The greatest gift
Redkite social workers provide a security blanket for kids with cancer
Bright, happy and placid is how Christine Tylee describes her daughter Sophie, 10, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of six.
“It was such a shock. I never thought it could happen to someone I love,” Ms Tylee said, recalling the day her family’s world turned upside down.
The John Hunter Hospital in
New South Wales became a second home for Ms Tylee, husband Paul and their two other children Emily, 12, and Andy, 7. But the emotional impact and financial challenges inevitably took a toll.
That’s when Australian cancer charity Redkite stepped in to help, providing essential supplies such as toiletries, a teddy bear for Sophie to cuddle, a blanket and a diary to write down doctors’ names and notes.
“Crucial doesn’t seem like a strong enough word for just how vital the support from Redkite is for families like ours,” Ms Tylee said.
“They also funded a social worker, who was our security blanket, and provided funding for tutoring for Sophie so she didn’t have to repeat. There is no greater gift she could have received.”
Redkite CEO Monique
Keighery said the impacts of the pandemic have made it even tougher for families who already face unimaginable challenges and uncertainty.
“Parents are telling us they’re overwhelmed by concern for the health of their child, alongside being hit with job losses when they can least afford it financially and emotionally,” she said.
“Redkite’s role in helping families stay strong and connected has never been more important and more in demand.
“Our community support program, designed to support rural and regional families on return home from hospital, is now a lifeline for all families facing their child’s cancer - whether they are newly diagnosed families, going through rigorous treatment, or are grieving the death of their child.”
Redkite's partnership with Coles has raised over $38 million to support families like Sophie's. Five cents from every specially marked Coles Own Brand bread is donated.
“It’s also as easy as buying a $2 donation card next time you’re shopping at Coles, or rounding up your purchase of fuel or snacks to the nearest dollar at Coles Express,” Ms Keighery said.
“It may not seem like much, but you would be surprised what a huge difference it makes.”