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onemargie's avatar
onemargie
Member
9 years ago

UPDATE ON MY FUNDRAISING ATTEMPT

hi there as some of you may know I was thinking about trying to start a charity to raise money to help financially for all of us who have had to struggle on through this shitty journey, especially for those like me who couldn't access their super or thought they had income protection but didn't,  and couldn't claim any assistance due to having a partner that worked or for whatever other reason. Ive done some research and spoke to a few people now and unfortunately I don't have the resources, man power or funds to even get a look in and not to mention the tax bullshit about It all too. Also thought about a go fund me or a trust fund for the above too, but the thing about that is its only going to be a one off, and not sustainable without regular contributions and you have to get big corporations involved to get the money up and they want the tax right offs etc and people are reluctant to donate to random people in case they are dodgy as well which is fair enough so instead, I wrote to my local federal and state member of parliament, got a surprise phone call from the federal one and she is lovely, also whinged about the wait times at the Royal Brisbane for breast reconstruction (at least 2 years to see a surgeon and at least 1 after that for the surgery) and she was great, she had no idea it was that bad and is really pro active about taking all my concerns to Canberra. So you never know I might have some success in getting some flexibility with the super and or some changes to Centrelink to make claims for those of us in the "inbetween basket". And perhaps some reduction in the wait times. She was really wanting to help and she is going to keep me up to date so as I hear from her Ill let you know how it all goes. I feel a bit better knowing Ive tried to do something now at least, and hopefully it will help bc survivors financially a little bit at least in the future or cut the wait times who knows. fingers crossed. Margie :)

7 Replies

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    9 years ago
    Good on you Margie, financial stress just adds to all of the other stress we have. I think there should be more support after active treatment and this includes work and other financial support options.

     Good luck with Centrelink. I went to drop
    a form off for my sister-in-law when my 2 year old nephew had a brain tumour and they were in the hospital. The man who spoke to me was so rude I cried! I can't remember ever being treated that rudely in my life. I always think, it could be worse, I could work for Centrelink. I know I should toughen up and I was there just at their 4:30 closing time, but wow, not great. 
  • Seamaiden57's avatar
    Seamaiden57
    Member
    9 years ago
    My God - girls - this sucks big time- good on you Margie for having a go- and my heart goes out to you all for facing this disease as well as the stress of dealing with unfeeling Govt Departments- Maybe the next Breast Cancer Awareness Function that has the Publicity as well as Politicians in attendance could raise this question- put them on the spot in front of the cameras?- l don't know but- the more that people know about this the better. 
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    9 years ago
    I will be putting my head into the Centrelink mincer next week. I'm starting work but it will only be a couple of days a week for the first months so I will be applying for a health care card. I haven't been able to get any support and have been living off my savings for the last 11 months. That stings. Now, I'm poor enough to qualify, but if I can't manage the work I will have to go on the dole--the most punitive payment scheme a sadist could devise. Sigh. 

    I've been trying to get an interview with our federal member--who is an independent-- to talk about the whole issue of falling through the gap and not being able to get sickness benefits. No luck so far, but I'm getting stronger and more determined every day. Appart from the random crying thing.... Marg
  • fairydust's avatar
    fairydust
    Member
    9 years ago
    @onemargie good on you. If one says nothing then nothing happens. At least you are trying. As to the outcome well what will be will be. I think most people are quite naive about the financial impact cancer has. 
    The other assumption is that once you are cured then you instantly carry on as if nothing has happened( I wish).
    Good luck 
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago
    Still waiting on centrelink for a job capacity assessment for a disability pension due to long term chemo brain. Every month I ring up, sit on hold for an hour or two and every month they say we are waiting on a job capacity assessment and they will contact you. It never happens!
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    9 years ago
    Sounds like a top effort Margie!!! Thing is if no-one tries there is NO chance of any success, so good on you!