‘‘Having a car to get to treatment is an absolute must in a rural area, especially with COVID-19 limiting access to public and patient transport,’’ Deniliquin CanAssist president Kellie Crossley said.
‘‘Treatment options in Deniliquin are minimal with patients forced to travel up to 2.5 hours to Albury-Wodonga, Echuca, Bendigo or Melbourne.
‘‘With no regional airport, flying is not an option. The car is essential and the only way to get to treatment.
‘‘A roadworthy car during cancer treatment is about mobility and independence. That sense of freedom means all the more when cancer is rocking your confidence and self-esteem.
‘‘It is hard to quantify the emotional benefits of maintaining someone’s connectedness.’’
Can Assist provides practical and financial support to cancer patients through travel, food and fuel vouchers, pharmaceuticals and utilities payments.
The local charity supports more than 30 patients a year, but client liaison officer Bianca Armytage said they know there are many more in the community needing help.
She expects that number will grow as COVID-19 puts an added burden on local cancer patients.
‘‘The branch is keen to help more patients in need,’’ she said.
‘‘A cancer diagnosis is hard enough, let alone the logistics of where to get treatment, how to get there and how do we afford it.
‘‘CanAssist provides equitable financial support for cancer patients right across the community, especially those who don’t have an advocate.’’
Deniliquin CanAssist is funded entirely by local donations and corporate sponsorship, with all money raised locally staying local.
Community members needing support are encouraged to reach out to Deniliquin CanAssist by calling 0418 453 677.
For more information on how you can support the work of Deniliquin CanAssist, go to www.canassist.org.au.
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