Can Assist has supported NSW country families affected by cancer since 7 October 1955.

Values Equity Integrity Community Hope

Vision and Mission Our vision is that every country community, family and individual has equitable access to cancer care and support services. Our mission is to assist country families affected by cancer by providing accommodation and practical support while building community based volunteer networks and raising awareness of inequities facing country people.

How we began Mona Ham, a nurse and doctor’s wife, began the Cancer Patients Assistance Fund of NSW with other like minded women with the specific objective of helping ambulatory radiotherapy patients from Country areas. These women were pioneers.

The early years Within the first five years funds were raised and expended for accommodation and transport expenses for country cancer patients to travel to Sydney for treatment.

A hostel was born By 1961 funds were raised to purchase property for accommodation for country cancer patients. It was named after a member from Orange, Jean Colvin, who worked tirelessly to set up a branch while herself gravely ill, but who passed away before she could see this successful venture completed.

Can Assist has 52 branches across NSW run by over 3,000 volunteers. We grew in 50 years Can Assist has 52 branches across NSW run by over 3,000 volunteers.

Wagga Wagga

Why are we special All our 52 branches are run completely by volunteers with every dollar raised in each community staying in each community for support. We are the only charity dedicated solely to supporting country people in NSW affected by cancer and their families ensuring that no matter where you live in NSW you have access to the same cancer treatment and care. We actively collaborate.

We provide Financial assistance and practical support Food Medication Utilities Petrol Accommodation Rent or mortgage payments

Without our volunteers none of this happens

Fundraising events

Our impact Can Assist provides financial assistance to people in country NSW affected by cancer so that their cancer diagnosis is their sole challenge. Country families can cope with reduced income and increased expenses as a result of a cancer diagnosis through our support for travel, accommodation, medical costs, and other living expenses.

Why we do it For some cancers, remote patients are up to five times more likely to die within five years of diagnosis There is a 6% increase mortality risk for each 100km increment in distance from the nearest radiotherapy facility There are 94% fewer oncologists in the rural healthcare workforce, compared to major cities

Sydney Branch

Project 210 means we never have to say no We understand that country families from rural and regional areas struggle to cope with reduced income as a result of a cancer diagnosis while they face increased expenses from travel, accommodation and medical costs. Our program provides financial assistance and practical support during this difficult time to patients and their families across 52 towns in NSW with all fundraising entirely driven by local volunteer initiatives supporting their community. The aim of Project 210 is to help patients in the other 210 towns in NSW to ensure that no one misses out and falls into financial hardship by getting treatment.

Next steps Website www.canassist.com.au Facebook www.facebook.com/CanAssistNSW1 Consider Volunteer Membership Support Sponsorship