Natural Approach supports Chelle's Saving Starfish
Chelle's Saving Starfish gift bags donated to the Cabrini Brighton Hospital, Victoria on Friday 17th July 2020.
In Australia, an average of 55 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. It is predicted that 170 men and 19,998 women will be diagnosed in 2020. While most people nowadays survive, early detection and treatment is key.
We were recently contacted by Michelle Sterrey from Chelle's Saving Starfish, based in Melbourne, Victoria. Chelle's Saving Starfish was started as a result of Michelle's own breast cancer journey.
Natural Approach were so inspired by her heart felt generosity to help others facing what is most likely to be their greatest challenge, we were more than happy to support her cause and donated deodorants for her gift bags.
Here, Michelle shares her inspiring story of her own personal journey with breast cancer, and why she wants to help others.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a wife and mother of three gorgeous adult humans. I have been a Children’s and Families’ Pastor for over 20 years.
I enjoy reading and am currently in the process of publishing my first book about my daughters adoption journey - 'Grace Beyond Measure'.
I love being in the great outdoors, spending time with family and friends, exercising and have a special interest in animal welfare.
When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2019 after my first routine mammogram once I turned 50.
What treatments did you receive?
As my breast cancer was identified as HER2+ (which means it was an aggressive tumour that had a high re-occurrence rate) I underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, Herceptin treatment, hormone therapy and bone therapy.
Why did you make the switch to natural deodorant?
On the advice of my medical team, I stopped using general deodorants and made the switch to non-aluminium based deodorant. This is particularly important for breast care.
Had you ever considered natural deodorant before?
No, unfortunately I had not considered it before. I guess I did not fully appreciate that non-aluminium based products were safer.
What made you consider Natural Approach deodorant?
When I started Chelle’s Saving Starfish, to support other breast cancer patients, I wanted to include both natural products as well as small Australian businesses.
What inspired you to put together these gift bags and who are they for?
Chelle’s Saving Starfish was born out of my own cancer journey. I wanted to give back to the hospital that supported me as well as support other fellow sojourners on their breast cancer journey.
The idea of putting together gift bags for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients was a result of this desire. I knew my journey happened for a reason.
I understood how hard a breast cancer diagnosis is and wanted others to know that there is hope and they are not alone.
Is there any piece of advice you would give to someone battling breast cancer?
The greatest advice I received from a breast care nurse when I was first diagnosed was to not get ahead of yourself. Take each day at a time. Do not ponder the ‘what if’ questions.
Stay ‘blinkered’ on your journey – don’t compare yourself to others around you journeying the same road, as their journey will be different.
Do not google!
Remember hope remains and one of the biggest parts of the battle is what we tell ourselves in our minds. Be kind to yourself.
Do you have any general advice for women on breast care?
Please do not delay your mammograms and breast checks. Often, we can think it will never happen to us.
There was no history of breast cancer in my family, so I took for granted that it would not touch me. Early detection is the key to survival.
I wish to take the opportunity to especially thank Natural Approach for donating to Chelle’s Saving Starfish. There products are beautifully scented and easy to apply.
It is wonderful to support an Australian based company that prides itself in using completely natural ingredients that cause no harm to our environment and ourselves.
Michelle delivering gift bags to the Holmesglen Private Hospital in May 2020.
Can you help support Michelle and her inspiring cause?
Chelle's Saving Starfish relies on the generous donations of others to create these amazing care packs to help those fighting one of the toughest battles of their lives. If you can help Michelle, reach out to her via email: sterrey5@bigpond.com
Our hearts break for those affected by bush fires
The devastating loss of human life, wildlife, property, pets, livestock, and habitat is difficult to comprehend and so heartbreaking.
For the month of January 2020 Natural Approach will donate $1 from every tin of deodorant purchased online, to WIRES - Emergency Fund for Wildlife, which will help fund food, medication, and medical treatment for animals in care. xxx
If you would like to donate directly to WIRES, or find out more about what they do, visit: https://www.wires.org.au/donate/online
Natural Approach Scores Top Prize!
Natural Approach are proud to announce that we WON 1st prize of $10,000 in the La Trobe University Accelerator Program.
The La Trobe Accelerator program delivered a intensive 12 week program to a diverse group of entrepreneurs. This included mentoring and coaching sessions, workshops on marketing, strategic planning, pitching, sales, pricing and much more.
Natural Approach plan to use the funding to apply for trademarking, scale their manufacturing equipment, and further business development.
Read more here:
