Port Macquarie resident and mother of three, Melinda Cockshutt, is among many encouraging people to dig deep on February 15 for International Childhood Cancer Day.
This year, money will be raised for Cure Our Kids, the non-profit charity dedicated to the cancer unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Melinda knows all too well the amazing work that the Westmead Children’s Hospital does, after her daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia.
“Our world was turned completely upside down and around again when Alani was diagnosed with leukaemia,” she said.
“Our family had four hours to prepare and move from Port Macquarie to Sydney for seven months of treatment at Westmead Children’s Hospital.
“Functioning at the most basic level is hard, let alone working out how to keep the family running. “There was Zach (their son) to think about, work, mortgage, bills to pay and all the while making sure that Alani was completely supported; and trying to process that your child had cancer.
Although the doctors and nurses were fantastic, Melinda said it was Cure Our Kids that came in with a “Survival Kit” bag and “told us that if we needed anything to please call”.
“The volunteers at Cure Our Kids honoured that promise (and still do two years post treatment),” she said.
“The basics were provided for both kids and adults — meal cards, toiletries, diary (for recording test results).
“Cure Our Kids gave us that extra couple of days to deal with what was happening to Alani before we had to worry about where the shops were in Sydney.
“They also provided ongoing support for the kids and the parents — organising craft, music afternoons, keeping the pantry full of food for the kids in treatment.
“They also organised a hairdresser to come in and cut the parents’ hair; simple things that made such a difference in a world where cancer ruled every thought.
“Cure Our Kids provide a unique service for parents and kids with cancer at Westmead Children’s Hospital.
“Without their service, life would be just that much harder. Please donate to this most wonderful organisation.”
Cure Our Kids will be selling branded gold ribbons specifically in an effort to raise funds towards their vital work.
So this February, help raise awareness of this important initiative and wear a Cure Our Kids gold ribbon, donate or volunteer and encourage others to do the same.
Buy a Cure Our Kids gold ribbon on February 15 or donate online today by going to www.cureourkids.com.au/donate-today-form.php
Sign up yourself or entire office and help raise awareness for Cure Our Kids and International Childhood Cancer Day this year at www.cureourkids.com.au/become-a-volunteer.php
