Myles' Miracle Mission- CANcer ASSIST
Myles' Miracle Mission ~ was formed in June, 2003 as the result of Myles' battle with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumour. Determined to beat the disease Myles together with his parents spent thousands of hours researching in the hopes to educate themselves about cancer, the relationship with environment and cancer, and cancer prevention. Hundreds of hours where also spent on raising money for the cure, with proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society. In fact, Myles was the Top fundraiser in all of Canada two years in a row for the C.C.S Relay for Life event, raising over $70,000.00.
Through their research, they were shocked to learn staggering statistics that 149,000 new cases of cancer and 69,500 deaths will occur in the year 2005. That is 2, 850 Canadians will be diagnosed each week with cancer. They have also learned that less then 5% of budgets are being spent on cancer prevention. Myles' Miracle Mission also learned that although thousands of dollars where being raised locally in Chatham-Kent there was no financial assistance offered to those who have given to C.C.S over the years. These same individuals and their families where left on their own to find a way to get the help they needed, some left to make a choice of paying rent, mortgage or get that trial drug.
Since 2003 Myles' Miracle Mission has had an opportunity to hear and witness the effects that a cancer diagnosis can leave. Through their relentless awareness and fundraising programs they have heard first hand how a cancer diagnosis can have a devastating financial impact on survivors and their families. Two types of expenses are associated with cancer care: 1) direct medical costs and 2) related non-medical expenses such as travel to and from treatments, doctor appointments, child care, housekeeping assistance and home care products.
Although most of the expense in treatment is covered, there is some who fall between the cracks for whatever reason. However, few people are prepared for the non-medical costs related to this illness. Most non-medical items are not covered including treatment related consumer products.
Up until 2005 money raised by Myles' Miracle Mission went to other child charities and families in Chatham-Kent with a child who had cancer. During our recent cancer mapping project we learned through the community's voice that they also needed help. These individuals have asked for our help, they have exhausted all other venues and so we have decided to change our mandate to include all the families young or old in Chatham-Kent who have a diagnosis and have no where to turn for cancer relief. We then changed the organizations name to reflect those needs, 'Myles' Miracle Mission - CANcer ASSIST.