Funding of $10,000 was presented to the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute by If We All Had Wings founders Skye Petho and Sue Jogever, to be allocated to local families who find it difficult to keep up with household expenses such as bills, groceries and fuel while undergoing cancer treatment.

The charity was established in 2016 after Skye’s own diagnosis shone a light on the often-overlooked financial burden of cancer.

“Cancer doesn’t just affect the health of one person - it has a ripple effect on families who experience a reduced income, need to take time off work and have to travel for treatment,” Mrs Petho said.

“Recently I’ve met many families who are affected by reoccurring cancer, which can add to the financial hardship they experience over a longer period of time.”

Mid North Coast Cancer Institute Social Worker Nicole Edwards said If We All Had Wings was evidence of the generosity of strangers with a genuine desire to help families when they were most vulnerable.

“A cancer diagnosis can be a shock to anyone, but when the patient has a young family and they are the family’s income earner, there can be added stresses when it comes to paying the household bills,” Ms Edwards said.

“So far the wonderful people who have supported this charity have provided more than $26,000 in financial hardship vouchers for about 40 local families.”

Ms Edwards said the charity’s donations were carefully allocated.

“The assistance is for people in need who have dependent children under the age of 18. It is provided on the recommendation of MNCCI staff,” Ms Edwards said.

Brightly coloured fundraising wings are available for purchase from Arthouse Industries in Port Macquarie and the Wauchope IGA.

Donations can be made via the website ifweallhadwings.org.au