Champion for Exercise Rehabilitation for Cancer Patients

St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
__Motivated. Selfless. Resilient. __

Siobhan O’Toole is a committed fundraiser and has organised numerous community events to help cancer patients ward off a recurrence of the disease.

Cancer survivor, Siobhan is passionate about giving other patients access to the same exercise regime that helped her get through gruelling treatments and boosted her odds of staying cancer-free.

In a short time, she has raised more than $60,000 for the pilot Cancer Exercise Prehab program at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

Each $25,000 will allow 20 more patients to have physical training integrated into their treatment plans.

“Thanks to exercise, I have 40 to 50 per cent less chance of getting a recurrence,” says Siobhan, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2018.

“I am undoubtedly whole again because I had the support and access to free exercise during my treatment.”

During her chemotherapy treatment, Siobhan walked an average 8900 steps a day and lifted weights three times a week.

Exercise improved her mental health and sleep, provided welcome relief from fatigue and restored her muscle mass.

“Traditionally cancer patients are wrapped in cotton wool and as a result their condition deteriorates,” says Siobhan.

“However, there is mounting scientific evidence that exercise can help patients endure treatments.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. St Vincent’s Hospital will use the grant to develop an online exercise program so cancer patients can work out at home.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here

Photo courtesy of: Andrew Worrsam