Keeping ‘Back on Track’!

We invite you to donate to Back on Track.

Now, more than ever, we’re counting on your kindness and generosity to help support our Back on Track program.

We know times are tough, but illnesses like cancer won’t stop for COVID-19 and neither will our commitment to ensuring children with cancer don’t fall behind in their education. Back on Track provides wrap-around educational support to children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with and are receiving life-saving treatment for cancer. Back on Track is an essential part of the care package provided to families at The Cancer Centre for Children at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

Unique to the Health-Education interface, the Back on Track team delivers support from Kindergarten to Year 12 across all sectors of education, from the city and suburbs to rural and remote NSW and ACT.

Since 2006, Back on Track has supported children and young people, their families, schools and the wider community – reducing the negative impacts of extended school absence and improving the long-term outcomes of childhood cancer survivors.

The Back on Track team comprises four dedicated and experienced Education Program Coordinators: Donna Gurka, Dr Marianne Fernandes, Trisha Donovan and Sallwa Hourani, who advocate on behalf of the family for the child to manage and deliver learning and social connectedness in collaboration with the medical team, teachers and peers. This helps young people, families and schools navigate the educational challenges that accompany cancer treatment.

“When our son was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Year 10 it was a very challenging time. How wonderful it has been to have received education, support and advice from the wonderful teachers at Back on Track. This service provides a bridge and connection between the school, the hospital and the family. Without it, children and families would experience more stress, trying to navigate their teenage child through the curriculum process in high school.” Sue O (mother of Sam, 17 years old).

“Whilst treatment secures life, without support to achieve full potential, the significance and purpose of a child’s life is eroded or lost.” Dr Luciano Dalla Pozza, Head of The Cancer Centre for Children at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Donate today and be part of the Back on Track legacy. Your support is critical to ensuring that Back on Track is available to every school-aged child diagnosed with cancer.

All donations of $2 and over are 100% tax deductible.