Cancer Survivor Urges Importance of Support Groups Ciara O ’ Reilly , Martensville Messenger
Breast cancer support groups proved to be difficult to come by during a time that is difficult to endure alone . Of course , those who are diagnosed are not alone , per-se , but lack the support of other women who truly “ get it ”. No one understood this better than Martensville ’ s own survivor , Deanna Ratzlaff .
Ratzlaff is one of the co-founders and leaders of the newest cancer support group in Saskatoon , Breast Cancer Support Saskatoon . Other founding members of this group are breast cancer survivors , Kristen Fiolleau , Nathalie Baudais , Gerarda Paton , and Barb Henderson . Saskatoon and area did not have any formal support groups prior that women could easily access , so this group of ladies decided to take matters into their own hands . “ It is a newly formed group , a peer support group facilitated by five ladies who have all had a breast cancer diagnosis ,” informed Ratzlaff . Meetings for the support group are currently
MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY 17 Centennial Drive North 306-931-2868
being held at Edward ’ s Family Centre in Saskatoon on every second Wednesday at 7:30pm each month . The very first meeting was held this past January 11th , and the numbers of attendees truly spoke for the need of such groups in our communities . Twenty women braved the blizzard and frigid temperatures to attend the support group that Wednesday . “ We wanted to have a space where women could share and receive support in a safe and confidential environment . The Edwards Family Centre is a great venue where this can happen . Their support for community groups such as ours is truly amazing . We are very thankful to be able to access this space for our meetings ,” said Ratzlaff .
Breast Cancer Support Group Saskatoon is a place for anyone who has or had a breast cancer diagnosis . “ The big thing about being part of a support group such as this is knowing that you are not alone in what you are feeling . To be among others who really " get it ". It is hard for our friends and family to truly know how we feel . There are such a wide range of emotions that go along with a breast cancer diagnosis . From the losses and change of body image due to surgery , followed by the very visible changes from chemotherapy and radiation . Recovering from all of these things takes time , and healing is different for everyone . Once you are done with active treatment this is when many women look back at what they have gone through and start to process everything . It is not just physical healing but mental healing as well . Being supported through this by our peers is huge .” Ratzlaff explained .
The group can be reached via Facebook at Breast Cancer Support Saskatoon and the website can be found at breastcancersupportsaskatoon . com . Contact the group for further information or attend the next meeting which will be held on February 8th at 7:30pm to see what it ’ s all about .
mARteNsville messeNgeR - JANUARY 19 , 2017 - Page 3
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P4G Open House Will Showcase Regional Land Use Map
Shanine Sealey , Martensville Messenger
The Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth ( P4G ) will be hosting an open house at Wanuskewin Heritage Park January 24th from 1-4pm and 5-8pm . The purpose of this open house is to provide an opportunity to view the draft regional land use map , share details on what the plan will mean for the region and get feedback from the public on the design . Following the open house , all data received from the public will be taken into consideration when preparing for a final plan .
P4G consists of the cities of Saskatoon , Martensville and Warman , the Town of Osler and the RM of Corman Park . The Saskatchewan Regional Economic Development Authority ( SREDA ) has an advisory role within the collaboration . These communities are working together to create a regional plan to help benefit from growth opportunities , increase efficiencies and reduce costs by working together . P4G will accommodate a plan to help each municipality prepare for implications of the development in areas such as ; land use , population , transportation , utilities , services and finances .
The project was originally expected to be completed by April 2016 ; however , an extension was set and the project is now expected to be complete by April 2017 .
If you are unable to attend the January 24th open house , you will be able to view all of the information at www . partnershipforgrowth . ca , as well as provide your input .
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FRIDGE NEWS
A listing of upcoming events in and around Martensville To place your organization ’ s ad , contact the Martensville
Messenger at advertising @ martensvillemessenger . ca
January 21 , 2017 MASA Registration Closes
January 23 , 2017 Gentle Yoga Begins with Charlotte
January 25 , 2017 Southside RECYCLE Day
January 26 , 2017 Northside RECYCLE Day
For more information on City events , visit www . martensville . ca