Yvonne Cuschieri founded the ACT EDEN MONARO CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (the Group) in 1985. Yvonne started by raising funds to enable 13 local teenagers with cancer, to attend a Canteen National Camp. It wasn’t long before social workers were ringing, asking for Yvonne’s help again for other families who were facing crisis situations, so in March 1986, Yvonne asked friends for their help, and a meeting was held in her dining room. Over the years that the Group has been in existence, the number of requests for help has been enormous, not only for the support of children, but also for the support of adults. The areas supported by the Group are the ACT and Southern NSW regions.
CHILDREN
When a child is first diagnosed with cancer the worry and stress placed upon families is indescribable. There are no paediatric oncology facilities in the area which means that families must travel to Sydney for initial confirmation of diagnosis and treatment, which only adds to the emotional distress. It is often the case that a family will go to Sydney, and in some cases other major hospitals, for one week, only to stay for up to three or more months. The bills at home do not stop coming in and usually either one or both parents, have to give up their employment to be with their child and other siblings which only adds to their financial and emotional burden.
ADULTS
In the case of an adult diagnosed with cancer, not only do they have loss of income, but the partner becomes the carer, which means any income they earn is lost as well and in most cases the family struggle on sickness benefit payments.
The Group helps in this area, mainly by stepping in and relieving the families of the additional stress of finding funds for such things as travelling expenses, electricity, gas, telephone, medication, patient accommodation & food.
As well as providing emotional and financial support, the Group also provides outings (usually 4 per year) where the families are able to interact, which allows them to gain much needed support from each other.
In the past we have purchased such items as videos, televisions, recliner chairs, computer, flotation chairs, electrical appliances and various other equipment for the hospitals, and schoolroom items for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick (where our local children attend various specialists).
A Miltenyi Cell Separation Device has been installed at the Sydney Children’s Hospital benefiting many people undergoing bone marrow transplant.
Equipment such as a Motor Scooter, Oxygen Concentrators, Kangaroo Pumps, Lambs Wool Underlays, Ripple Mattress, Bed, Roho Cushions, Vital Call, Flotation Chair, Wheel Chairs and other essential equipment have also been purchased for use by members of communities that we assist through Palliative Care or Home Nursing Care.
Furniture for the Canberra Hospital Oncology Department’s quiet room was also purchased for the comfort of patients attending treatment.
The group is very unique, as to our knowledge; we are the only Charity who handles all types of cancer & all ages. The Group’s office operated on a voluntary basis for 15 years, however as the demands on the Group have grown, so has the need for office staff. An application for government assistance was successful from the ACT Health & Community Care, which means the Group can still maintain its policy of donations for family assistance goes to family assistance. The balance of administration costs comes from sales and rent of our 4-bedroom unit, which is located above the office. The building was purchased in 2000, thanks to the generosity of the Queanbeyan Leagues Club
The Group’s Patrons are:
- Annette Ellis – Federal Member of Parliament
- David Furner – Raiders Coaching Staff
- Erica Hodge – Radio Station. i98FM Wollongong
- Marty Haynes – Radio Station i98FM Wollongong
Our office is located at 21 Cooma Street Queanbeyan NSW and is opened Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Please feel free to call in if you are passing our way.
Postal Address: PO Box 1351Queanbeyan NSW 2620
Phone: (02) 6297 1261
Fax: (02) 6297 1878
Website: www.actemcsg.org.au