Meredith Brien comes into your life when you need her the most.
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The Shoalhaven resident of 14 years has been the region's McGrath Breast Care Nurse since 2009.
There's 135 McGrath Breast Cancer Nurses across Australia, but more than 120 are still needed to be able to reach every family experiencing breast cancer.
Australia's Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off from October 1 and the McGrath Foundation's Pink Up Your Town initiative, which Berry will be involved in for the first time, aims to raise funds to place breast cancer nurses where they're most needed.
Ms Brien said the care she's provided for people has changed over the years.
"Breast cancer care comes in so many forms. It's important that support is provided not just for the person who has received the diagnosis but also their wider family," she said.
"There is also increased awareness about mental health and the emotional challenges for patients and their loved ones."
While she's a highly qualified nurse, Ms Brien said being able to help her patients navigate the medical world and its terminology is also invaluable.
"McGrath Breast Care Nurses can attend appointments and decode medical jargon to ensure patients are empowered to make critical decisions about their treatment," she said.
"We can also put people in touch with other relevant local services to ensure people have access to the support services they need."
Ms Brien said people are often shocked to discover the services of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse are available entirely for free and without a referral.
If you, or a family or friend is in need, head to the McGrath Foundation website.
