AS the first face someone in their hour of need saw when they entered the Swan Hill hospital, the late Elva Piper made a warm impression.
And now that inviting quality will be everlasting thanks to a generous bequest of $1.2 million to Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) to help establish a Cancer and Wellness Centre.
Ms Piper, who worked at SHDH for more than 25 years in administration, died on December 26, 2018, aged 85, succumbing to bladder cancer.
Husband John died six months earlier of prostate cancer.
Sister-in-law Carol Bradbury said Ms Piper would help people through her legacy “because that’s what she always did by working in health”.
“Elva worked at the hospital for many years; she got a certificate of appreciation and was awarded life governorship,” she said.
“I always had a feeling they would both agree to donating money to the hospital to help people.
“They were community-minded, terrific people.
“John started up the soccer in the town as the first secretary — they loved their sport, both played tennis for many years and John was even named the sports star of the month in The Guardian in June 2006.”
Ms Bradbury said she “couldn’t believe” they both battled cancer at the same time.
“I know they always did things together, but never expected such a shock.
“John passed in June and Elva in December … (I) just couldn’t get my head quite around it because they were married for 64 years.”
The Cancer and Wellness Centre will make a “big difference” to the region, Ms Bradbury proudly said.
“I was so pleased when they told me that’s what they will put the money towards.
“I thought that was really good because cancer hits so many people, for many it’s the shock of it.
“It’s quite devastating.
“Some can survive a number of years with different treatments they have got now, but for others it can be just a few months.”
Ms Bradbury said the harsh Mallee sun was also concerning for farmers with skin cancers becoming more prevalent.
“John had different skin cancers because in his day when he was a child there wasn’t sunscreen.
“He got burnt very badly when a child … one doctor told me we live in the wrong hemisphere.
“But now at least children have got a chance with sunscreen and a hat.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate.
“It’s so important to have checks for anything you see or feel that isn’t normal.
“If they can get things early, treatments can do a lot to stop it in its tracks.”
SHDH chief executive officer Peter Abraham said Ms Piper was “highly regarded” at the health service.
“For 25 years and really, she was in the front reception as you walk into the place,” he said.
“She made a big impression and was lovely from everything I’ve seen and heard.”
Noting they both battled cancer, Mr Abraham said he had always envisaged developing a Cancer and Wellness Centre.
“It puts cancer services around the person, instead of the person to the services,” he said.
“It is needed to provide a welcome and comfortable space and a feeling of mindful escape for cancer patients and their loved ones, giving them somewhere to turn to during an extremely difficult time in their lives and addressing the shortfall and growing demand for this kind of service within our region.
“It provides not just a place for treatment but also a place for a survivor of cancer, if you are a family member, and we know there are many in this community because there is a high instance of cancer in rural communities than the state average.
“Particularly skin cancers in farming communities, bladder, prostate and bowel cancer.
“The emphasis on wellness is about survivorship, surviving that cancer experience and ensuring families are connected to care and services.”
Mr Abraham said cancer wellness lasted longer than the cancer diagnoses and treatment.
“It’s about providing social supports, such as if you need financial help because you are out of a job and getting treatment,” he said.
“There are really good models overseas, especially in England, called Maggie’s.
“Basically it’s a house, not a thing inside a four-storey hospital.
“Similar to a Neighbourhood House, with not just treatment there, but also support for someone losing their hair and who needs a wig, and a dietician — all those wrap-around services.
“In England, these centres sit across the road from main hospitals because it has got to have that community feel … I don’t think you get that feeling as much inside a hospital building.”
Mr Abraham said the centre would cost a “few million”, with a target of $10m.
“We will take a little bit out of the funding to develop concepts so people can see what they will be contributing towards and what a Cancer and Wellness Centre is,” he said.
For more information about making a donation, visit the SHDH website.
What an incredibly generous gift you and John have given to the people of Swan Hill.
You were the first face people saw when they entered the doors at SHDH.
Always welcomed with a smile, you were the switchboard queen, the go-to girl for all the answers.
I feel very honoured to have worked with you, it was a privilege to learn from the best.
You were a very loving and devoted couple and your love will shine forever in the hearts of the people of the community that will benefit from all your hard work and dedication to be able to honour us with such an incredibly beautiful gift.Judy Irvin:
That’s so generous.
Elva was just wonderful to work with.
The smiling face of the hospital.
She was just so good at her job. She knew everyone, always so kind, so helpful, so positive with a lovely sense of humour.
We all missed her when she resigned.
This will be a lovely way to acknowledge them and remember a community-minded couple.
