Pabs Place

[larn75]

I am on a mission to get a retreat built in the Hinterland and was hoping for some input from the people that matter. You guys!!! I have not much idea where to start so I thought I would put it out there and see if anyone has more idea than me. Haha, I don't think that will be too hard. Sailor has already given me one lead which I have chased up and it looks like I will definately get some advice as well as possibly some funding. Anyway, here goes. Please let me know what you think. I need honest opinions and advice to get this right as well as help with writing up the proposal to present to the powers that be :-) Pabs Place will be set in the Gold Coast Hinterland, hopefully around Mt Nathan area, or Wongawollen so it is still easily accessible from Gc Hospitals. It is all stored in my head so I will try painting you a picture with words. You are a country patient and have to come into the big smoke for chemotherapy. having no family on the Coast and not a lot of cash you will likely stay in a seedy motel. Instead you get to catch the courtesy shuffle out to Pabs Place, where you can stay in a self contained unit. A basket of fresh local produce is delivered to your door every morning and if your not up to cooking a meal can also be brought to you. You can sit on your deck and look over the beautiful hill views you have from each cabin. If you feel energetic enough to cook the facilities are all there in your room, or alternatively you can wander down to the restaurant and dine in. Meals are extremely cheap and tailored to delicate stomachs, as well as having the usual restaurant grub for carers and family members. Your cabin is so cheap (or preferably free, but I wont get my hopes up to much on that one) so you can afford to take advantage of the various relaxing activities available (massages, yoga and things like that). Maybe you are overwhelmed with all that is going on in your life, chemo, onco visits, paying bills, looking after all the day to day goings on that don't go away just because you are ill. You just want a couple of nights away from it all, by yourself or with your loved ones, to recharge and get some much needed rest and relaxation. Finances are stretched to the limit so there is no chance of a holiday. Off you go to Pabs Place for walks through the beautiful bushland, or a massage and spa, or just a quiet time out on the verandah, with a plate of fruit for the possums and a good book! You just get the news you have been waiting for. REMISSION! Chemo is finished, scans are over for three months and you just want to get away and get your head around this new life post cancer. As before finances are tight due to all your energy going in to fighting this disease and not making a dollar. Off you go to Pabs Place, with a bottle of champagne and an appreciation of all that is beautiful. As always cabins are built for either individuals, couples or families, so everyone is catered for. Pool is a fun place to get rid of your slowly returning energy. You lost someone dear to you and are finding it hard to keep going. No one seems to understand what you are going through, and everyone has returned to their 'normal' lives while you are still struggling to put one foot in front of the other. Then you hear Pabs Place offers weekend retreats where you can mix with other singles or families, who are feeling as you are and workshops run by grief and loss councillors, to help give you skills to cope with you new situation. Of course you can take advantage of all the facilities at Pabs Place as well. Your hear the dreaded words 'there is nothing more we can do' and know now you need to decide if you want to spend you last days at home, or whether you will be hospitalised. Nicky's Nest at Pabs Place offers full medical facilities to make you sure you are always comfortable, with accommodation for your family and friends right alongside your rooms. You have the most beautiful view of the valley and are far enough away from the rest of the complex to feel as though this is all for you. That is the idea in my head. I hope not to receive one of those emails saying this is advertising as you cannot advertise something that does not exist. I am not trying to recruuit potential customers. I am aiming for this place to be a not for profit organisation. I feel there is a need for all these things I have outlined and have made the decision to make it happen this year, or at least get the ball rolling. I know I have a lot of work to do, put I am up for the challenge. I am not asking anyone for financial help here or labour or anything like that. I was just hoping for your input as we are the ones who have been through all of these things I have outlined. What am I missing? Who do I approach about it. How do I write it up to present to people? All these things I need to find out. I have approached Cancer Voices and they will help me one way or another, either with lots of advice or even some funding, so there is one step taken in the long journey to get Pabs Place out of my head and into reality. I am also aiming to not be writing I I I all the time and start writing 'We at Pabs Place!' lol I also started a business of my own where I am in the position to donate 10% of my commission into Pabs Place so I need to find out how to register it as a charity. Phew! It looks so daunting when I see it all written up like this, but every time I close my eyes it is there waiting for me, so out of my head it needs to go haha! I am looking forward to hearing what you all think and I am also nervous at the same time. I can approach things with such bull in a china shop speed sometimes, people can get overwhelmed by it all. The response I have had from family and friends has been mixed, though they all think it is a 'nice' idea. Anyways, I have finally put it out thereto be scrutinised. Go for your life, all comments appreciated. Alana

[larn75]

Please excuse my spelling everyone. Got a bit excited hehe. Alana

[Teacher_Mum]

sounds fabulous! I'd be happy to travel interstate for chemo he he! 🙂 Although I couldnt help you on the specifics - sorry but I send you love, light and positive energy for your project - sounds delightful! Teach.xxx

[larn75]

Now Teach that is a future plan lol, to have a Pabs Place in ALL states. But better take it one Pabs Place at a time. Hehe. Can you think of any facilities in needs? Alana

[Versaillon]

Hi Alana I thought this was an awesome idea when you told me the basics before. Half way through treatment/my birthday, Rob and I stayed at a hotel for 2 nights (we won it cheap through a silent auction for a charity we support)and it was EXACTLY what we needed. For Rob, just to rest, sleep, eat, do whatever he wanted without having to worry about appointments, treatment, work, family crap, friends and all the other pressures having cancer presents. For me, as a carer, it gave me some time to not have to worry about work, finances, the state of the house, pets, friends, family, treatment, the fact that the love of my life has cancer, all of that disappeared for two days. It was nice to forget, even if for only two days. So if a hotel could do that for us, I can just imagine what Pabs Place would do for other patients, carers and families!! And of course, if it's relatively inexpensive, all the better as we all know how draining fighting cancer can be, not just emotionally and physically but financially too. You definitely need to write up a business plan and calculate how much funding something like this is going to need just to build and get up and running, then calculate how much would be required per annum to maintain running of the facility. To register for charity status, you need to speak with the ATO and the Office of Fair Trading. I found this info for the QLD government - http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/register-charity.htm - or you can use http://www.philanthropy.org.au/seekfund/charity.html - this might help give you ideas but you'll more than likely need to seek some legal and financial advice. And if you get backing from other cancer related organisations, I'm sure that can only help. Maybe research the Ronald McDonald Houses etc as they are of a similar idea and are rather successful in the way of a charity and helping those with cancer. I think it's a fabulous idea Alana and Í look forward to seeing it come to life! Jo xxx

[joyhoney]

Sounds ideal. I would be dressing up and going in to see the powers that be, your local polititian. Get them behind you. Get your idea out by calling the radio station, telling them you have this proposal - as that's all it is at the minute - and get them to interview you. Once your idea is out in the open, you'll be surprised who come to the party. You might not end up with Pabs Place exactly where you want it, but who knows, there are generous people around, and once they hear your idea, they might donate land, supplies, etc. Promotion, promotion. Be pushy but polite. If this means something to you, follow it through. Good luck. Joyhoney

[Jules2]

Hey Alana ... just skimmed through your post and am tired tonight soo will re read it again soon. It sounds fantastic and goodonyou!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can give you some info on what its like for a country patient if you like. I had to be away from home for two months and prior to that lots of travelling. Good luck with everything and i am confident you will do well. :) Julie xo

[larn75]

Thanks everyone I wrote to the local radio station today and will do the same tomorrow to the newspaper. I have a tiler who said he will fly up from SA and tile for nothing which is fantastic. Will of course need the land and buildings first but nice to know we shall have tiled bathrooms when it finally happens haha. I am also writing to gaia retreat (Olivia Newton Johns retreat at Byron) to ask them for some advice as well as following up Jo's links. How exciting. I am making little steps already. Thanks again, you guys, it is really important to me to get this thing off the ground. I am aware it will be a slog but hey, we are all used to the rollercoaster called cancer so that more than qualifies me for this job right. Alana xxx

[CATS]

Oh wow wow wow. After reading all about Pabs Place I felt like a little kid in a lolly shop. Your idea is absolutely fantastic. I cannot offer any advice as I do not have a business brain or anything close to it! All I can do is wish you all the best for your wonderful innovative project. I agree with Joyhoney - get the pollies on board - promote promote. There has got to be someone out there who is just waiting for a venture such as this to come along so they can do something worthwhile with their millions - wish it was me - most unlikely. As Joyhoney said- keep promoting yourself and your dream. GOOD LUCK and Tulip (my darling 'sensitive'cat sends her best too).

[larn75]

Thanks Cats and Tulip, I will keep pounding the pavement, keyboard and phone until SOMETHING happens 🙂 I am so glad you like the idea. It will not stop popping in to my head everytime I close my eyes so it seems to have a life of its own and is demanding to be brought to everyones attention. haha. It is persistent! But so am I so I will persevere Take care. Alana

[larn75]

Thanks everyone. Julie I hope you are rested today. Take it easy and look after yourself. Alana

[Mrs_Elton]

Hi Alana, Good for you, sounds truly wonderful. When you said you had a new project I thought you were meaning something like clean out the pantry/take up scrapbooking .......!! Wow, you are blowing me away with your vision. Good luck! Jill xx

[larn75]

Pabs is now on twitter thanks to my teenage daughter. Another new thing for me to master but according to her it is a must if I want to get Pabs Place out there!! Feel free to look it up and bear with me will I fumble my way through it :-) Jill, it is leading me along not the other way around! haha! I am along for the ride. Hope you are well Alana xxx

[samex]

Been super busy and only just caught up on this. I am in awe!! The vision and energy that you are exhibiting, Alana, is amazing. What about contacting Quest for Life (Petrea King )as well as Olivea Newton John's place? They may have some idea as to how and where to start. I'm no good on something like this except to add moral support. SAmex

[Jules2]

Hey Alana ... You might consider facebook for Pabs Place also. You could just copy n paste info from twitter to there. 🙂 Not much extra work and yet a big chance to get it out there. Julie xo ps ... energy starting to return ...ty 🙂

[Jules2]

Hey Alana Your idea is fantastic and i really wish you all the best in getting it up and going. I am sure you are going to succeed. 🙂 It just amazes me at times how willing people are to help out cancer patients. I am growing plants to raise some money for the cc and also going to try and sell "moo doo t" and i have people offering to donate potting mix, pots, cuttings and even growing some themselves. All of this was just done or offered with no prompting from me. I am sure you will find the same as you go along. Well done larn!! Julie xo

[larn75]

Thank you Julie and Samex xx Have a running status commentary on fb for Pabs Place and my daughter is now making a bigpond blog (OMG I will have a brain melt), but I should just copy and paste and make it easier. Been on phone/computer to ato today to register Pabs as a charity, will take 28 days but am making little baby steps everyday. Good for me to not take everything in leaps and bounds for a change haha. i have wwritten to gaia for some advice. Just waiting for on a reply, McGrath Foundation said try googling and wished me luck. I got a sponsorship that incorporates my business promoting Pabs as that was how they could do it so everyone benefitted. I will definately write to Quest for life as well Phew!! Dad always says I have A.D.D. Good thing coz I am going to need it. Samex, moral support is always welcome, thank you so much. This site is my motivation. Whenever I feel like slacking off, I log in and read some posts and think, wow they could really use Pabs Place and off i go again. Alana 🙂

[larn75]

Although I would not wish cancer on anyone, I have to say I have come across some fantastic people along this journey. And to think I mught have missed them if we were not forced down the cancer road. Thankyou Jo and Rob for your wonderful generosity of spirit. I am for once lost for words and I am sure my husband would thank you if he could :-) xxxxx

[Versaillon]

Fate has a wonderful way of bringing good people together I think! Nothing ever happens by chance - it happens as it was meant to. Definitely agree with you though - cancer is a crock of shit but it has brought some wonderful people into our lives and given me hope when I felt there was none. We just want to give back to those who have helped us and who have been in the same boat we have!

[larn75]

pabs has its own page on facebook. feel free to have a look 🙂 hoe everyone is well today. exhausted today. i have lobbied, rallied, emailed, called, and visited many places and time to close my poor burning eyes. Take care Alana xxxx

[WishingStar]

Hi Alana - WOW!!! I have been off the site for a while as I have been having tests etc (Qld country patient) and then had a laptop meltdown! I will go right now and look it up on fb! I also feel like a kid in a lolly shop. Feeling really low lately - if only such a plce already existed!!!! Would love to help with fundraising etc.....Let me know if there is anything I could do!! Nicole

[larn75]

gotta form a committee to register pabs as a charity. mission for this week....recruitment!! Lol. Thanks Nicole, I feel really strongly that it would be a real moral boost if nothing else to have this place available to people with any serious or terminal illness. There is a little boy with muscular dystrophy who is in hospital and has been for a couple of months supposedly living out his last days and his Mum wants to give me a hand. She dreams about somewhere like Pabs to be at the moment. Next hurdle, registering as a charity!!!! One baby step at a time :-)

[Nikki_YAC]

Alana, your amazing! when you told me you had a new project.... i did not think you were going to tackle this! after reading your comments to this blog post i can see that you are just the right person to fuel the fire to get this going. it takes a certain person to stand up and go for the BIG stuff! I suggest you get in contact with Sam the director of the Warwick Foundation. she could give you some advice i am sure 🙂 She landed a great accommodation sponsorship for young adults with cancer down in Victoria. you will find her contact details on the site... http://www.thewarwickfoundation.org.au/ Hope this helps a little. i look forward to following your progress. Best wishes, Nikki

[larn75]

Thank you Nikki Every lil bit helps. Talking to ppl in the know is essential! It is all new to me lol! Off to SA today to recruit some committee members to get Pabs registered as a charitable organisation. Received the abn the other day so we are making lil baby steps all the time :-) Take care Alana

[larn75]

HI everyone, Today would have been the real Pabs birthday. 😞 Miss him everyday. Also one year since T's diagnosis. On the up side Max gives the BEST cuddles ever 🙂

[Jules2]

Hey Alana its great that you are getting the best cuddles on such a yucko day for you. Julie xo

[bleh]

This is an absolutely awesome idea! My partner and I stayed at a place at Mt Tamborine near the gold coast, a place called Lisson Grove. They had about 8 little cottages, all self contained, and brought breakfast every morning, and arranged anything you needed to do like shopping, dinner reservations, travel etc. Obviously this place wasn't a cancer retreat or anything, but after spending 2 nights and 3 days there, I said to the owners that it should be mandatory for anyone going through Chemo and Radium to be able to do it in such a place like this! It was so peaceful, and quiet, yet they also had plenty of activities if you felt like it. I've looked into a few cancer/wellbeing retreats, and they all seem so intense and full on. To have a place to stay at which was peaceful, helpful, and left you to your own devices, but was there when you needed them would be wonderful. I certainly found that my chemo symptoms weren't as bad while we were staying at Lisson Grove!

[larn75]

Little Miss I stayed at o'reillys at lamington and it was what gave me the idea in the first place!!

[larn75]

Pabs Place can now be googled! website is under construction but it is available to view the work so far. Thanks Jo and Rob xxx

[WishingStar]

Fantastic about the website and the googling!!! You amaze me Alana! Great work Rob and Jo!!!!