The Cancer Assistance Network Southern Highlands branch has received funding from greenslips.com.au to help pay for cancer patients' green slip insurance.
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As COVID-19 creates extra risks and limitations, more cancer patients have to use their own vehicle for transport to treatment.
Cancer patients in need, and who rely on their car to get to treatment, are encouraged to ask for financial assistance from Can Assist Southern Highlands.
A cancer diagnosis can bring the additional burden of travelling long distances to treatment.
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Through a partnership with www.greenslips.com.au, Can Assist Southern Highlands has received a funding injection to help ease that burden.
The comparative CTP insurance site knows the cost of green slip insurance and recognises the benefits of keeping local cancer patients' cars on the road when they need them most.
"This contribution from www.greenslips.com.au has come at a critical time," Can Assist Southern Highlands president Jenny Harper said.
"We provide $100,000 worth of assistance to local cancer patients each year, however our traditional community fundraising has stopped due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"With 345 clients on our books and 177 currently receiving treatment, we need $7000-$9500 per month to support our local cancer patients.
"Year-to-date we have funded 756 episodes of assistance for patients."
Ms Harper said that due to COVID-19, requests for assistance were increasing.
"We have seen a 33 per cent increase in new referrals," she said.
"More and more people who previously had not sought assistance, are now seeking our help.
"In March alone we assisted 98 patients."
Can Assist provides practical and financial support to cancer patients through travel, food and fuel vouchers, and payments towards out-of-pocket costs for cancer related medications.
The branch is keen to help more patients in need, especially with payment from www.greenslips.com.au for their CTP green slip insurance.
Can Assist Southern Highlands patient liaison officer Aurelia Grigore-Reid said patient access to a car was vital to ensure their mobility to treatment.
"We have two families who need help immediately," she said.
"A single mum who must travel to Sydney three days a week for her daughter's leukemia treatment.
"And a husband driving his wife daily to radiation in Campbelltown.
"Her treatment is for three weeks so the husband cannot work.
"It is a big toll on the entire family, financially, physically and emotionally.
"Cancer patients receiving treatment have more out-of-pocket costs due to COVID-19.
"With compromised immunity during treatment and strict isolation during COVID-19, patients must rely on family or someone they live with to drive them to treatment.
"Feeling debilitated and frail from treatment, the sanctuary of your own car is deeply helpful."
Can Assist Southern Highlands is funded entirely by local donations and corporate sponsorship, with all money raised locally staying local.
While you won't currently see the volunteers at their regular fundraising events, Can Assist is still accepting donations and supporting the community.
During COVID-19, patient needs are even more acute and Can Assist remains committed to assisting all local cancer patients.
Can Assist Southern Highlands invites all cancer patients to come forward and seek their support, either personally or referred by a health professional.
It is as simple as calling 0474 647 506.
All enquiries and ongoing support are strictly confidential and without discrimination.
For more information on how to support Can Assist, visit www.canassist.org.au.
Can Assist aims to ensure 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.
Can Assist provides practical and financial support to people affected by cancer and living in country NSW.
In 2019, it responded to over 7700 requests for assistance from rural and regional cancer patients through 55 branches across NSW.
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.
