By Nicole Harrison, Midland-Kalamunda Reporter
A MIDDLE Swan woman who has survived cancer wants to start a music therapy group to help others living with chronic illness.
Serina Dosen (37) underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2002.
She has since suffered from Graft Versus Host Disease, meaning many trips to hospital.
“In this sort of situation, you can become very isolated,” she said.
“The illness interferes with life. I try to go to university but can’t attend all the time.”
Ms Dosen said some people lacked the support network they needed while undergoing treatment, which made life difficult.
“My family is not in Perth. I only have a brother here, and I have friends but they all have their own lives too,” she said.
Ms Dosen said music had been important to her since the early stages of her treatment for leukemia.
“When I was in Royal Perth Hospital, I would put music on to meditate and relax to and I found it beneficial.
“I have had my ups and downs and that is what gave me this idea, as I love music and feel like when I am down it is something simple like a song that can make me feel better.”
Ms Dosen said she needed people to help her get the group started, including others who could play musical instruments.
People who are interested in starting the group can call her on 0413 731 472.