Emma’s story
I’m Emma, a mum to five who was diagnosed with breast cancer the same week I separated from my husband.
Then I discovered Solaris, and in the past year they have been my lifeline.
The massages helped me cope with the painful side effects of surgery and treatment. The Bowen Therapy sessions helped me take some time off from the stress and ground myself.
They made me part of their family.
Their free services are so essential to people like me who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.
That’s why I urge you to make a donation today. Because if I didn’t have Solaris, I really don’t know how I would’ve made it through cancer.
x Emma
Everyone deserves access to free support, and we would like to continue being there for people across Western Australia.
We want to continue being a support network for people to lean on during hard times.
We want to provide free accessible support services for the next 20 years to come.
But we can’t do it without your support.
Who we are
Founded in 2001 by clinical haematologist Dr David Joske, Solaris Cancer Care is a self-funded Western Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides free supportive services to adults affected by cancer, their carers and their family.
Our evidence-based approach helps people feel informed, empowered and supported through all stages of cancer, from diagnosis, active and post-treatment, palliative care, and bereavement.
We operate people from our five centres located at Cottesloe, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, St John of God Subiaco, Albany and Bunbury. We also support people in the Pilbara and Port Hedland region and will soon be servicing in Joondalup.
Thanks to your support we have raised
There is still plenty of time to donate and make a difference.
Our services
We provide information and supportive services to adults affected by cancer, their carers and family in a range of ways such as:
Counselling and support groups
Complementary therapies provided by qualified volunteers
Individual and group wellness activity sessions
Courses and workshops
Drop in centres for clients to relax between treatments
$1.8 MILLION
worth of healthcare in free supportive services delivered in 2022
9,000+
hours of volunteering dedicated to supporting those living with cancer in 2022.
12,000 SERVICES
delivered in 2022 despite 2 of our hospital centres faced with COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions for most of the year
26 PEER-REVIEWED
articles contributing to the study of complementary therapies
Client stories
Why support us?
“I have relied on Solaris to help me cope with my emotions and instil calming techniques while having treatment. I was then able to focus on staying strong through treatment and step firmly into recovery. Solaris is making such a difference as I navigate this journey.”
– Mandy, South West client
“Coming to Solaris gave me the confidence for several months to be with people I didn’t know and to have some nurturing healing of many modalities. I will forever be grateful for the experiences at Solaris at a time when I needed human contact and connection.”
– Margaret, Perth client
“Since my diagnosis, I have developed depression and anxiety which is being treated but is ongoing. I was helped greatly by Solaris Albany’s Reiki, foot massage and meditation.
– Trish, Great Southern client
Every dollar has always counted for Solaris, but never more so than now.
$40 will help someone attend a group therapy session
$80 will help someone receive a relaxing massage or acupuncture session
$500 allows five people to attend a one-on-one counselling session
You can help someone affected by cancer get free access to much-needed support and care.
Help us continue our story.
