Ralph said Townsville’s breast cancer support networks were just as important as having treatment resources close by.
“I was lucky enough to have my treatment in Townsville; we are fortunate that for that type of primary care we are quite well looked after,” she said.
“There are a couple of face- to- face groups locally that are there to support.
“One is the Breast Cancer Network Australia peer support group and the other is Dragons Abreast. That’s the one I’m involved in; we offer a different kind of support through exercise and connecting with people that way.
“Breast Cancer Network Australia has a really good online presence where you can be part of a forum of people going through a similar journey; particularly for us in the regions I think that’s important.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; show your support by heading out to the Heritage Tea Rooms and trying their special “pink- themed” dish available throughout the month.