With a cancer diagnosis can also come financial uncertainty. Gap fees for hospital admission, non PBS subsidised chemotherapy, meals while waiting for appointments are just some of the expenses. The Cancer Wellness Program is raising awareness of this, and helping more people find support through treatment.
Program Coordinator, Ranee says, “While a lot of things can be subsidised, there is still a large amount of out of pocket expense. Your normal income can be affected while you have time off work or have to take unexpected or unpaid leave.”
How Peter is making a difference
Since 2018, Peter, a Certified Financial Planner, has been helping the Cancer Wellness Program (located at Greenslopes Private Hospital) by running an awareness session on cancer and finances.
In 2014, Peter’s life changed forever when his wife, Michele was diagnosed with cancer. As Michele’s primary carer through these difficult times, Peter understands more than anyone how stressful cancer can be.
“This is why the Cancer Wellness Program is a vital part of helping you understand what support you have – you’re not an island,” says Peter.
After Michele sadly passed away, Peter saw the opportunity to share his journey. Learning from his first-hand experience, Peter wanted to help make other people’s journey a little easier – if at all possible. “It didn’t save Michele’s life but gave her a quality life until the end.”
“It’s my way of giving back. Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre, nurses, doctors, Cancer Wellness Program – everyone helped us so much. It didn’t save Michele’s life but gave her a quality life until the end,” says Peter.
Ranee invites Peter to speak twice a year as part of the Cancer Wellness Program sharing, “I’ll be forever grateful that Peter reached out to provide support where he can. I know personally that he has really helped change the lives of many of our patients and their families, to help them be as ‘financially fit’ as possible thanks to his experience.”
Learn more about the Cancer Wellness Program.