Ep.34 Empowering Patients: My Cancer My Choices
With Claire Rhodes
Guest Names: Claire Rhodes
Episode Description:
In this episode, Claire Rhodes, CEO of My Cancer My Choices, shares insights into the challenges and rewards of running a small charity. This 10-year-old Berkshire-based organisation provides complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture, and reflexology to people undergoing cancer treatment. Claire discusses the importance of building strong community relationships, leveraging word-of-mouth marketing, and securing vital funding. She also emphasises the impact of these therapies on patients’ well-being and encourages listeners to consider supporting My Cancer My Choices through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word about their valuable services.
My Cancer My Choices website: https://mycancermychoices.org/
My Cancer My Choices Social Channels:
Find out how you can help support My Cancer My Choices:
Listen to the episode
Episode Time Codes
00:00 Intro
00:20 Greeting
00:58 What is My Cancer My Choices?
01:54 Examples of complementary treatments
03:08 The benefits of complementary treatments
04:26 The origin of My Cancer My Choices
05:59 Claire’s background and how she came to join the team
06:59 Claire’s biggest takeaway from the charity
07:27 How do the charity maintain relationships with groups?
09:39 How do they communicate with audiences?
12:31 What challenges has the charity faced over the years?
14:32 The charity’s impact on the Berkshire community
17:04 Plans for celebrating My Cancer My Choices 10th anniversary
19:27 How can people help the charity?
20:41 Final thoughts
Videos
The Origins of My Cancer My Choices
What My Cancer My Choices Does
Challenges the Charity has Faced
Communicating the Charity's Mission
The Impact of My Cancer My Choices
Key takeaways
The Power of “Human Touch” in Healthcare: My Cancer My Choices demonstrates that holistic care extends beyond medical treatment. By offering complementary therapies, they address the emotional and physical well-being of patients.
Building a Strong Brand Around Values: My Cancer My Choices has built a strong brand around its core values of compassion, support, and community.
Leveraging Employee Engagement: My Cancer My Choices effectively leverages the skills and passions of its volunteers. By providing opportunities for professional development, recognising their contributions, and fostering a supportive environment, they cultivate a highly engaged and motivated workforce.
Episode references
In 2024 My Cancer My Choices received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service; the equivalent to an MBE:
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