For David, cancer was the furthest thing from his mind, however, his life changed dramatically, and his world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with an aggressive, high-grade tumour with no known cure.
“I had to quit my job and change the lifestyle I’d become accustomed to,” David shared.
Unable to work and struggling financially, he was referred by a nurse at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre in Geelong to Cancer Council Victoria’s Financial Counselling Service.
After learning more about David’s situation, Financial Counsellor Siew was able to discuss income options that might support him.
“Siew was fantastic,” said David. “She’s a wealth of knowledge. You don’t know what’s available to you. I was unable to work anymore, and she helped me to understand what other options were out there.”
Siew connected David with additional services and helped him make informed decisions at a time when everything felt uncertain. During the process she referred him to a lawyer who supported him in lodging a Temporary or Permanent Disability Insurance claim through his superannuation fund.
“It was magical when I got the call to say the claim was approved,” David said, sharing that he was able to purchase a caravan with some of his claim, giving him both comfort and freedom.
“I don’t have a lot of time left, so I just want to pack in as much as I can in the time that I have,” he shared.
David is currently spending his days travelling to local caravan parks around Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, staying close to the hospital for treatment and finding joy in the small adventures and the people he is meeting along the way.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the support I’ve received from Cancer Council Victoria.
Our financial counsellors can help you find answers about public and private healthcare, out-of-pocket costs, government benefits, superannuation, insurance, credit and debt issues.
Financial Counselling Program