Nikita Falconer’s vision, becomes a reality for local cancer patients

LAST year we wrote about Nikita Falconer, an incredibly brave woman, who has used the hand dealt to her to make a difference for other local cancer sufferers.

The young mother of two young girls was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. 

Nikita was lucky enough to have access to the cold cap machine. Think of a helmet that pumps super cold liquid around your head to stop the chemo from taking all your hair.

But there was a problem. There was only one machine in Hervey Bay, that just two women could share at any time. Nikita was having none of it.

She planned and executed an epic event and raised more than $130,000 to fund a second cold cap machine and then some. 

The money was put to great use and recently, all of the equipment was unveiled at the Forbes Cancer Centre here in Hervey Bay.

“With the amazing funds raised by Nikita, patients have benefited greatly. We wouldn’t have been able to afford new or additional machines and chairs in our budget. This money gave them the Forbes Cancer Centre to spend money where it was really needed,” Cherry Spross manager of Forbes Cancer Centre said.

“Cold caps help give patients their dignity and staff feel this is important while receiving treatment. If you look well, you feel better. Now up to four people can use a cold cap machine at one time.”

“New chairs were purchased at over $8000 each to give every patient the same comfortable chair to receive treatment in. Some of the older more basic chairs are quite uncomfortable to sit in for hours at a time.”

“The blanket warmer was also purchased in order to keep patients warm as chemotherapy and the air conditioning can make patients very cold. This has been a welcomed addition to the Forbes Cancer Centre.”

“Nikita has made a life-changing contribution to the comfort of patients when they come for treatment. It has helped to provide more holistic care and allowed us to look after patients’ emotional well-being through positive physical appearance. Not just treating medically.”

“We could not have done this without Nikita. She is a real hero.”