Media release, 26 July 2019: Can Assist Dubbo has received funding from greenslips.com.au to help pay for cancer patients green slip insurance. Together they’re encouraging cancer patients in need, and who rely on their car to get to treatment, to reach out for help.
A cancer diagnosis in rural or remote NSW can bring the additional burden of travelling long distances to treatment. Through a new partnership with greenslips.com.au, Can Assist Dubbo has received a funding injection to help ease that burden, and help local cancer patients to keep their car on the road when they need it most.
Can Assist provides practical and financial support in the form of accommodation, travel, fuel vouchers and utilities payments, to name a few. Patients of all ages have sought support from Can Assist Dubbo and they want to help more patients in need, especially with the payment of their compulsory CTP green slip insurance.
“Support such as this from greenslips.com.au is vital. Cancer patients are already worried about their health, then they worry about their financial situation. Patients are referred to Can Assist so we can provide support with the various challenges they face,” said Can Assist Dubbo President Prue Thompson.
“Annually we’re supporting approximately 50 patients, but we want to help more. We know there are people needing support but they are often shy in seeking help. Access to treatment is one of the challenges. Getting to Dubbo is the first step, however 90% of patients will have to travel beyond Dubbo, either two hours to Orange or five hours to Sydney,” said Thompson.
Can Assist Dubbo support a big and broad community, west of Cobar and Bourke, north of Walgett and Lightening Ridge, all the way to the Queensland border. Patients travel long distances to Dubbo for chemotherapy, but have to travel further afield to Orange for radiation therapy and Sydney for PET scans.
Kim Turley, Rural Cancer Care Coordinator, Dubbo Base Hospital has been working with Can Assist and helping patients get to treatment for over 14 years. “We get a lot of requests for help with mobility. We need our cancer patients keeping their own car because public transport is limited. Mobility and access to care is really important in the staging of the disease. If they can’t get there, they don’t get their treatment,” said Turley.
“The distances travelled to specialist care are mind boggling. One patient living between Cobar and Bourke travels four hours to Dubbo, and four hours back, every fortnight for treatment.
“If we can keep people in their cars, they’ll have their rightful treatment. We know the further you are from treatment, the worse your outcome can be. People don’t want to be dependent, and keeping their car on the road ensures their independence and dignity. They need their wheels under them, and Can Assist is helping to keep their wheels moving,” said Turley.
Can Assist is a community-based volunteer network, funded entirely by local donations and corporate sponsorship, with all money raised locally staying local.
Can Assist Dubbo invites cancer patients to come forward and seek their support. It is as simple as calling 0473 057 910. All enquiries and ongoing support are strictly confidential.
For more information on how to support Can Assist visit canassist.org.au.
Media contacts
Sophie Bartho, sophie@brandswell.com Mobile 0411 191 141
Mary Cassidy, mary@mchconsulting.com.au Mobile 0414 652 442
Interviews and photo opportunities are available with Can Assist Dubbo.
About Can Assist
Can Assist is committed to ensuring that all people, regardless of where they live in NSW, have access to cancer treatment and care. By providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural and regional areas, it ensures country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres.
canasssist.org.au
Can Assist Facts
- Established in 1955, Can Assist is funded entirely by local donations and corporate sponsorships. In 2018 it assisted 7,300 rural and regional cancer patients through 55 branches across NSW.
- Cancer is expensive, and people in rural and remote communities can suffer reduced income and increased expenses as a result of a cancer diagnosis. Their position is often exacerbated because treatment may require relocation from home and family support.
- Can Assist is a grass roots, community-based volunteer network. It is local volunteers supporting local families affected by cancer.
- All the money raised locally stays local.
- greenslips.com.au is a new partner of Can Assist. Greenslips.com.au is a price comparison and information service for CTP green slip insurance. It does not sell CTP green slip insurance.
- greenslip.com.au has supported Can Assist branches in Orange and Finley, with commitments to give further support across NSW.
Can Assist Dubbo Golf Day, Fundraiser
Friday 2nd August 2019, Dubbo Golf Club. Tickets available from the Pro Shop on 6882 2201.
Raffle for flights for two to Melbourne or Brisbane, courtesy Fly Corporate and signed Wallabies jumper to be auctioned.
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