No one knows and no one is told in advance when tragedy will strike.

The amount of families in this community who have been cursed by cancer is astonishing, no matter where one goes or who one talks to the ‘C’ word nearly always comes up in conversation. 

Along with devastation of someone close to you suffering from cancer, there is also the rising medical bills. Treatments are accessible but come with a huge price tag. Medical treatment is all the diagnosed person and the family have to cling to, the companies producing the treatments charge their fees, the bills pile up and families lose their incomes and their homes and inevitably their loved one. Families will do almost anything to help save their loved ones; ending up paying off medical bills years later even after their loved one has died.

Understanding the pressure and sufferance Can Assist has formed a foundation originally named Cancer Patients Assistance Society which in 2006 underwent a restructure and created a dynamic team of professionals with the knowledge of new services to ensure that funds raised remain relevant to the people in our rural NSW area for people affected by cancer.

Can Assist really can assist with Cancer Assistance Networks to offer direct financial help to country cancer patients and their families for transport, accommodation, pharmaceutical and other bills. They provide care and accommodation in Sydney and Wagga Wagga for people who need support during their treatment in the city, offer care packages to support cancer patients in their own home during treatment, help with programs and services on health and wellness during and after cancer treatments and provide information and coordination to access the myriad of cancer services and options.

Can Assist sends its funds directly to those who need it. Money does not reach the research department or the pharmaceutical companies; it goes to the actual patient and their family.

Tony and Renata Ryan, with family and friends, have made the most magical atmospheric country café in our little village of Bowning. The Rollonin café means so much to the people of Bowning and to those who knew and adored Tony. It was Tony’s passions to finish the café before cancer took him and now it is a legacy towards the helping of others. 

In conjunction with Can Assist, Renata and her tireless team hosted the fourth annual Country Fair in Bowning at the weekend. It was a chance for people to help by donating, running stalls, buying tickets in raffles and simply showing support. 

The Yass branch of Can Assist was formed in 2004 and has assisted many patients in our local area who are affected by cancer. 

Please continue to put money back where money is needed, with the families. As a community we can pull together and support organisations such as Can Assist and help where the help is needed the most; in our own backyards.