Local businesses get WA childhood cancer survivors back on track
The sky is the limit for young cancer survivors, thanks to the support of local businesses, PEACH and AWA Alliance Bank. Following the launch of a new advocacy-based education program, patients in remission will be armed with the hands-on tools they need to reach their potential. A first of its kind in WA, the Back on Track initiative, powered by The Child Cancer Research Foundation, ensures students don’t fall through the cracks following treatment, providing them and their families with the support and guidance they need during the often-unsettling transition back to the classroom.
Now, two businesses in our State’s South and Peel Regions have joined the mission, arming students with the resources they need to thrive. Proudly donating $40,000 to the Child Cancer Research Foundation over the past 25 years, PEACH (Personnel Employed at Alcoa Charity Help) has showed its support once again, by contributing $12,000 for IT equipment, to ensure young minds have the tools to get back to their education during and post treatment.
“PEACH acknowledges the wonderful work CCRF provides children and their families. We are excited to see the Back on Track program help children transition back at school and stay engaged while at school.” Trish Morris, Peach President.
Stepping up the generosity even further, the $12,000 grant made possible thanks to Alcoa employees who donated directly through their payroll, has been matched by AWA Alliance Bank: a social enterprise using profit for purpose.
“We trust that by being able to match the $12,000 contribution from PEACH the Child Cancer Research Foundation will be able to reach twice as many recipients particularly those that may be residing within the Peel Region.” Nola Edwards, AWA Alliance Bank.
Childhood cancer mum Jody Wescott has watched her son Xavier struggle post-treatment. Diagnosed in 2013 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Jody says the effects of treatment have crept into his school life, now over a decade later. “The laptop is a godsend as his ability to study has been hampered by how old his other one is”, says Jody. “With this gift we can now focus on helping Xavier get back to a proper school level.”
Travelling to Boddington, Bunbury and Busselton, envisioning every WA child with cancer reach their full educational potential is becoming even more of a reality. With more than 50 families across WA benefiting from the program already, the Child Cancer Research Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, Kylie Dalton, says they’re on a mission to deliver Back on Track to every child diagnosed with cancer in WA.
“When a child survives cancer, their hopes and dreams deserve to survive as well,” says Kylie “and with incredible and generous partners such as AWA and Peach already onboard, we welcome more to join the initiative’s mission to continue to offer life-changing support for children returning to school after cancer treatment.”