The Otis foundation was set up, as Jane told me,  “to provide sanctuary and to nurture those faced with the challenge of living with breast cancer.” The accommodation, which is supplied free of charge, serves as a means “to reduce the psychological impact,” the women and their families are experiencing. For a short time these people can find a sanctuary from the world around them and simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings that they find themselves in.

The foundation is entirely funded by donations and the support of the local community.

Upon arrival some people like to be greeted by someone from the foundation while others don’t have the need; either way once they arrive people are assured of privacy, with no one calling in on them to interrupt their peaceful retreat.

As well all linen is supplied and as Jane told me, the cleaners do a wonderful job, so that when the people arrive at the accommodation they find a lovely clean place where they can simply relax.

People stay anywhere from a weekend to up to a week. Last year the foundation was able to supply a respite for over 200 people free of charge.

The following has been taken with permission from the foundations website. “The Otis foundation is the realization of the dream of Judy Burley, it is committed to providing opportunities for those living with breast cancer to enjoy a relaxing time of sanctuary in a beautiful country environment free of charge.

In 2002 with the enthusiastic and generous support of the Bendigo and greater central Victorian community the Otis foundation constructed 2 self-contained units in the Mandurang Valley.

Judy’s dream continues to inspire and we have since added 3 other properties in beautiful rural settings to our stable of retreats.

The foundation does not provide medical facilities and there is no resident staff on site. We are non-denominational and welcome people of all faiths, backgrounds, races and sexualities.”

For a list of the sites available to women suffering from Breast cancer or for further contact information cut and paste the following link into your browser http://www.otisfoundation.org.au

Or you can use this link for a brochure, just copy and paste the link into you browser.

http://www.otisfoundation.org.au/userfiles/PDFs/OtisBrochure2008.pdf

Please note image is used with permission and is from the Otis Foundation web site.