The Kids Cancer Support Group provides a much-needed service for children undergoing cancer treatment, as well as their siblings and parents, offering a space where families can connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
“It becomes a bit like a home environment,” said CommBank staff member Travis Cole, who nominated the group for a Community Grant. “You feel welcomed and you feel loved and cared for.”
For Cole, the connection is personal. His son has attended the group during cancer treatment, giving him a first-hand view of the support it provides.
For parents, that shared experience is just as important.
“I think the greatest part is it’s parents over time that have been through it and pass on the baton,” said Parissa D’Agostino from the group’s community. “They know exactly what you’re going through, what you need, what your kids need.”
Turning plans into reality
Like many not-for-profits, the Kids Cancer Support Group often works with more ideas than funding.
“Often we talk about support for families, and we tend to say yes because we know there’s an absolute need,” said committee member Becky Sinnott. “But we don’t always have the funds to make them happen.”
So when the team gathered expecting to receive a $20,000 Community Grant, it was already meaningful.
They didn’t know it was about to become something much bigger.
When the amount was revealed as $100,000, the reaction was immediate.
“That is big money for us. That really is,” said president Richard Nell.
For Sinnott, the implications were clear straight away.
“It was a massive surprise,” she said. “And immediately my thought went to all the things that we have in the planning that actually we can make come to fruition.”
How the grant grew
The $100,000 total comes through CommBank’s Staff Foundation.
Each year, organisations are nominated by staff to receive $20,000 Community Grants. From that group, a smaller number are voted by staff across the country to receive an additional $80,000 Super Grant.
This year, the Kids Cancer Support Group was one of six organisations chosen.
Nathan Barker, CommBank’s Executive Manager, Community Investment said the WA nomination reflected the personal connections behind the program.
“Every week Travis’ family has been visiting the Kids Cancer Support group for playtime and fun and for kids to be kids.”
He said the additional funding would enable the Kids Cancer Support Group to do even more for their families.
“We know this Super Grant of $80,000 will help those kids and their families have even more fun every week.”
A space that matters
For families navigating treatment, the impact of a cancer diagnosis extends far beyond the individual child.
The group offers something difficult to replicate elsewhere — a place where children and siblings can connect with others in similar situations, and where parents can find understanding without needing to explain.
It’s why, for many involved, the funding is less about the number and more about what it enables.
“It’s such a huge blessing,” Cole said. “It’s going to go a long way.”
For the Kids Cancer Support Group, that means turning plans into reality, expanding support, and continuing to offer something that families rely on — week after week.
