Breast Cancer Survival
Donation protected
On July 5 I found out that I have breast cancer. I'm fortunate enough that it is only small and was found early. Thankfully I am able to have a lumpectomy and will need up to 6 weeks of radiation treatment following my surgery, which is booked for August 8. As I am a contract worker, I don't get any sick leave entitlements and will need at least 2 weeks off work. I have not been able to secure a permanant job for the last 3 years and have been working contract work or casual jobs, or been unemployed so I have no savings to back me up. Even though I am going through the public health system and all my medical expences are covered by Medicare, I still need to survive and pay rent, bills and buy food. I have income protection insurance through my superannuation but I would have to wait 60 days before I can access it. I made enquires about withdrawing funds early from my superannuation but, I don't qualify because that only covers medical costs. It was suggested that I make enquires with Centrelink for a temporary sickness benefit payment, which I did. The problem is that I can't apply until I am on leave and then I would have to wait a month before any payment is made and I would be back at work by then and would not recieve any payment. I have already had to have days off work for doctors appoinments and I am getting further behind in paying bills and rent. Unfortunately my immediate family cut me out of their lives last year and I was given no reason why so I can't rely on them. I do however, have the support of my friends that are giving up their time to help me through my surgery and recovery which makes me feel very loved but, I also need financial support. I was hoping it wouldn't come to this and that I would have received assistance through my superannuation or from the government because as most of you know, I don't like asking for help, especially financial help. Any donation, no matter how small will help towards getting me through this without the extra stress of how I will pay rent and just generally survive. I understand if you aren't able to donate, we are all fighting our own battles but any donation, no matter how small will be gratefully appreciated.
Organizer
Elaine 'lainey' Healy
Organizer
Page ACT