Rainbow Valley is an idea inspired by the vision of Johanna MacVicar, a young woman who, in 1994, aged 16 years, was diagnosed with leukaemia. Like most people when first diagnosed, Johanna felt very out of control of her life, and the difference Rainbow Valley would have made to her, her family and friends would have been immense. She knew she had choices but gathering research, identifying options and seeking out the genuine people, therapies and support is a daunting task when you are so ill and desperate.
In 2005, Johanna sadly lost her fight against the illness. Johanna’s love of Rainbows has inspired those who loved her to bring together Rainbow Valley.
Johanna’s mother, Angela, sister-in-law Shonagh MacVicar and long term family friend, Lindsay MacCallum, joined forces to launch Rainbow Valley in July 2012. Through their focus and determination they have tirelessly raised awareness and built wide public support to bring together a determined and committed Board of Trustees, professionals, and supporters to deliver Johanna’s vision.
Rainbow Valley belongs to everyone affected by cancer. Once you have attended one of our courses or events, you will feel like part of the rainbow Valley family.
We provide the practical tools necessary to take a holistic approach to living with and overcoming cancer, addressing the psychological, emotional and physical needs of each individual and their support network. Using innovative and established therapies incorporating nutrition, exercise and relaxation, we devise and deliver courses in a tranquil setting away from the hospital environment.
Purpose
Educating people to take control of their cancer diagnosis by accessing new ways to thrive and survive. Ensuring everyone affected by cancer can access information on how to nurture themselves by embracing a holistic approach to their health.
Mission
To empower people affected by cancer to nourish their mind body & soul and take responsibility for their health.
Vision
That every person affected by cancer is given the tools for integrated physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Values
These serve as guidelines for our conduct and behaviour as we work towards our vision.
Excellence
We are committed to excellence in everything we do; we are continually focussed on improvement, innovation and education and strive to exceed the expectations of patients, donors, volunteers and staff.
Integrity
Integrity is at the heart of all that we do. We are honest and ethical in all that we do, and engage in responsible decision-making that reflects the highest standards of conduct. This ensures that our credibility, leadership and use of funding is never in question.
Respect
We respect individuality and belief systems, the right to uphold the philosophy and personal choices of the cancer patient as a whole person, and to support these people, their family and friends through their cancer journey.
Ambition
We strive to be recognized globally.
Empowerment
It is our goal to empower patients physically and emotionally and to guide them towards a more seamless integrated and energising patient experience which encompasses orthodox treatment and complementary therapies. We recognize the need to empower our patients, their families, our communities and ourselves with knowledge.
Compassion
We are compassionate and caring toward people at all stages of cancer, their families, our peers, our communities and ourselves.
Accessible
We strive to create a place where anyone affected by cancer may enhance their quality of life through programs which complement hospital care and focus on the mind body and spirit.
Our Beliefs
We believe that learning from the experiences of others helps people live
Sharing time and being with other people is a human instinct. When we need advice, we ask someone with experience. Our courses and information we provide is experience and evidence based.
We believe that awareness of a full spectrum of approaches to confronting cancer will help people live longer, better lives
We welcome open discussion about any cancer fighting strategy because we believe everyone has a right to make their own decisions about their health.
We believe that individuals who take some responsibility for their health live longer, better lives
A cancer diagnosis is frightening, depressing and often overwhelming. There are medical terms we don’t understand and treatments we have never heard of. While conventional oncology is important, both traditional and non-traditional therapies can be considered and the many possible decisions surrounding a diagnosis ultimately rest with the individual.
