Perth charity Solaris Cancer Care is at crisis point: here’s how you can help

For 22 years, Solaris Cancer Care has supported Perth cancer patients through the physical, mental, emotional, and social effects of cancer and treatment.

The charity was founded in 2001 by clinical haematologist Dr David Joske, and offers a range of services that includes evidence-based, complementary integrated therapies, counselling, wellness activities, support groups, courses, and workshops. Last year saw Solaris provide an impressive $1.8 million of healthcare across over 12,000 free supportive services.

Although three in every 10 deaths are from cancer each year, and a huge 29% of our population are living a cancer journey at any one time, the non-profit organisation receives limited government funding – and instead is primarily funded by the generosity of the WA public.

Unfortunately, the organisation has been met with a sudden funding crisis and will urgently need to raise $500,000 to avoid major cuts to services – which is where you come in.

Make a donation to Solaris Cancer Care.

“The charity is facing an unprecedented financial emergency at a time when demand for our services is rising,” said Francis Lynch, Solaris Cancer Care CEO.

“The reality is that I’m facing some heartbreaking decisions. I’m about to meet with our Board to have a very hard discussion about what cuts we may have to make,” he continued.

“We rely on caring and compassionate people and the WA public. It’s their kindness that funds the support services used by people fighting cancer.”

“Having not very much support myself, familywise or friends-wise, Solaris was a real lifeline for me,” added Solaris client Emma, a single mum of five children who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“They’re always so welcoming. They’re not afraid to talk to you about what’s happening, your fears, your worries, and those sorts of things.”

To help Solaris continue to provide care to Perth cancer patients, you can make a donation via the Solaris website.