Mum’s The Word 0
In speaking with mothers who are on the breast cancer journey, what stands out more than anything else is the importance of the love and support of family, friends and community along the way.
Writer: Mary Pomfret – Photographs: David Field
Amanda Lonergan
Finding the OTIS properties on Tannery Lane is surprisingly easy. Amanda Lonergan greets me with a smile.
Before we go inside Bramare (an Italian word meaning to yearn for) one of the amazing OTIS properties at the foot of One Tree National Park, Amanda suggests we go for a walk to the creek with her children to check out the tadpoles.
We leave them under a gum tree to enjoy their hot chips.
On the way back through the paddocks, where Amanda says you often see kangaroos, she explains that the OTIS mission is to provide sanctuaries to nurture those facing the challenges of living with breast cancer.
Amanda is the Communications and Events Coordinator for the OTIS Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation providing retreats at no accommodation cost for those living with breast cancer. Amanda is also a mother of five. She reflects that her role as mother has been greatly supported in the OTIS workplace.
“I think being a mum requires compassion, understanding, organisation, a sense of humour, a big heart, lots of laughter and a few tears,” she says.
“This is a great fit for working at OTIS.”
Once inside Bramare you can’t help but be amazed by the floor-to-ceiling views, the beautiful kitchen and the pantry which is the size of the average kitchen and not to mention the organic kitchen garden.
A baby bat on the window reminds you that you are in the country.
You don’t have to be at the property too long before a sense of peace seems to settle on you…