Kids with Cancer Foundation have been providing financial assistance directly to families who have been affected by childhood cancer since we became a Public Benevolent Institution.  As the name implies we are only able to assist the youngest of sufferers of childhood cancer.  These are the children who would normally be admitted to the children's (paediatric) ward, usually children under the age of 16.

Our funds are accessed via a request from the social workers who have direct contact with the family concerned.  We have granted requests for such things as:

• Funeral expenses.

• Motor vehicle expenses, repairs, tyres, registration and insurances.

• Accommodation and mortgage payments.

• We have purchased six motor vehicles for families living in remote areas.

• Flights for family members to be at a child's side.

• Refrigerators, Washing Machines, TV's, Air Conditioners.

• Rates, phone bills and electricity bills.

• Child care fees.

Letter of thanks from the parents of a young boy:

To everyone at the Kids with Cancer Foundation,

Thank you for your support during this difficult time.  Thank you for the generous donation that paid for ........ funeral.  It was a great help and made life just that little bit easier.

We are hoping one day we can repay the favour. (Name withheld)

For most of their treatment, children all over Australia, suffering with childhood cancer, need to travel, and stay in the major city hospitals.  The treatment they receive can mean a stay of many months away from home.  Family members need to be with them throughout their treatment, this  can be a drain on finances.  Sometimes one parent or both will give up their employment to spend time at their child’s bedside.  Through the social workers in the hospitals we have paid for everything, from, a siblings cricket registration fees, to the purchase of  four motor vehicles, enabling families to travel in comfort and safety, between their rural home and the city hospital.

A recent letter of thanks, from Mackay in Queensland:

“ I am writing to thank you and your organisation so much for the enormous financial support you provided during our sons battle with cancer.  He is now recovering well and we will always remember with deep gratitude the huge relief your funding provided, emotionally as well as financial.

Thank you again.” (Name withheld)

The Kids with Cancer Foundation has to date,  donated motor vehicles to six families. Most of these families live outside the major cities and need safe, reliable transport to attend the children’s hospitals in those cities.  If mum and dad both need to be with their child usually the rest of the family go along as well. Families with older vehicles are stranded in rural areas when their cars break down.  Even families in the ACT have a four hour drive to attend either Westmead or Randwick with a sick child on board and usually the rest of the young family, come as well.   

Each child/family, being treated in one of Australia's children's hospitals, is allocated a social worker.  The social workers know of the assistance we, and other children's charities can provide.  Speak with your social worker and discuss your problems.  If you have a genuine need, ask them if they have made a request to, Kids with Cancer Foundation on your behalf.

After donating $1.157m to construct and fit-out the Children's Cancer Centre at Monash Hospital we feel  Victorian families of kids with cancer are not made aware of the family assistance that we also provide.  We are here to help wherever we can. email support@kidswithcancer.org.au