Recreation Programs
Camp Quality creates precious memories for families impacted by cancer through fun camps, getaways and recreational fun days and experiences.
Australian charities for children with cancer
When my daughter Evie was diagnosed with cancer, there were a number of organisations that supported Evie and our family at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and in the years that followed. These amazing organisations were a much welcomed and appreciated souce of joy and relief for all of us at different times during her cancer journey.
Now that Evie has turned 18 she has left their nurturing wings. To show our gratitude and appreciation for all that they have done for us (and the many other children and their families they help) I believe it is now our time to offer them some support.
Following are the main charity organisations that were there for Evie and our family.
In my store I plan to have a print/card available where all the profits from its sale will be donated to Country Hope. I would love to donate to each of the below organisations, but have chosen to keep it simple and donate to Country Hope as they are a small local organisation.
For each organisation I have copied some text from their website and provided a link to their page if you would like to read up more about them, and perhaps make a donation or reach out to them for a way that you may be able to support them x
___________________________________________________________________________________
We found out about Country Hope after Evie's second cancer diagnosis. They provided wonderful opportunities for Evie and our family to meet other families at Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts, and art therapy. They also assisted Evie personally in other ways, especially when she had her grade 10 graduation dance; Country Hope helped Evie feel like a princess by getting her hair and makeup done and organising a photographer to capture the moment!
"Country Hope provides family centred support programs to country children diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening illnesses.
Country Hope is dedicated to developing support programs and services in response to the needs of country families. We recognise that childhood cancer or other life-threatening illnesses place incredible stress on the entire family. For this reason, we are dedicated to developing support programs and services that address their needs.
Country Hope is a unique charity that sets itself apart by supporting children diagnosed with not only cancer, but a wide range of life-threatening illnesses, including rare conditions. Many of these children and their families in regional areas do not have access to adequate support and essential programs, but Country Hope is committed to ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
Country Hope offers a regional service that provides ongoing practical, financial, and emotional support to local children diagnosed with these illnesses and their families. We also facilitate the opportunity for these children and families to build special friendships and bonds with others in similar situations, as well as with dedicated medical staff.
Country Hope believes that all children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses deserve access to the benefits of their specialised programs, which aim to improve the quality of life for children and families in NSW and North Eastern Victoria. Through these tailored programs, Country Hope is making a profound difference in the lives of those facing these immense challenges."
___________________________________________________________________________________
It was comforting to know that Koala Kids were there for us while Evie was in the hospital. They did so many things that made the time in the hospital much more comfortable. They organised for fresh food to be in the floor's kitchen for families to eat, they provided distractions for the children and families in the form of entertainment, activities and gifts, and the Koala Kids team were never far away, making sure they were doing whatever they could to help the sick children and their families. They did so much for us and I will forever be grateful for their support.
"Our purpose is to bring happy moments to children and young people during cancer treatment, their families and their healthcare team.
Koala Kids has developed a range of activities and provides therapeutic and other resources for children and young people undergoing treatment in hospital and in their homes. Some items are purely for distraction, some educational, others to supplement programs facilitated by child life, art and music therapists, social workers and other specialists. All are intended to help us to fulfil our mission of our volunteers providing small things that make a difference to the lives of children and young people during cancer treatment, their families and their healthcare team.
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer life saving treatment usually starts immediately. The impact of the diagnosis turns lives upside down in an instant. The physical, emotional, psychological and social toll is massive on the child or young person and their parents, relatives and the wider community.
Family routine is thrown into chaos. Education, employment, sport, hobbies and other activities are disrupted. Parents are forced to spend long periods of time in hospital often resulting in the loss of their job. Grandparents, neighbours, extended family or close friends are called on to care for healthy siblings in the family home or other suitable homes.
It is understood that a model of healthcare that establishes partnerships between all parties is imperative and can result in better outcomes for the child during treatment. These parties can include the child or young person, parents, relatives, a close family friend or neighbour, and clinical and allied health support.
This healthcare model acknowledges that quality educational and creative activities can be beneficial in supporting the emotional needs of all involved and contribute to a sense of normalcy for the child and their family.
Koala Kids four core program areas include:
Family Support
Includes smash cakes, meal hampers, hospital care supplies and hospital cafe vouchers.
Distraction & Engagement
Includes jigsaws, colouring and activity books, Lego, books and Netflix subscriptions.
Procedural Support
Includes resources for music, art and child-life therapists, sensory items, pill swallowing kits and Buzzy pain relief device.
Healthcare Worker Support
Includes wellness and mindfullness items, snacks and our new novelty scrub top program.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Like Koala Kids, the Challenge team were never far from the cancer ward, doing their magic to support the kids and families during their cancer journey. They organised a discount card with a couple of the cafes in the hospital, they organised special days for the Mums and Dads, special days for families (like their annual Christmas party), and massages and haircuts for the families while they stayed close to their child. They also organised local sporting heroes and celebrities to visit and bring a smile to the faces of the sick children. It was comforting to know that the Challenge team weren't far away if we ever needed anything. Evie was also awarded a music scholarship for a year to support her enjoyment in playing music, and she chose to learn how to play the piano.
"Challenge is a not-for-profit organisation that supports children and families living with cancer, 365 days a year. Our support is free and immediate, helping to lighten the cancer journey by addressing the practical, social, and emotional needs of all our members.
Programs for Children
Camps, hospital support and activity days, playgroup sessions, movie days, music therapy and massage therapy.
Programs for Families
Lunches and weekends away, home help, holiday accommodation, transportation and financial assistance, activities.
Scholarships & Trusts
Academic and creative scholarships for primary, secondary and tertiary students.
Bereavement Services
Support and advice, social groups and retreats.
How we help
Following a child’s diagnosis, life changes significantly. Families begin a journey of uncharted territory, where they learn to adapt to a ‘new normal’ of life with cancer. Adjusting to these changes is difficult and takes its toll on every member of the family – patient, parent, and sibling(s).
This is where Challenge steps in. Sometimes you do not know what it is you need until someone shows you.
Challenge aims to manage the impact of a cancer diagnosis by addressing the emotional, social, and practical needs of your family. Whether it is help at home or a weekend away, we tailor our services to meet the requirements of each individual within the family unit".
___________________________________________________________________________________
The Camp Quality camps were amazing. Family camps were a wonderful way to be with other families going through a similar journey. We could exchange our experiences and be supportive. The camp leaders and volunteers made sure that every child had a fun experience during all the different activities that were organised. When Evie got older, she started to go to the kid's camps in Canberra and Sydney, where she got to experience different activities and meet other kids that have gone through similar experiences. Evie has very fond memories of her time at Camp Quality camps. The Camp Quality puppets also visited Evie's school to help her school community understand what she was going through, why she had lost her hair, and showed how they could support Evie. When Evie turned 13, she graduated from Camp Quality. While it was sad to no longer be able to go to their camps, events, and Christmas parties, we were left with happy memories from our experiences with them.
"Camp Quality brings positivity, fun and laughter back into the lives of kids facing cancer. We are there for children and their families, from the heartbreaking news of a cancer diagnosis, through every step of the experience.
Camp Quality provides kids and families facing cancer with fun experiences, trusted information, specialised care, coping tools and a supportive community, in the following ways.
Puppet Programs
Camp Quality's puppets have brought laughter and distraction to kids on cancer wards for decades. Travelling to primary schools and preschools across Australia they create a positive community for kids facing cancer.
After much deliberation, Evie's wish was for a cat. Not just any cat, but a tabby Devon Rex. Her cousins had a Devon Rex, and she thought they were a pretty special cat. Evie chose a cat as she said they would be around for many years for her to cuddle and love. Evie has always had a love for animals, so it was no surprise that she asked for one for her wish. Devon Rex's love their humans, so he is never far from Evie and snuggles in bed with her every night. His name is Kwazzi, and he is a much-loved member of our family.
"Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Our mission is to grant the wish of every eligible child – a quest sparked by the belief that a wish is integral to a child’s treatment. While many wish children eventually go on to lead healthy lives - the fight for their future is all-consuming.
Our wishes
A wish is not a fleeting gift - each child's Wish Journey is carefully planned and delivered over several stages to create a positive, lasting impact.
- Wishes are designed to complement a child's medical treatment, working to calm, distract and inspire at a time they need it most.
- When a wish is realised, a child discovers that despite their situation, anything is possible.
- In this way, wishes deliver both an immediate boost and long lasting effect on the lives of sick kids, their families and communities.
Wish impact
With more than 37 years of feedback from local wish families, along with a growing body of international research, shows that wishes give kids with critical illness greater strength and hope for their future".
___________________________________________________________________________________
There is so much to feel grateful for with Ronald McDonald House (RMCH). I don't know what our family would have done for the seven months we were in Melbourne initially, and then for the follow-up appointments in the years that followed, if we had nowhere to stay. Ronald McDonald House was a home away from home. It was a community of families going through some of the worst times of their lives. We shared experiences of joy and comfort with those grieving.
RMCH was right across the road from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. Most days, we made the trek across the road to the hospital for appointments to our sanctuary at RMCH where meals were often cooked for us by volunteers from local organisations and businesses. There were often activities organised for the kids (the sick child and their siblings), to offer a distraction from their medical problems. Some of the fondest memories my children have of our times spent in Melbourne involve RMCH.
RMCH also had a teacher who visited the house regularly to help the children and their siblings staying at the house with their schoolwork. Evie enjoyed spending time in the 'classroom' at the house and doing the different learning activities. When Evie returned to primary school, she was also able to receive some wonderful tutoring by a local teacher who was provided by RMCH charities.
"Our Programs and Services
When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, it impacts the whole family. Lives can be turned upside down. That’s why we provide a range of programs to help families stay together and close to the care they need.
19 Ronald McDonald Houses
Keeping families under the one roof and close to the hospital
Families often have to travel far from home to receive the medical care their child needs. Our 19 Houses provide essential care and support for families, only steps away from the hospital.
19 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms
A comfortable place for families to rest and recharge in hospital
Take a break from the ward in one of our 19 Family Rooms across Australia. Located in women’s and children’s hospitals and just moments away from their child’s bedside, carers can make a cup of tea or a meal, take a shower, or simply rest.
6 Family Retreats
Holiday accommodation to relax and reconnect
Our 6 Family Retreats in idyllic locations give families with a seriously ill child, or those grieving the loss of a child, the opportunity to take a break and spend some much needed time together.
Ronald McDonald Learning Program
Helping sick kids catch-up on missed education
With a Learning Program in each Australian State and Territory, we help over 1200 students every week catch-up on missed education, making the return to school less stressful. In addition, our EDMED program helps ensure teachers are well equipped to support seriously ill children returning to school".
___________________________________________________________________________________
Evie loved to visit the Starlight room at the Royal Children's Hospital regularly. She got to do different crafts, play games, interact with Captain Starlight, but most of all, she got to have some fun and had some time where she wasn't thinking about her illness.
A tradition of Evie's was to go to the Starlight room before heading to have chemotherapy and have her face painted something spectacular. She loved seeing the nurses' faces when she came into the ward with her special face paint. It usually stayed on for a couple of days.
Evie also looked forward to the many times that the Starlight crew visited the wards and spread their joy to the children.
"Bringing happiness to sick kids and teens
At Starlight we know that happiness matters to sick kids facing the pain, fear and stress of serious illness. That’s why we work in partnership with health professionals to bring the fun, joy and laughter that is essential to sick kids’ health and wellbeing.
From one Starlight Wish granted more than 30 years ago, we now create over half a million Starlight Experiences to sick kids each year.
All of those experiences are based on the needs of seriously ill children and young people. Our programs are supported by research and evaluation to ensure excellence in everything we do. Starlight is Australia’s broadest reaching children’s charity and recognised as an integral part of the healthcare system.
Starlight programs
Captain Starlight
Our superheroes of fun bring joy, laughter and happiness to sick kids inside and outside of hospital.
In hospital
Captain Starlight can be found delivering fun and laughter in every major children's hospital in Australia.
Livewire
Using the power of creativity & community to support teens with a serious illness or disability in hospital & online.
Partnering to improve health outcomes
Captain Starlight joins health professionals to treat kids in remote Indigenous communities.
Wishgranting
A Starlight Wish is an incredible gift of hope during the toughest of times.
Starlight Moments
Starlight Moments creates experiences of fun, joy and happiness for families with a palliative child".
___________________________________________________________________________________
One of the first things we were given in Melbourne when Evie was diagnosed with cancer was a Redkite bag. It was a duffle-like bag that was full of helpful items to get us through the first few days of our stay in Melbourne, such as toiletries, information, and snacks. That bag was so useful and well used! It carried everything that we needed for all Evie's appointments, as well as everything else needed for our hospital trips. Whenever we saw another family with their Redkite bag we knew what they were going through and how special that bag was.
We also regularly received food hampers, gift cards, fuel vouchers and other support from Redkite that were all much appreciated. Up until the age of 18 Evie was able to apply for the Dare to Dream Scholarships. While she didn't win the major scholarship, she did receive a $100 gift voucher one year, and a $500 gift voucher for her final application.
"How we help
If you’re looking for help, you’re in the right place.
Cancer is hard but getting help doesn’t have to be. There’s a whole new language to learn, emotions to deal with, extra expenses to juggle and new routines to organise. It can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help.
Talk to someone
We’re childhood cancer support specialists. You can talk to us about anything and everything.
Our support is flexible, confidential and free to anyone connected to a child with cancer. You can connect with us whenever and however works best for you, and for as long as you want or need.
- Connect Groups
- Practical information
- Support with grief and bereavement
- Music Therapy
Practical Stuff
There is so much to organise and figure out when your child is diagnosed with cancer. But cancer is unpredictable, so all your planning can be thrown out the window in a moment.
We have all sorts of practical help, information and support to help you plan for the long term and stay on top of things when new challenges pop up.
- Practical information
- Red bag
- Book Club
- Family wellbeing program
- Family resources & tools
Financial Support
The cost of cancer adds up. There’s hospital parking, accommodation and travel if you’re away from home, as well as the extra medical costs, not to mention the cost of taking time off work.
We can work with you to help relieve some of the financial pressure, as well as provide financial support for your family.