Mildura Health Foundation is seeking donations to help support people who may require financial assistance to stay at the Dr. Julie Zrna Centre during cancer treatment.
They have shared a story about a Werrimull woman who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer but missed out on financial support for accommodation despite the long trips required to access that treatment.
Joanne needed radiation treatment five days a week for just over seven weeks but was deemed ineligible for accommodation support through the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).
This was due to living about 70 km from her treatment at Mildura Health Icon Cancer Centre (MHICC), falling just 30 km short of the scheme’s 100-kilometre eligibility threshold.
Recognising the challenges Joanne was facing, staff at MHICC looked for a solution.
Together, Icon Cancer Foundation, Sunraysia Cancer Resources and the Young Women’s Cancer Support Group raised $2,500 to help cover Joanne’s accommodation at Mildura Health Foundation’s Dr. Julie Zrna Centre throughout her treatment.
MHICC Site Manager Anita Erlandsen said Joanne’s situation was exactly the kind of circumstance the support funds were established to address.
“We have had several people donate money to Icon which has been directed to our Foundation,” Anita said.
“Donors requested their money be used to assist local patients and we felt that this situation was just what the donors had in mind.”
To donate, visit: www.mhfoundation.com.au
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