Kids with Cancer Foundation has shown continuous support of John Hunter Children’s Hospital for over 27 years contributing over $2 million.
For rural Australian families coming face to face with the unbearable battle that is childhood cancer, can also mean serious financial hardship.
With one or more parents having to pack up and leave home for weeks, months or more at a time, with no notice and no way to plan ahead.
Todd Prees, CEO of national charity Kids with Cancer Foundation, said the practical and financial pressures have a huge impact on families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis.
“When a child has cancer, oncology treatment is only one part of what a family has to navigate,” he said.
“Parents are often forced to reduce or stop work altogether, while many families face the added burden of travelling long distances or temporarily relocating for treatment.
Everyday expenses such as groceries, rent, and household bills continue, however they’re now accompanied by significant travel, accommodation and medical costs.
We want to ease some of that financial pressure so families can focus on what matters most, their child’s treatment and wellbeing.”
This is where the unrelenting work of the Kids with Cancer Foundation comes into play providing hospitals as well as families with Oncology Fellows, weekly care packages and much needed financial support.
Kids with Cancer Foundation is encouraging Australians to Go Gold this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, sharing childhood cancer stories, wearing or displaying gold, fundraising or donating to support kids and families affected by cancer.
“Childhood Cancer Awareness Month gives us an important opportunity to make sure people understand what families are really going through.
Just $20 funds a Care Pack that goes directly into the hands of a child undergoing cancer treatment.
So, this September, we’re encouraging everyone to donate and help us reach more families who need it,” Mr Prees said.
For families facing childhood cancer, that support can make an unimaginable situation a little easier to navigate.
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