Australian families confronting the devastating reality of a child's cancer diagnosis are receiving crucial financial support, thanks to a significant grant secured by the national charity Redkite.
A Lifeline for Families in Crisis
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, family life is shattered overnight. At least one parent typically has to give up work immediately to provide constant bedside care during treatment, which can last for years. This sudden loss of income, combined with soaring medical and living costs, plunges many households into severe financial distress.
"This is a cause that has to be supported and the families going through this have to be supported," states Redkite CEO Monique Keighery. She highlights the heartbreaking choices families are forced to make: "I hear the stories all the time about families who can’t afford to put new tyres on the car or register the car or pay an electricity bill. There are parents skipping meals to be able to provide for their kids."
Community Bank Grant Fuels Vital Assistance
This critical situation is now being alleviated for more families after Redkite received a CommBank Community Grant. The funding is directly channeled into the charity's financial assistance program, which offers emergency relief to families whose world has been upended.
"This much appreciated grant will be used to fund our financial assistance program, providing emergency financial relief for families when their world has been turned upside down by a child’s cancer diagnosis," Ms Keighery explained.
The grant nomination came from CommBank employee Janita Milburn from Tasmania, who witnessed Redkite's support firsthand. The charity assisted the family of her son's friend, Brayden, during his cancer battle. Redkite provided practical help including grocery vouchers, counselling, and a contribution towards funeral costs after Brayden sadly passed away six years ago.
"The support Redkite offers is so important," Ms Milburn said. "I don’t think Redkite gets enough exposure for the amazing work they do so that’s why I nominated them."
Sustaining Support for a Brighter Future
Nathan Barker, Executive Manager of Community Investment at CommBank, said the bank was proud to support Redkite. "Redkite is doing amazing work to make a real difference and our grants are designed to make sure that impact extends further," he said.
The CommBank Community Grants program is delivered through the bank's Staff Foundation. It relies on employees nominating meaningful organisations, with the bank matching staff donations to fund a wide range of community initiatives. This model has been part of the bank's community efforts since 1917.
For Redkite, which supports more than 2,000 families across Australia, this grant is more than just funding; it's a vital resource that allows parents to focus on what matters most—their child's health—without the crushing weight of financial survival.
