Help Head and Neck Cancer patients this Christmas

Head and neck cancer treatment is tough. Patients often undergo significant surgery and require lifelong adaptations. By donating whatever you can, you will help alleviate some of the stress associated with a diagnosis, ensuring those going through treatment can live as best they can.

This year we are taking part in a fundraising campaign with the Big Give. From 2nd December, donations will be open and will be match funded. Please consider donating or sharing – you can follow us on social media, on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Donate here from 2nd – 9th December: here.

Situation

A head and neck cancer diagnosis is devastating. Not just physically, but financially. In many cases, a person’s day to day life is altered; often unable to work, to travel to appointments, to afford quality food or therapies that would aid their recovery. In extreme cases, people can fall into poverty. Without financial support, it can be incredibly difficult to maintain a good quality of life, and lack of support often leads to additional health concerns. Cancer changes everything.

Solution

Patient Support is what we do. Our solution is very simple: a direct payment for head and neck cancer patients, to support them above and beyond what is provided by the state. Our grants will focus on key areas that patients can choose from, meaning they can decide what is best for them. This could include travel to appointments, medical aids, therapies or more. We will empower patients to use the money in a way that improves their quality of life.

Campaign Aims

• Alleviate the financial burden of cancer Travelling to attend appointments; wigs and hair scarves; loss of income from work; increased energy bills from being at home more; over-counter medication; hospital parking; changes to diet and clothing. All of these “unseen” costs create a huge burden.
• Reduce stress and reliance on support network Often, patients’ families pick up the burden of travel arrangements, cooking meals, cleaning. While this is helpful, it can be taxing. Having some extra cash to occasionally alleviate this burden by getting a taxi, can support the patient’s wider network
• Enhance quality of life Complementary therapies, while perhaps not “essential” can vastly enhance quality of life, creating a ripple effect through patients families and communities.
• Stop people and children falling into poverty Parents forced to give up work due to cancer can lose their only source of income, meaning they are at risk of falling into poverty. With access to extra funding, important bills can be paid to cover essentials.
• Reduce the inequalities in cancer recovery Research shows that many minority groups are disproportionality affected by head and neck cancer; including migrants and those from a lower socio-economic background. We will actively promote this fund to those who need it most.

Impact

Better outcomes from treatment: when feeling “well”, bodies are better able to recover. Ability to afford travel to appointments, over the counter medication and other non-state-funded treatment. Help people avoid falling into poverty Improved psychological state: through reduced stress, possible access to counselling and other services Improved physical health: extra funds can support healthy food for a good diet, exercise classes, sleep aids and more.