The Gawler Foundation was established in 1983 as a non-profit, non-denominational organisation to provide innovative and integrated support and lifestyle programs for people affected by cancer and other illnesses. The Foundation's underlying philosophy is that regaining balance in one's life leads to healing. Consistent with the principles of integrated medicine, Gawler Foundation programs apply a self-help approach designed to improve both quantity and quality of life. This enables participants to make informed, effective choices and better manage their own healing journeys. Today's Gawler Foundation employs around 50 full and part-time staff and offers a range of residential and non-residential programs for people dealing with cancer and multiple sclerosis. The Foundation remains responsive to new research, experience and changing needs of the people who access our programs and has helped thousands of people affected by cancer, including their families, carers and friends. In addition to healing programs, the Foundation offers a range of wellbeing programs to help people learn to meditate, eat well and find balance in their life. In 2002 the Gawler Foundation introduced a program for people living with Multiple Sclerosis lead by Prof George Jelinek, author of Taking Control of Multiple Sclerosis.