Western suburb-based Solaris Cancer Care has launched its May We Thrive campaign this month to raise funds and awareness.
The independently funded charity helps cancer patients and their carers to cope with the emotional and physical side-effects of diagnosis, treatment, recovery and palliative care by bringing together modern medicine and evidence-based complimentary therapies.
These include massage, meditation, exercise and yoga to reduce stress and anxiety
A similar campaign last May raised more than $300,000 and allowed Solaris Cancer Care to survive another year, but it still needs ongoing support and donations to continue to deliver its services.
Solaris Cancer Care founder Professor Davis Joske said cancer was not rare.
“According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 130,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer each year,” Dr Joske said, adding that about 13,000 of them were in WA.
“The sobering figure is that for those of is who reach 75, one in three men and one in four omen will be given the bad news.”
Last year Solaris Cancer Care provided more than 25,000 treatments, values at more that $1,75million, to cancer patients, their families and their carers.
The non-profit organisation receives no ongoing government funding, relying on donations, coupled with support from 350 volunteers, believed to be one of the largest volunteer bases in the State.
Three out of its five centres are attached to metropolitan and regional hospitals, including Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, St John of God Hospital Subiaco and Albany Health Campus, allowing Solaris Cancer Care to work closely with patients’ specialists, doctors and nursing staff.
The two other centres, in Cottesloe and Bunbury, provide and additional home away from home during and after mainstream treatment.
“We have helped many patients and their families get through difficult times,” Dr Joske said.
“We are now hoping the local community can help us in return with a donation that enables us to continue and widen our range of services, for which we would be forever grateful.”
To donate, visit www.solaristhrive.com.au
media and images published by The Post, published 16 May 2019
