Regional patients may also face extra challenges when it comes to accessing cancer care such as the costs of travel and accommodation and being separated from their home and family.
That’s why Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is encouraging all Australians to Go the Distance this September to raise money to help rural and regional patients access life-changing, comprehensive cancer treatment, in an environment that feels like home.
The virtual challenge is held throughout September and encourages people of all ages and abilities to run, walk, bike or swim every day to meet a distance goal of their choice.
Upon registering, participants can choose a distance that regional patients travel to access cancer care at Chris O’BrienLifehouse.e.g.130km, representing a commute from the Southern Highlands to Sydney.
This year, Go the Distance is aiming to raise $300,000, which will go towards purchasing cutting-edge technology, employing compassionate specialists and providing holistic services like accommodation and transport to help make world-class cancer care more accessible for regional patients.
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse CEO, Professor Michael Boyer Am says Go The Distance plays a vital role in the services that Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is able to provide for patients who live in regional areas.
“People living outside major cities face limited access to specialised healthcare professionals and clinical trials, as well as the financial and emotional toll of travel and extended stays away from home. Chris O’Brien
Lifehouse is committed to changing this–so we are encouraging all Australians to sign up and Go the Distance this September,” Prof Boyer said.
Ian Griffiths, whose 20-year-old son Josh received treatment for sarcoma at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, said the support services helped alleviate the burden of distance for the whole family. Ian and his wife Lisa, who live in Gosford, were able to stay in the You Can Centre at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse while Josh received treatment.
“Knowing we had the refuge of the YouCan Centre meant we didn’t need to think about finding accommodation and parking, not to mention travelling upwards of three hours each day,” Ian said. “Being so closeto Josh when he needed us was an absolute godsend. As we are a close-knit family, it meant the world to us.”
Every dollar raised via Go The Distance will go a long way:
- $34 could pay for an overnight essentials bag for a regional patient who needs an unexpected hospital stay.
- $65 could fund a telehealth appointment with a Chris O'Brien Lifehouse social worker when a patient returns home.
- $104 could help keep our patient transport vehicle on the road for one week, delivering regional patients directly to Chris O'Brien Lifehouse from major train stations.
- $220 could help pay for a patient and family's overnight stay in the You Can centre, a home away from home for our young regional patients.
