CANUNGRA’S month of fundraising to support local families undergoing cancer treatment is a little different this year.
While many people won’t notice any difference to previous years, behind the scenes there have been big changes.
Previously run under the Canungra Chamber of Commerce, it was time for the fundraising series to grow, which required a new entity and new committee.
Leanne Angel and Janine Rockliff have stepped in to create Community Cancer Care, the not for profit group which will administer Turning Canungra Pink in the future.
“When we started the transition to the new entity we wondered if the event series should have a new name to make it clear it is for all types of cancers and not only female cancers, but there is such a strong community connection already in place that we decided to keep the same name,” said Leanne.
“The logo we have for Community Cancer Care is blue, pink and green – for all cancers.”
With this in mind, Pink Assist, the organisation that distributes funds to local people undergoing cancer treatment has been renamed to Can Assist.
Leanne and her husband Dwain Sullivan were recipients of a package from Pink Assist when Dwain was being treated for an aggressive brain cancer.
“He was diagnosed in January 2021 with a Grade Four Glioblastoma. It is termed as a terminal diagnosis.”
“The specialist said there was a very low expectation of him being able to live beyond 12 to 18 months.”
Dwain had surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
When Leanne received the Pink Assist package in her mailbox she immediately thought someone else might need it more.
She called Shona Kraayvanger who was on the committee at the time.
“She asked me to accept it as a big warm hug from the community – just know the community is right behind you.”
Sadly, Dwain passed away in February 2022.
Leanne’s vision is for the Community Cancer Care model to be adopted by other communities.
“We’ve helped three people in the last four weeks,” she said.
Local man Noel, who asked for his surname to be withheld, was a recipient of a Pink Assist package.
He said it meant a lot to him and he is very appreciative of the kind support during this uncertain time.
“Thank you to Pink Assist and the Canungra community for their help,” he said.
This year ninety per cent of the funds raised through Turning Canungra Pink will be distributed locally to people undergoing cancer treatment and ten per cent will be donated to the Peace of Mind Foundation, which supports people with brain cancer.
