LIVING WELL WITH WALKING
G oing for a walk is one of television presenter Sally Obermeder’s favourite ways to move her body. ‘I love the solitude and the quiet,’ she says. ‘It helps me process my thoughts, be in my own head, move my body, and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.’ While she enjoys walking alone, for one special day this October Sally is keen for some company! She is inviting the community to join her for a walk at the inaugural SWIISH WALK4BCNA in Sydney, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event was inspired by Sally’s own breast cancer experience. She was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at 38 when she was 40 weeks pregnant. ‘My entire world fell apart,’ she says. ‘Given the aggressive nature of the tumours, the outlook didn’t look good.
BCNA Ambassador Sally Obermeder
maximising her daily intake of highly nutritious super greens. She came up with the idea of creating a green powder that could simply be added to water. Together, she and Maha developed SWIISH, now one of Australia’s leading health brands offering a range of supplements to boost nutrition. Gradually, Sally was able to re- incorporate regular exercise back into her routine. ‘I still exercise most days for my physical health, but also my mental health, and I’m a big believer in lifting weights to make sure that my bones stay strong,’ she says. Sally found therapy also helped her to process what was happening and the changes she was going through. ‘Breast Cancer Network Australia was also an incredible source of support,’ Sally says. ‘Not
only was it beneficial for me but for the people around me who were navigating this new experience too.’ Creating the SWIISH WALK4BCNA is Sally’s way of recognising the support BCNA gave her and returning the favour, allowing BCNA to continue supporting others who have had a breast cancer diagnosis. ‘When you are surrounded by other people who have been through something similar, you realise you’re not alone,’ says Sally. ‘That realisation and feeling is irreplaceable.’ She’s looking forward to seeing the breast cancer community come together this October. ‘It’s such a beautiful feeling of community and to know that, together, we’re doing something really impactful,’ she says.
‘Everything was shrouded in sadness and uncertainty,’ she recalls.
Sally’s diagnosis ignited a passion for helping others to be healthy and live well. ‘I remember lying in my hospital bed about six months into my treatment and I rang my sister Maha and said, “if I survive this let’s start something together that makes people feel amazing”.’ That idea came to fruition during Sally’s recovery. While she was too unwell to exercise during treatment, Sally focused on
Join Sally, Maha, and BCNA for the SWIISH WALK4BCNA , a 4km or 8km walk around Metcalfe Park in Sydney, followed by a family-friendly festival on Sunday 15 October. If you can’t make it in person, you can join in virtually. To sign up, visit the SWIISH WALK4BCNA website
SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER, SYDNEY
15
bcna.org.au
Issue 96 | October 2023
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