Grace Gawler Writes About the Early Days of Conquering Cancer
Following are some some exerpts from my memoirs Grace, Grit and Gratitude. I was 21 years of age when faced with full-time caring for Ian Gawler. These were challenging days for a carer/partner who was thrown in at the deep end- especially when our relationship was relatively new. It was not as easy as has been portrayed in the media - the challenges, physical loads and responsiblities were enormous. It was certainly not a single-handed event as has been said in many interviews. Indeed, to say so, sets cancer patients and partners up for an even rockier ride through this insidious illness. When a partner is so ill and the prognosis poor - it would be impossible to even attemprt recovery without a pro-active carer. In writing my Memoirs I have attempted to provide the reader with a realistic and authentic picture of our attempts to conquer cancer. Read more
Grace, Grit and Gratitude - available now at Brumby Books
Grace, Grit and Gratitude is now more widely available. It can still be purchased online at www.gracegawler.com or copies can be purchased at Brumby books - select the following link to view Brumby Books latest catalogue ( November-December 2008 ) featuring Grace’s Memoirs on the front page. Brumby Books are the sole distributors for Grace.Grit and Gratitude. Enjoy!
http://brumbybooks.com.au/downloads/newsletters/196_Nov_-_Dec_08_Newsletter_email.pdf
Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Grace Gawler’s Book: Women of Silence
October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is almost upon us - the month when fundraising becomes vigilant for breast cancer research. Based on my 30 years of working in the field of supportive care medicine and pyscho-emotional support for those experiencing breast cancer; I would like to see more emphasis placed on these supportive care factors - in other words, we need to see dollars going towards pro-active and educative support groups as well as for medical research. We need to be aware of helping women NOW! How can we effectively support women through their trauma, help them build resilence, improve emotional health and lifestyle, improve life quality and longevity? Read more
Grace, Grit and Gratitude for a Life - Grace Gawler
My Memoirs, Grace,Grit and Gratitude; 8 years in the writing are completed. There have been many reasons for writing this book. In the beginning it was a therapeutic tool, in fact it was so essential for my recovery that without the process - I doubt I would have survived with sanity. As well, writing a memoir was important as a record of events for my children and grandchildren, a way of making sense of how past events, create a path to our present and our future. However, when the threads of the story-line were pulled together, I had another valuable realisation - that my own journey paralleled the stories of my clients, the ‘threads’ were universal themes and their weaving had created the tapestry that was my life.
An uninvited life-changing experience in December 1997, proved to be an initiation into another world. I stepped upon the medical treadmill- a nine year dark night of the soul. I had known this path well enough from my work with cancer patients and from my time with Ian Gawler in the seventies, when he was diagnosed with bone cancer and given only weeks to live. We married then, and together we embarked on an amazing journey to recovery; eventually teaching others and sharing our experience, we co-created the Gawler Foundation. The accurate and personal story of this time in my life needed to be written for the public record as well as to inspire patients and particularly carers, whose stories and voices are often silent, but whose lives and emotions are severely challenged by the act of caring and being a carer. Love and compassion given freely and unconditionally can bring out our finest human traits - being a carer is character building, challenging, and perhaps the best spiritual practise we can ever experience. However, carers must proactively care for themselves in the process. Read more
Grace Gawler’s New Book: Grace, Grit and Gratitude - a Memoir
The following is the foreword from Grace’s new book - her memoirs which took eight years to write.
I first met Grace in 1970, when I was her physical education teacher at Geelong High School. An outstanding student, she emanated a clear energy and radiant beauty. It was 37 years before we were to meet again—in the most amazing of circumstances.
During those 37 years, Grace has lived a remarkable life—a life that demanded more of her than is usually asked of most humans. I am honoured and privileged to write this foreword because I know we can all benefit greatly from the qualities enacted in her life story—qualities most of us associate with the great heroines of literature or mythology.
In reading Grace, Grit and Gratitude, you will journey with Grace across the width and breadth of Australia experiencing the bird eating spiders in the Channel Country of the Outback, the majesty of the Flinders Ranges and the desolation of the Great Australia Bite. You will travel the globe visiting the ashrams of India, the healers of the Philippines, the Findhorn Community in Northern Scotland, the great pyramids of Egypt, the hallowed vaults of Rosslyn Chapel and the War Graves of France.
Grace’s story provides a riveting read for people from all walks of life, however, those who are battling life-threatening illnesses, along with their families and carers will find her words rich with wisdom, inspiration, courage, and hope.
Like many before you, you may be unable to put the book down until the end—like them you might need to pinch yourself as a reminder, that unlike the fabulous Da Vinci Code—this is a true story.
Pip Cornall - Author the Sustainable Maculinity Series
Children of a Toxic Harvest - Eve Hillary
A book that will change your life: I recently had the pleasure of meeting Eve Hillary and was introduced to her book Children of a Toxic Harvest. My interest in breast cancer and healthcare has also led me into areas of causative factors of chronic degenerative disease - especially hormonally induced cancers, for example breast and prostate cancer. Chemicals known as endocrine disrupters often used in agribusiness have been seen as responsible for an increase in cancer diagnosis in farmers and their families - even years later. As well, we can attribute rampant allergies to the chemical revolution - high production and yields have come at a tremendous cost as you will read in this account by Eve.
Children of a Toxic Harvest is a true and gripping story of Eve Hillary and her children whose lives are devastated by acute environmental illnesses. Read more
Gawler Cancer Recovery: 5-day Retreats for Exceptional Healing with Australia’s Most Experienced Pioneer in Cancer Recovery.
I have launched a new website for retreats www.gawlerretreats.com.au
www.gracegawler.com will continue as an informational and sales website but to clarify types of retreats, locations and handle enquiries personally; I believe this new site will simplify and as well as personalise my services.
Check the retreat site regularly for updates on Health Practitioner, Spa, Wellness, and other retreats including Rafting for Recovery - a new wellness in the wilderness soft eco adventure experience for people who are recovering from cancer. Learn meditation and imagery to heal and help in your recovery; as well as learning an amazing array of helpful methods gained during my more than 30 year experience in the field of cancer….all of this in the picturesque surrounds of massive redwood forests, lakes and scenic rivers in Oregon USA. A true healing holiday. The inaugural group begins September 1 - 5 2008.
Email me grace@gawlerretreats.com.au for more information or visit my associate site www.redwoodriverjourneys.com
Nature & Health Journal Grace Gawler June/July 2008
Article: Select link below to read Grace’s Profile in the latest edition of Nature & Health Page 114
Grace Gawler gives knockout GEM speech at ATMS meeting in Noosaville, Queensland
I filmed Grace during her GEM presentation at the ATMS meeting in Noosaville. I watched as 200 therapists sat spellbound during her talk. As her partner and film man I’ve seen this each time she gives a wellness speech.
Grace trained with Australian herbalist legend, Dorothy Hall and USA body-psychotherapist luminary, Ilana Rubenfeld, and is, I believe, at the leading edge of the wellness field - in the world. Why else would hundreds of oncologists turn up to hear an Australian naturopath give an address in places like London? Read more
GAWLER RETREATS - GRACE CONDUCTS NEW RETREATS FOR HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
Nestled in 1000 acres of forest at Possum Brush, near Taree in NSW is Clarendon Forest retreat, my new venue for a series of innovative and original retreats and training programs in 2008.
This year I am launching a new MASTERCLASS training for all health therapists especially those who are ’hands-on’ - such as massage, spa and beauty therapists. As well, programs for Cancer patients, - the already well established Healing Journey retreats and Wellness weekends will be held at Clarendon Forest Retreat.
Designed for practitioners only, the MASTERCLASS will focus on Healing Hands, Self Care and Survival in a healing profession that makes great personal and constant demands upon our energy. Fatigue, including chronic fatigue, seems to be one of the biggest health issues facing many practitioners today - so the aim is to transform surviving in your profession to thriving in it. The retreat also caters to practitioners who may have reached their growing edge in their chosen field and who wish to explore further dimensions of energy work and healing.
Titled ‘ Beyond Technique - The Art of Embodiment, Awareness, Education & Self Care’; Read more
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Women Of Silence
