Central Coast Kids In Need: Fundraising night at Wyong Leagues Club
When Toby Martin was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia, his family was amazed by the support they received from Central Coast Kids In Need. A fundraising night is being held to support the small volunteer group.
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When Chris and Roslyn Martin moved their family to Kincumber from Sydney last year, they were seeking a stronger community feel.
It was that community feel that held them together when their eldest child Toby, then 12 — who they had taken to the doctor because he was really tired — was diagnosed with a rare form of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in November.
Toby spent time in hospital before Christmas, as well as most of the first half of this year, with not for profit organisation Central Coast Kids In Need helping the Martins keep their family together.
CCKIN is a small volunteer group who raise money to provide financial assistance to families of seriously ill Central Coast children have to go to Sydney or Newcastle hospitals for treatment.
“When we got taken to Ronald McDonald House we were told, don’t worry, this is all covered,” Mrs Martin said.
“I never thought for a moment we’d need support from a charity like this — it’s amazing and truly humbling.”
With Mrs Martin unable to work since Toby’s diagnosis, she said they simply wouldn’t have been able to stay close to the hospital for as long as they did without the small charity’s assistance.
“They provide great support in a really frightening time,” she said.
“It’s incredibly stressful for the entire family. Having little things to help you along and make you feel comforted, those little networks help buoy you.”
In a boost for the family, Toby was recently informed he was well enough to make a gradual return to school with his mates and he couldn’t be happier.
The demand for support from Central Coast Kids In Need has never been greater but the not for profit organisation is battling its smallest funding levels in years. It was established 26 years ago and over the past 14 years has outlaid more than $3 million to assist more than 2600 local families.
CCKIN and Save Our Kids From Suicide are the beneficiaries of the For Our Kids Sake fundraising night, coming up at Wyong Leagues Club on November 16. Tickets are $80.
Organisers are urgently seeking more bookings to ensure this fundraiser can go ahead.
Details: stickytickets.com.au/89352