• WE FUNDRAISE TO

    directly assist commmunities

    Cancer Assistance
  • WE ADVOCATE FOR

    better regional care and support

    Can Assist Orange Ian Coleman
  • WE PERSONALISE SUPPORT

    for people of any age with any cancer

    Can Assist Patient
  • We support equity

    in access to cancer treatment

    Can Assist supports equitable health access

ASSISTANCE – What We Do

We are here for every cancer patient – any age, any cancer, in rural, regional and remote NSW. Cancer can place an unexpected financial burden on families with increased associated expenses such as travel, accommodation and medical costs.

Our local branches will provide financial assistance and practical support during your treatment and care. They will work with you or collaborate with your health professional to understand how they can assist you. You are not alone in your cancer journey. We Can Assist.

“No one needs to travel on their cancer journey alone, we are here to help.” Wendy Jackson, President of Gyra Branch

Financial Assistance

We provide bespoke, confidential, community-based assistance

Your local Can Assist branch will tailor financial assistance to meet your individual needs. Can Assist provides financial aid with no means testing, in a variety of ways, including:

  • Accommodation expenses
  • Accommodation at Lilier Lodge
  • Medical expenses such as pharmaceutical costs
  • Travel expenses
  • Eligible household expenses for example utility bills, rates or groceries

All our assistance is strictly confidential.

HOW TO APPLY

for financial assistance

Takes these steps to apply for financial assistance  through Can Assist:

  • Complete the request form online or use the PDF download version.
  • Attach a letter from your health care professional (i.e. local doctor, oncology social worker or oncology nurse).
  • Attach a copy of the unpaid bill (or a note requesting food or petrol vouchers).
  • Send the request for financial assistance and your supporting documents to your local branch (view branch map). Not sure of your branch, please select Sydney (Head Office) and we will forward it to the correct branch.

Please note completion of the request form does not automatically guarantee financial assistance.

Can Assist members

We support the fight against cancer through community and awareness

COMMUNITY & AWARENESS

Our Can Assist branches raise awareness of cancer in regional areas through information sessions, community campaigns and fundraising events. We engage with businesses and government, and work hand in hand with NSW Health social workers. We provide emotional support to patients and their families.

We are your voice in regional areas, advocating for better support and care.

“Can Assist is an incredibly valuable resource for us and an integral part of what we do.”
Ms T, Allied Health Professional Armidale

Can Assist
Brian lives in a picturesque small town in the NSW Riverina.

Brian experienced some unusual symptoms and finally made a doctor’s appointment. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, he was immediately flown to Sydney for treatment. Time off work, medical gaps, multiple trips to Sydney for surgery, chemo and radiotherapy were all unavoidable costs in his access to care. “The financial assistance we received from Can Assist meant we didn’t need to sell our home to cover medical costs,” said Brian.

[Brian* name changed, recipient from Cootamundra]