Family Assistance


Financial Assistance 2009
We have provided financial assistance to families over the past year. The areas we have supported families in include, but have not been restricted to, funeral and related expenses and payment of household bills, including phone bills and other utilities. The children in these families have been seriously ill. Some have experienced cancer relapses, while others are receiving palliative care.

Many families supporting children receiving cancer treatment experience significant life stresses including unemployment and loss of two incomes.

Severe financial stresses occur as a consequence of accumulating bills and decreased income. There are many extra expenses associated with keeping many medical and allied health appointments over the often protracted period of treatment and our patient assistance funding has provided welcome relief to many children with cancer and their families.


Charlie Pyatt and family recieve financial assistance for his treatment at Sydney Children's Hospital
In August 2008, 2 year old Charlie Pyatt was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), previously known as Pre-Leukaemia. MDS is a life threatening illness, usually very rare in children but more commonly found in males over the age of 60.

Charlie is now in the High Risk group (there is a smaller chance of curing children in this group) and the only chance for Charlie is a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, his family were unsuitable as donors. An umbilical cord has been found that is suitable for Charlie's transplant.

Charlie will be admitted for treatment and preparation for transplant at the Sydney Children's Hospital. His stay at the hospital will be for over 100 days. His mother Melissa will remain with Charlie in the hospital for the 3-4 months, while father Simon and the rest of the family will be commuting between Adelaide and Sydney every weekend due to work commitments.

On Saturday 31st January 2009, a fundraiser was held at the McLaren Vale Bocce Club. About 400 people attended the event which was an all you can eat pasta meal hosted by the club with a silent auction, live auction, and many raffles. This event raised over $25,000 which has been proudly provided to assist the family during this troubling time.



Young Keith Anton recieves financial assistance to pay for school, household and pharmaceutical costs.
Keith Anton is a friendly 17 year old boy who was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 07. He has had chemotherapy and is dealing with the pain and ongoing treatment on a daily basis. He and his family are grateful for the contribution that has helped him along this difficult journey.


Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide Grant
Kids Cancer Research Trust has made provision for the Women's and Children's Hospital of $30,000 for families to support their children whilst they are undergoing cancer treatment beginning in June 2007.

Financial Assistance to relocate from Mildura to Adelaide for Ho family
Kids Cancer Research Trust has provided funds for the Ho family in order for their son, Wilson, to recieve treatment at the Women's and Children's Hospital. Unfortunately, they have had to sell their house and business in order to support Wilson.


Sachi and her mother at hospital.

Financial Assistance to lawn and areas of back yard for Majorrabi family
Kids Cancer Research Trust has provided funds for the backyard to have new lawn and fencing so that Sachi and her sister can play with their animals outside. This will enable Sachi to enjoy her recovery as she has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.


Sam Douglas Grant
Kids Cancer Research Trust assisted young Sam Douglas, from Highton in Victoria who has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease, with a treatment support grant of $5000.00 in April 2006.

Click here to read more

Lifting the Spirits
Families who have to look after a young child with cancer find it increasingly difficult to entertain their children with special events to help them forget about their treatments while also giving them something to look forward to.

On Friday March 2nd 2007 Kids Cancer Research Trust invited two families who each have a seriously ill child to see the arena spectacular "Walking with Dinosaurs" at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. They were treated to the luxury of a corporate box, complete with fine food and drinks. Each child also recieved souvenirs to take home.