Rare Cancers Australia

We were incredibly proud to launch our Rare Impact report at our Rare Long Lunch last week – and even more proud of what we've achieved for our rare community this year. Among our achievements so far this year, we’ve: 🫶 supported more than 1,000 patients and families impacted by rare or less common cancers 💰 distributed more than $158,000 in crisis funding ☎️ connected more than 2,500 people through our support groups 🧸 distributed 823 bears to children whose mums have been diagnosed with cancer, through our Mummy's Wish program 📍 brought together 370 people for our CanForum advocacy event at Australian Parliament House in Canberra ... and so much more! None of this would be possible without the support of our incredible community, partners, donors and everyone who has fundraised for us this year. Together, we are making a difference to the lives of people living with rare, less common and complex cancers. You can read more about what we’ve been up to in our Rare Impact 2024 report: https://bit.ly/3UIp80n

Our first Gynaecological Cancer Support Group is coming up on Thursday 16 January This group, facilitated by a female Specialist Cancer Navigator, is a space for people affected by all types of gynaecological cancers to connect and share experiences. Groups are held via phone or videoconference once a month. To join, email support@rarecancers.org.au

Wishing our rare community a happy New Year! Thank you to everyone who supported us during 2024 – whether you joined our events, made a donation, partnered with us, or shared our posts, you’ve helped us create a better world for rare. We can’t wait to do it all again in 2025!

After surviving Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma twice, Linda has been invited to take part in a research study designed to reduce the risk of further relapses. Keen to contribute for herself and the benefit of many other patients, it involves eight fortnightly return trips to Melbourne for treatment, at her own expense. She is reaching out for support to continue this treatment, which also could be potentially life changing for many other patients with cancer. To read more or donate, visit: https://bit.ly/3BQzVPM

🎄 Merry Christmas to everyone in our incredible rare community! May your holidays be filled with special times with family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with anyone finding the holiday period particularly difficult this year.

Our list of support groups is growing in the new year, with the introduction of the Gynaecological Cancer Support Group. Support groups are held each month and allow you to connect with other people who have had similar experiences to you and understand what you’re going through. Groups are facilitated by one of our Specialist Cancer Navigators. You can ask questions, share advice, or simply listen. All groups are held via phone or videoconference, and times will be confirmed when the invitations for each group are sent. If you’d like to join the discussion, please email support@rarecancers.org.au

For 46 years, English and French teacher, Carolyn, has experienced delight in sharing her knowledge and passion with her students, who she says have inspired her and given her great happiness. Since her diagnosis of high grade serous ovarian carcinoma, being unable to continue teaching every day has compounded her devastation, both emotionally and financially. Her cancer has spread, and undergoing treatment between the Gold Coast and Melbourne is taking a toll. Any contribution you can make to help Carolyn continue accessing treatment is deeply appreciated by all those who love her. You can read more or donate at: https://bit.ly/4fv6Pn4

Our office is now closed for the festive period. We’ll be back on deck from 9am on Monday 6 January, and will respond to any emails or messages then. In the meantime, urgent support is available from: ☎️ Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 ☎️ Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 ☎️ Cancer Council: 13 11 20 (limited hours during the holiday period) Wishing our rare community a safe and happy Christmas.

Megan has almost run out of options to treat her GIST cancer. Now, she’s asking for help to seek another opinion from a GIST specialist, hoping to find another treatment. But as a single mum to two growing boys, Megan’s budget doesn’t stretch to travelling interstate to see a specialist and explore further treatment. Unable to work due to her cancer, Megan is asking for help to give her hope for the future: https://bit.ly/2G2L0kc

With Christmas just around the corner, we are taking a short break for the festive season. We’ll close from 5pm on Friday 20 December, and be back open on Monday 6 January. During the shutdown period, you can still email support@rarecancers.org.au and we’ll respond when we return. If you need support during the holidays, you can contact: ☎️ Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 ☎️ Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 ☎️ Cancer Council: 13 11 20 (limited hours during the holiday period)