CANTERBURY NEWS

Farewell to Jaccy

Christchurch HD Assn bids farewell to its long serving Field Worker.

Jaccy Creak started with the Assn in Jan 1993 as the first Field Worker.  Jaccy came to us from the Cancer Society with a wealth of experience working with people and their families, however the Huntington's Disease aspect would have been a huge learning curve for Jaccy.

During her time with the Association Jaccy has investigated setting up programmes to meeting peoples’ needs.  These included setting up a 'Predictive Test' support group, 10 Pin Bowling - which turned into an annual competition for a few years and she also attended meetings with the Neurological Field Workers Networking Group.

Jaccy says she has enjoyed the experience of working as Field Worker and one of the lasting impressions she has is "the courage of [HD] people in dealing with what life has dealt them".   Many families have benefited from Jaccy's knowledge and advice and her smiling demeanour and empathetic manner will be missed by both families and the HD Committee.

Now fresh challenges call Jaccy and we all wish her "Good Luck, Best wishes for the future - we will miss you".

 Introducing Shirley

We are pleased to introduce Shirley Ward to everyone.  Shirley is our new Field Worker and started with us on 12 August.  Shirley comes to us from the Epileptic Association where she has experience as a Field Worker and presenting education workshops to health workers and schools.  Presently Shirley is doing an orientation with Jaccy and shortly will be winging it on her own.

 Louise Boyle, Chairperson
Christchurch HD Assn.