The partnership between greenslips.com.au and Can Assist, a community-based volunteer network that provides financial and practical support to people affected by cancer and living in country NSW, was forged in 2019 with funding provided to help pay for cancer patients' green slip insurance.

Patricia Bailey, Welfare Worker and Secretary with Can Assist Parkes, says the funding from greenslips.com.au will help ease some of the burden.

"When you live out here, you have to travel big distances to get to specialist cancer treatments," she says.

"Patients must travel 100km to Orange, 120km to Dubbo, or 350kms to Sydney - and then return home.

"Most patients use their own car or their family to take them, as it gives a sense of control when their body is not always in control, so it helps to be able to visit the doctor and go straight home.

"It will make a big difference, because if they couldn't get their green slip insurance it would be a challenge getting to treatment," says Patricia.

Adrienne Brown, Treasurer of Can Assist Parkes, knows how much this means to some of their members.

"Most cancer patients or their carers - sometimes both - have to stop work, and their money can be gone very quickly because of the costs associated with cancer," said Adrienne.

"They will have bills that they did not have before the cancer diagnosis, and $300 can make a big difference when they don't have to find it.

"People sometimes borrow money because they're too proud to ask for assistance and it is so important we talk to people and make sure they know our assistance is available."

Andrienne knows first-hand how much of a toll cancer can take on a patient, not just physically but financially and mentally as is imploring people to seek help.

"Having been a nurse, I've seen people struggle physically and emotionally and I have also seen how important it is to come forward and ask for help.

"There are financial, practical and emotional benefits available from Can Assist; and all are as important as the other."

Stephen Treacey, founder and owner of greenslips.com.au, a comparative CTP insurance site, was pleased they have been able to ease some of the burden.

"A cancer diagnosis in rural or remote NSW can bring the additional burden of travelling long distances to treatment, and we recognise the benefits of keeping local cancer patients' cars on the road when they need them most," said Stephen.

"We also know how people living in the country are affected by a health crisis..so it is great to be able to help at a grassroots level through Can Assist branches, like Parkes and our contribution goes directly to the branch."

Can Assist Parkes is funded entirely by local donations, local fundraising events, and corporate support and all money raised locally stays local to help local cancer patients.

It provides practical and financial support confidentially to cancer patients through travel, accommodation, medication and utility payments and supports over 200 patients of all different ages who are at different stages of their cancer journey.

In 2020, the organisation assisted with 59 new cancer cases and the new cases are largely a result of more young people being diagnosed with cancer.

The branch provided $180,000 in assistance, and they're keen to help more patients in need, especially with donations from www.greenslips.com.au for their CTP green slip insurance.

For confidential assistance, please call 0447 051 946, and for more information check out https://www.facebook.com/canassistparkes/.