Jingle Bells
How did we do?
Occasionally it's good to look back and see how far we have come in a year. Whatever stage we are at, we must be positive about the fantastic care and treatment we receive from our clinicians and nursing staff, they really do their level best to make sure we get through it all, and look forward to a brighter future ahead. So we thank everyone at the NHS for all they do for us - as ever, we are extremely grateful.
We've all been through so much, and yet here we are, getting on with life and trying to enjoy every moment of it! It's been a busy year for us at OOSO too, with much to be happy about - here's some of our highlights:
Patient support
- During 2022 we chatted with over 130 newly diagnosed patients receiving care;
- We kept in regular contact by phone, email and WhatsApp! with over 200 former patients;
- We sent you 32 editions of this newsletter, hopefully keeping you informed and connected with us;
- We hosted 8 six-weekly Zoom sessions with over 300 guests joining in;
- A total of 22 clinicians including Consultants, Professors, Doctors, Dieticians, Senior Nurses and ward staff joined our zoom calls;
- Our website welcomed 25,000 unique visitors over the year from more than 30 countries worldwide;
- We started our new monthly networking initiative 'cafe catch ups', with over 60 people enjoying four light lunches, with many more to come;
- We hosted a Platinum Jubilee summer lunch for 40 guests at St Annes College in Oxford;
- Over 100 guests joined us for our annual BBQ and sponsored cycle ride at Wytham Woods, raising £4,000 for OOSO.
Support for the Ward
- At long last 2 new high spec ward monitors were put into action;
- We purchased a new fridge freezer for the day room, keeping meals and liquid feeds fresh;
- Donated food blenders to give to patients needing them;
- And donated 2 specialist bed chairs to the Chemo Suite.
Financial summary
Because we are volunteers and our running costs are relatively low we can concentrate on supporting patients and their families without the worry of having to raise funds to run the Charity. Thankfully, we are on target to raise £10,000 by the end of the financial year, which will amply cover our annual running costs of about £4,500. As ever, we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive, which helps us to keep doing what we do best, supporting patients when they most need it.
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And Don't forget
Two dates for your New Year diaries: Tuesday 3rd January at 7pm - join us on zoom with the eminent Professor Mark Middleton who will update us about the latest treatments in the pipeline. If you're not on our zoom listing and would like to join in, please just drop me a line here. And our next 'Cafe Catch Up' will take place from 12:30 at Notcutts Garden Centre OX44 9PY, south of Oxford, on Tuesday 10th January. Drop me a line here if you would like to join our party of 12+, it promises to be another good catch up.
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Best Festive Wishes
It's a time of year to pause and take stock, to reflect on the good times we've had with loved ones and close friends. And with a fair wind there'll be many more good times to come! We want to thank you this Christmas week, for all your support and keeping in touch, and being good friends to us. Looking ahead, we endeavour to carry on, it'll be another busy year full of positivity and hope, doing more than ever to help people newly diagnosed and facing the daunting road through treatment and recovery. We all know how hard it is, so together, our network built on friendship offers comfort, reassurances and support to others in their most difficult times.
But for now, we wish you a very relaxing and peaceful Christmas, with a full and happy year ahead.
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From the OOSO Team
Nick, Anne, Ann, Jackie, Roger and Matt
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Shop AmazonSmile at this location, and Amazon donates to Oxfordshire Oesophageal and Stomach Organisation, at no cost to you.
Or, click here to see other ways to contribute to OOSO.
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