Cancer patients in the Mid Coast region who are in need and who rely on their car to get treatment, may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay their green slip insurance.
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A cancer diagnosis in rural or remote NSW can bring the additional burden of travelling long distances to treatment.
Through a partnership with www.greenslips.com.au, Can Assist Manning Valley has received funding to help ease that burden. The comparative compulsive third party (CTP) insurance site recognises the benefits of keeping local cancer patients' cars on the road.
"We have such long distances with most cancer patients travelling to Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Sydney," Can Assist Manning Valley president, Janice Latimer said.
"To drive all that way, go through treatment and return home is hard, and people cannot be without their car.
"Can Assist supports the costs of car insurance, rego, tyres and mechanical costs. The support for the CTP green slip insurance is ideal.
"Clients are reassured knowing that they have a road worthy car. The car gives them independence when they need it most.
We have a lot of tears of relief from our clients when they hear we can help them. They are at a point of despair and Can Assist is a ray of sunshine in an often-bleak time
- Can Assist Manning Valley president, Janice Latime
"We have a lot of tears of relief from our clients when they hear we can help them. They are at a point of despair and Can Assist is a ray of sunshine in an often-bleak time," Janice said.
Can Assist provides practical and financial support to cancer patients through travel, food and fuel vouchers, pharmaceuticals and utilities payments across the Mid Coast region, including Gloucester.
The Manning Valley branch supports up to 12 patients a month but expects that number will grow as COVID-19 puts an added burden on local cancer patients.
"The emotional security of your own car, just knowing you can jump in and go helps significantly," Can Assist Manning Valley client liaison officer and founding member, Bonita Lindfield said.
"I have had phone calls with clients panicking because they cannot get to an appointment. A cancer diagnosis in the country becomes very stressful and if you don't have a car it puts an added burden on your cancer journey,"
"The need for support is great. We have had a long drought, then bush fires, then floods and now COVID-19.
"Our area has been struggling, businesses and individuals are struggling. A cancer diagnosis on top of it all means people don't know where to go.
"Can Assist is here to help our local cancer patients through these tough times," Bonita said.
Can Assist Manning Valley is funded entirely by events organised by the volunteers such as high teas, formal balls, raffles, shows and local donations 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 welcomes the corporate sponsorship from greenslips.com.au.
Can Assist Manning Valley invite cancer patients across the region to come forward and seek their support. They are also looking for volunteers in Gloucester and Forster. It is as simple as calling 0428 593 973. All patient enquiries and support are strictly confidential. For more information on how to support Can Assist, visit www.canassist.org.au.
About Can Assist
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 Facts
Can Assist provides practical and financial support to people affected by cancer and living in country NSW.
Established in 1955, Can Assist is funded entirely by local donations and corporate sponsorships.
In 2019, it responded to more than 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.
Cancer is expensive, and people in rural and remote communities can suffer reduced income and increased expenses because of a cancer diagnosis. Their position is often exacerbated because treatment may require relocation from home and family support.
greenslips.com.au is a partner of Can Assist. It is a price comparison and information service for CTP green slip insurance. It does not sell CTP green slip insurance.
It has supported Can Assist head office and 16 branches in Orange, Finley, Dubbo, Armidale, Bega, Balranald, Narrabri, Yass, Bathurst, Tumut, Deniliquin, the Southern Highlands, Wagga Wagga, Manning Valley, Moree, Eurobodalla and West Wylong, with commitments to give further support across NSW.
