Redkite fact sheet
Transcription
Redkite fact sheet
Redkite fact sheet About Redkite Redkite is a national charity that supports children and young people aged 0-24 with cancer and their families through the entire cancer journey. From the moment of diagnosis, throughout treatment and when families return home to their communities, Redkite is available with real and practical support. Redkite receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of individuals, organisations and corporate partners. Redkite services: real support through the cancer journey At diagnosis At the devastating moment of diagnosis, Redkite Social Workers are on hand in hospital to give immediate support to the whole family. Emotional support and cancer-specific information can help a family adjust and prepare for the journey ahead. A Red Bag containing practical information and essential items such as toiletries is also provided at this difficult time. During treatment Treatment often lasts for years. A family can be dealing with relentless hospital visits and a parent may stay for long periods in hospital to care for their sick child, requiring they stop work. Redkite continues to provide practical and emotional support for the whole family, both when in hospital and at home. Redkite Music Therapists also help reduce stress and pain experienced by a child or young person during treatment in hospital. Back at home The return home can be isolating and challenging. A family may not know who to talk to and finding cancer-specific support is often difficult. Redkite’s telephone and email support as well as facilitated telephone peer support groups called ‘telegroups’ offer vital support at this time. Throughout the cancer journey A diagnosis of cancer can place extra financial demands on families. Redkite provides financial assistance through this time. Additionally, grants for education resources and tutoring are available to children and young people with cancer to help reach their goals or catch up on missed studies. Redkite fact sheet To learn more about Redkite visit www.redkite.org.au For media enquiries please contact: Martine Pelly National Marketing and Communications Manager Phone: 02 9219 4023 Email: [email protected] Teresa Bosso Public Relations and Marketing Assistant Phone: 02 9219 4010 Email: [email protected] Cancer statistics • There are currently around 1750 children and young people diagnosed with cancer every year. • Over 8000 families in Australia are currently experiencing the acute impact of a child or young person’s cancer. • Thanks to advancements in medical and therapeutic treatments, up to 80 per cent of children will be cured. Sadly, this means that one in five children and young people will not survive. Redkite statistics (2010) • Redkite is the only national organisation specialising in our age range that provides professional cancer support services for children and young people through the entire age range of 0-24. • On average, it costs $2500 to support a family over a 12 month period with vital Redkite services such as financial assistance, emotional support and education assistance . • Redkite provides the most financial assistance to families who have a child with cancer from 0-24 years old at a critical time when income is significantly reduced or stopped altogether. • Redkite is the largest non-government funder of professional oncology social work and music therapy services in children’s hospitals and specific adolescent and young adult treatment centres across Australia. • In 2010 Redkite provided an average of 200 financial grants every month. • In 2010 Redkite provided email and telephone support to 287 families across Australia – nearly twice the number of families supported in 2009. • In 2010, Redkite Dare to Dream Scholarships were awarded to 28 remarkable young people who have cancer or are cancer survivors. Redkite receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of the community to provide its important services.