Sleapy’s Foundation launches Head & Neck Cancer Care Bags at Calvary Mater Newcastle
The program, designed in collaboration with the hospital’s frontline healthcare workers and patients, provides practical and emotional support to people undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers.
This initiative has been made possible by a generous $10,000 grant from the Lyone Foundation, enabling Sleapy’s Foundation to assemble and distribute tailored care packages that directly address the day-to-day challenges patients face during treatment.
“These care bags are born from lived experience and a simple idea, when someone walks through the hospital doors, they should not have to carry worry on top of treatment,” said Peter Sleap, Founder of Sleapy’s Foundation.
“We know the small comforts, can make an enormous difference. These packs are our way of stepping in with practical and emotional support when it matters most.”
Calvary Mater Newcastle Cancer Services Operations Manager, Marissa Ledlin, thanked Sleapy’s Foundation and the Lyone Foundation for their support.
“We are deeply grateful for this thoughtful and generous donation. These packs will help make what can be a difficult time for our patients a little easier,” Ms Ledlin said.
“Calvary Mater Newcastle is the major cancer care centre in the Hunter ensuring people living with head and neck cancer receive the best possible care. To be able to provide this practical support to our patients is truly fabulous.”
About the care bags
The packs have been curated in consultation with clinicians to help manage common treatment side effects such as sore and dry mouth, swallowing difficulties, nausea, fatigue and skin reactions.
Each bag contains essential items and practical supports to reduce financial pressure and improve day-to-day wellbeing, including:
MooGoo Cream
MooGoo Cleanser
MooGoo Lip Balm
Biotène mouthwash
Thermometer
Bicarb soda
Toiletry bag
Pen & notepad
Find-a-word puzzle book
Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle magazine
$50 Coles voucher
Water bottle
Sleapy’s Foundation was established following Peter Sleap’s own throat cancer battle at Calvary Mater Newcastle.
The Foundation was born from gratitude for the kindness shown during his treatment and a determination to “pay it forward.”
These care bags remove barriers to accessing essential items, provide comfort during a difficult time, and reinforce the Foundation’s message, there to care.
