When she got the green light after her own battle with breast cancer, a Williams Lake area woman decided to start a cancer support group.
A counsellor by trade with her own practice since February 2022, Harriet Hird said she found a lump and went for her first mammogram in March 2023.
"They told me I had breast cancer and needed six rounds of chemotherapy. I completed the six months of chemo and so far so good," she said, noting the lump was removed in September 2023 and she had a full hysterectomy as well.
In March 2024, she began hosting the free support group every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at her office, located in room 207, 369 Oliver Street.
"We discuss coping mechanisms for the stress that anyone who has been through cancer goes through," she said.
So far she has two women attending - one from Quesnel and one from Williams Lake.
Each week they pick a subject to discuss and share a light snack. Both survivors and caregivers are welcome.
"People can come and share their stories."
Since going through cancer, she has noticed some changes within herself.
She is definitely more tired and cannot be directly in the sun for a long period of time.
"I have aching bones from the hormone therapy," she explained, adding she does not know how long she will do the hormone therapy into the future. "Originally it was supposed to be 12 months from when I was finished chemo, but I am not sure if they will stop it then."
Born and raised in Williams Lake, Hird has been with her husband Steve Roi for 31 years. Their daughter is 24-years-old and son is 21-years-old.
Her mom, Minnie Hird, just turned 84 and lives with her other daughter, Alice Hird.
A member of Ulkatcho First Nation, having family nearby has kept her in Williams Lake, Hird said.
Throughout her adult life, she has had varying careers, including being a social worker.
She worked for RCMP Victim Services and as the aboriginal patient navigator at Cariboo Memorial Hospital.
Over the years she has pursued post-secondary education and in August 2021 completed a master's degree in counselling and psychology from Yorkville University in Fredericton, N.B.
"I did it all online," she said.
Volunteering has also been a big part of her life, with her efforts in the past going toward such programs as restorative justice, community policing and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Aside from her own practice in Williams Lake she has a one-day-a week contract with Esk'etemc (Alkali Lake) and once a month with Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation (Canim Lake).
Hird said she understands some people are not ready to talk about cancer and she can appreciate that.
"My door is always open. As a survivor I've gone through it, but all cancer is different and nobody's is the same. It can feel good to talk to people who have similarities. We can find comfort in that and move forward."
For her own well-being spending time in the forest and near water is healing.
"As a counsellor it is important to balance time. Relaxation time is essential."
