When Cancer Wellness Support opened the Penrith Op Shop, it became the beginning of an unexpected and deeply personal journey for Kris Gauci, Co-founder and Chair of Our Community Cares.
Her fellow Co-founder, Melissa Spurrier, is a cancer survivor herself, and Kris’s connection to Cancer Wellness Support grew even stronger when her daughter was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at just 35 years old. After the initial flurry of specialist appointments, their very first stop was Cancer Wellness Support. From the moment they walked through the doors, Kris recalls an overwhelming sense of peace and care.
Her daughter endured a difficult treatment journey, struggling mentally with the toll it took. Through some yoga sessions at Cancer Wellness Support, she found moments of calm and connection, finding a community of others who truly understood.
As though one family hadn’t already been through enough, Kris’s granddaughter was also diagnosed with a brain tumour at 22. After eight months of chemotherapy and operations, she has now finished treatment and she hopes to step back into her nursing studies.
Kris says “Throughout all of this, Cancer Wellness Support has been there, knowing exactly what we need, when we need it. They have been there to catch us every time, giving me, my family, and Our Community Cares a supportive village with a personal touch and providing us with a true sense of belonging”.
Working Together for Community
The bond between Cancer Wellness Support and Our Community Cares has continued to grow over the years.
Our Community Cares is committed to supporting the people of Penrith, whether it’s supplying comfort items for hospital patients, providing food for the needy, or connecting high school students with aged care residents for meaningful visits, always with the goal of making a real difference.
This same spirit of care and connection is what underpins Our Community Cares’ partnership with Cancer Wellness Support, working together to extend support, dignity, and care to people living with cancer in the local community.
Kris has built a close working relationship with Gail Searle, Retail Operations Manager, and our Op Shop teams, building connections that go far beyond fundraising.
Together, Our Community Cares have co-hosted our Community High Teas, partnered in creative fundraisers like ‘Black and Bling’ where attendees thrift their themed outfits from our Op Shops, supported our Shop and Swap fundraising events, and shared in milestone moments, including our recent 20 Year Emerald Dinner.
For Kris, the greatest joy of being part of Cancer Wellness Support is the people:
“The pure joy of finding like-minded people who go above and beyond, and who make you feel special, is priceless. I’ve built a beautiful relationship with CEO Deborah Shepherd and the entire team. It feels like family.”
We are incredibly grateful for the heartfelt support that Kris Gauci and Our Community Cares provides, not only to Cancer Wellness Support, but also to the broader Penrith community, where their kindness and commitment make a lasting difference every day.
