CHILDHOOD CANCER SUPPORT for those living in australia
BRAIN CHILD
Brain Child is a national not-for-profit organisation that supports children who have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumour, and their families.
Upon diagnosis, Brain Child support parents financially with the provision of vouchers to assist with living expenses while their child undergoes treatment (arranged through the hospital’s social worker) and for those completing their treatment, they can access a tutoring scholarship through the Better Tomorrow’s program, which funds approximately 40 hours of tutoring to help young learners bridge any gaps created by missed schooling.
For families based in Queensland, Brain Child also run an annual family camp, where families can connect and make happy memories!
CAMP QUALITY
Camp Quality is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to giving kids facing cancer, the opportunity to be kids again.
They support children with cancer and their families, through the provision of respite services such as family retreats (available in NSW, VIC and SA); and a range of camps tailored to children ranging from 4 – 12 years old which run in all states.
Children who are isolated can schedule an Online Puppet Playdate and access the Happiness Hub through a personal device.
CANCER COUNCIL
Cancer Council is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting people of all ages who have been diagnosed with cancer.
They can connect you with professionals who are able to assist with legal issues, financial planning, small business accounting and workplace matters through their Pro Bono Program, provided free of charge for those who meet the means test.
Please refer to your specific state for information on other practical supports as services vary.
CANTEEN
Canteen is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides free and tailored support to young people aged 12-25 who are impacted by cancer.
They offer a vast range of practical supports aimed at enriching the lives of those affected, which include: online and phone counselling, individual support plans, robots to help patients remain connected to their peers and education, skill based workshops such as cooking and self care, retreats and programs such as art therapy, and free access to gigs, festivals and other experiences through their Side of Stage program.
They also run a peer support platform, CanteenConnect tailored for both parents and young people.
CHILDREN’S CANCER FOUNDATION
Children’s Cancer Foundation is a national organisation who recognise the profound emotional impact a cancer diagnosis has on a family.
While their main focus is research and hospital resources, the Children's Cancer Foundation also provides financial support for professional counselling services both in person and over the phone for families dealing with a childhood cancer diagnosis. Counselling is available to children both on and off treatment for up to 5 years and their parents and siblings.
HEARTFELT
Heartfelt is a volunteer organisation of professional photographers dedicated to giving the gift of photographic memories to families who have experienced stillbirth or have a child up to the age of 16 with serious or life-threatening illness. This service can be requested directly through the state’s representative and all photographers are dedicated to delivering this service with the utmost compassion and care.
They also offer a photo retouching services for bereaved parents who have taken their own photos in hospital and can arrange professional scanning of physical photos at Prolab locations in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
THE KEUNE FOUNDATION
The Keune Foundation is a national organisation dedicated to easing the emotional and financial stress that often comes with a child’s cancer diagnosis. They provide financial support that is not means tested and can be spent as determined by the family. This support can be accessed by submitting the application form along with supporting documents.
Kids Cancer Research Trust
Kids Cancer Research Trust (KCRT) is a not-for-profit trust, dedicating to improving the lives of families facing a child’s cancer diagnosis through a number of initiatives.
KCRT has a number of residences located in close proximity to treating hospitals that are suitable for the whole family to stay while a child undergoes oncology treatment. Residences are located in QLD, ACT, SA, NSW and VIC.
Families who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of their child’s diagnosis can also apply to KCRT for financial assistance towards expenses such as travel and accommodation expenses, and medical bills.
KIDS HELPLINE
Kids Helpline provides free and confidential telephone, email and web counselling services for young people ages 5 to 25 and their parents. They are available 24/7 and also provide a range of online resources tailored to each unique stage of development.
Kids with Cancer Foundation Australia
Kids with Cancer Foundation is a national organisation who are committed to supporting families with children aged 0 – 12 years old who have been diagnosed with cancer.
For families who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of their child’s cancer diagnosis and have no access to alternate funding, Kids with Cancer Foundation can provide financial assistance, which may be used towards essential living expenses including rent/mortgage payments, bills and groceries.
They will also fund date nights, nights away and fun activities with siblings to provide parents and siblings with respite.
All supports are arranged through the hospital’s social worker.
The Leila Rose Foundation
The Leila Rose Foundation is dedicated to assisting families affected by Rare Childhood Cancer. They offer support and guidance to families when faced with the painful reality that little may be known about the cancer affecting their child. With possibly no known cure available, the foundation assists families to ensure that they have a complete understanding of their child’s cancer, the treatment process and available treatment options so that they feel empowered to make informed choices about their child’s health.
Assistance offered by the Leila Rose Foundation is available to the families of children who are 14 years and under at the age of diagnosis and have a rare cancer (cancer incidence < 5%). It includes financial support to assist families with essential living expenses and some treatment costs; and the assignment of a family support coordinator who can source and connect families with charities that can provide assistance and where necessary, accompany the family to practitioner/specialist meetings, provide advocacy and source alternative medical/allied health support and treatment options.
They also support families with access to Best Doctors Review, which includes a review of all available medical information, by leading medical practitioners around the world; who then present their findings and recommended treatment options.
LIFE’S LITTLE TREASURES FOUNDATION
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation (LLTF) is a national charity dedicated to providing the families of babies who are born prematurely or sick with practical support, information and assistance.
LLTF offers a Family Assistance Program which supports the parents of these little treasures with food and fuel vouchers to ease some of the financial pressure, so that they can focus on bonding and caring for their baby. This support is arranged through the hospital’s social worker.
You’ll also find LLTF providing nutritious food to parents during their stay in Neonatal Intensive Care Units across the country through their NICU Food from the Heart program.
LYMPHOMA AUSTRALIA
Lymphoma Australia is committed to supporting Australian’s of all ages who have been diagnosed with Lymphoma.
They will connect you with specially trained Lymphoma Care Nurses who are able to assist both patients and families navigate the health system and access the most recent information relating to their cancer type.
They also offer education sessions, both online and face to face; and provide online and free hard copies of cancer related resources.
MAKE-A-WISH AUSTRALIA
Make-A-Wish Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing joy and inspiration to young people aged 3 – 18 years old, who are experiencing a life-threatening illness or medical condition, by granting them a wish.
For young children, who are diagnosed under 3, Make-A-Wish can send a wish basket which includes age-appropriate toys and if still medically eligible at 3, they can then apply for their wish.
PARENTING THROUGH CANCER
Parenting Through Cancer is an initiative of Canteen and Camp Quality, that aims to provide emotional support to parents through the provision of free professional telephone counselling and online support, access to online resources and by providing a platform for connection between families who are facing a child’s cancer diagnosis, or their own.
Rare Cancers Australia Ltd
Rare Cancers Australia Ltd (RCA) is a charity whose purpose is to improve the lives and health outcomes of Australians living with rare cancers. A rare cancer has an incident of less than six per 100,000 population.
RCA manages a Patient Treatment Fund which assists Australians who are faced with high-cost treatment options, gain access to the very best medicines available. Funds can be used towards treatment expenses, transport to and from treatment centres, utility and bill payments and to supplement lost income. Means testing and a referral from the treating oncologist is required to access this support.
RCA has also established a knowledge base of resources relating to rare cancers as well as a directory of support services, health professionals and clinical trials.
Redkite
Red Kite is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. They provide a diverse range of practical supports and can assist families in connecting to services they need, troubleshooting problems, as well as advocating on the behalf of parents where necessary.
Upon diagnosis they provide parents with a “Red Bag” full of practical items including toiletries, reusable coffee cups, information packs and more. They also gift an initial package inclusive of $150 worth of food/fuel vouchers to support parents financially while their child undergoes treatment. Those who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of their child’s cancer can apply for additional assistance which may include bill payment or food and fuel vouchers.
Free counselling is available by phone, email, video or in person for those impacted by a child’s diagnosis, in addition to facilitated Connect Groups (peer support programs).
Other supports include their Book Club, Dare to Dream Scholarship, Family Wellbeing Program at Westmead and more!
In the event of bereavement, Redkite can provide financial assistance for funeral expenses, paid directly to the provider as well as additional financial support towards living expenses.
Ronald McDonald HOUSE CHARITIES
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is a national organisation dedicated to keeping families together and supporting seriously ill children.
RMHC provides free family accommodation within close proximity to various hospitals, with priority given to those who are required to travel for treatment (application to state based travel support scheme usually required to access service). They can also help families find some much-needed respite, with family retreats offered in NSW, WA and QLD.
You can access their Family Rooms at various hospitals across ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC and WA for an area to rest, play and refresh during your time in hospital; and to support young learners with getting their education back on track following treatment, they offer the Charlie Bell Scholarship, supporting young people aged 15-20 with a financial grant, and Learning Program which provides approximately 40 hours of tuition from a qualified and registered teacher.
SOCK IT TO SARCOMA!
Sock it to Sarcoma! is a national not-for-profit organisation that strives to improve the quality of life for people living with sarcoma by providing practical support to patients and their families, as well as investing in research and raising community awareness.
Sock it to Sarcoma! facilitate a peer-to-peer mentoring program Australia wide, providing patients, carers, family and friends, with support from people who have experienced similar situations.
STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
The Starlight Children’s Foundation is a national organisation dedicated to brightening the lives of young people under 22 years old, who have a critical, chronic or serious medical condition or disability.
They offer a number of entertainment options and have established Starlight Express Rooms in every children’s hospital across the country, which offer children a medical free zone to play and participate in a range of fun activities, run by Captain Starlight and other volunteers. Starlight TV is available for those isolated or confided to their beds and can be accessed with a personal device.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation also gives children the gift of happiness and memories to treasure forever through their wish granting service.
TLC FOR KIDS
TLC is a national children’s charity dedicated to putting smiles back on the faces of sick children aged 0 - 21 and their families.
Their RAPID TLC Program provides free emotional and practical support to patients and their families within 24 – 48 hours of receiving a request. Families need to be referred by their healthcare provider and common requests include prams, car seats and clothing, payment of outstanding bills and contributions to transport/accommodation costs to help ease the financial burden and dream experiences/weekends away for families to find some respite.
VARIETY THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY
Variety the Children’s Charity is dedicated to supporting children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.
Variety is able to provide financial assistance up to the value of $6000 for the purchase of a wig, for children aged 4-18 years old, who have lost their hair due to cancer or other medical conditions.
They also offer a range of grants for NSW and ACT residents including the Variety Heart Scholarship which financially supports a child who has demonstrated talent in an artistic or sporting context; and the We Move Grant which provides disability equipment that is not easily available through statutory services.
YOU CAN
You Can is an initiative of Sony Foundation Australia; a national organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of young Australians in need.
They have established You Can Centres at treatment centres around the country, to give young people aged 15 - 25 years old, who have been diagnosed with cancer an area to come together for peer support, and to relax and refresh between treatments. Current locations include Sir Charles Gardiner, Perth; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne; Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick; Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane; and coming soon, the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Hospital, Camperdown.
They offer free accommodation for regional youth cancer patients near treatment centres, with cleaning services included. An online referral can be made by a clinician, nurse or social worker; and most apartments allow for the patient to be accompanied by at least one carer.
Sony Foundation Australia also fund fertility preservation services for young people aged 13 - 30 years who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Wait, there’s more!
Check out the charities that support parents and kids who live in your particular state