“We know the small comforts can make an enormous difference.”
That’s the heartfelt sentiment of Peter Sleap following his foundation’s official launch of its new Head and Neck Cancer Care Bags, in partnership with the Calvary Mater Newcastle, this week.
Each contains essential items to not only reduce financial pressure but also improve day-to-day wellbeing.
The initiative, designed in collaboration with frontline healthcare workers and patients, provides practical emotional support to people undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers, too.
“These care bags are born from lived experience and a simple idea,” the man known as Sleapy said.
“When someone walks through the hospital doors, they shouldn’t have to carry worry on top of their treatment.
“These packs are our way of stepping in with practical help and emotional assistance when it matters most.”
The care bags have been curated in consultation with clinicians to manage common treatment side effects such as sore and dry mouth, swallowing difficulties, nausea, fatigue and skin reactions.
They include:
- MooGoo Cream
- MooGoo Cleanser
- MooGoo Lip Balm
- Biotène mouthwash
- Thermometer
- Bicarb soda
- Toiletry bag
- Pen and notepad
- Find-a-word puzzle book
- Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle magazine
- $50 Coles voucher
- Water bottle
“None of this would be possible without a generous $10,000 grant from the Lyone Foundation,” Sleapy said.
“It’s enabled us to assemble and distribute tailored packages that directly address the day-to-day challenges patients face during treatment.
“They remove barriers to accessing essential items, provide comfort during a difficult time and reinforce the foundation’s message: there to care.”
Ironically, Sleapy’s Foundation was established following Mr Sleap’s own throat cancer battle at the Calvary Mater.
The Newcastle-based charity now “pays it forward” in gratitude for the kindness shown during his treatment and recovery.
As well, the organisation provides immediate, personalised support to people facing illness, crisis or serious hardship.
“We step in with practical help, emotional care and community connection, especially when other services can’t,” he explained.
“There’s no other charity like us.”
For more information, visit https://www.sleapysfoundation.com.au/
- The Newcastle Weekly is the media partner of Sleapy’s Foundation
For more community stories:
- Hunter-based pilot program to support women leaving prison
- Adam and Belinda MacDougall: Paying it forward
- Much-loved Newcastle charities given ‘world-famous’ support
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