COUCH, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing cancer-related wellness services and support for Far North Queensland locals, is proud to donate legacy funds to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Working in partnership with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, COUCH and the Foundation have always been committed to caring for locals through their cancer and health journey.
Rewind to 2006, when a phone call from local Liz Plummer to the late Charles Woodward enlightened him to the plight of cancer patients having to travel south for treatment. At that time, Liz was undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer in Brisbane.
The first public meeting was held for the formation of an oncology unit at the local Cairns Hospital, and the Committee for Oncology Unit Cairns Hospital (COUCH) was formed.
Through extensive lobbying, a massive local campaign and fundraising efforts the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre opened in 2011. The centre provided much-needed oncology services for the first time to the locals of Far North Queensland.
Today, COUCH has donated $5946.40 to the Cancer Care Hub at the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre. The donation comes at a perfect time, as the Hospital Foundation is running a campaign to raise $1.5 million dollars to further improve cancer services at the centre.
COUCH Co-founder Pip Woodward said the organisation was thrilled it could support the Hospital Foundation to improve cancer services for locals.
“When COUCH became its own charitable entity 2014, the board of directors agreed to leave the remaining portion of community raised funds aside to be used at some point in the future for cancer treatment equipment and collaborative projects with the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre,” Mrs Woodward said.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said both organisations provide distinct services to those affected by cancer, yet share the same goal to improve their outcomes and living well. “We’re pleased to continue working together and appreciate this considerate gesture,” Mrs Hogan said.
COUCH has been committed to improving the health and cancer care journey of locals in Far North Queensland. The organisation was formed in 2006 and played a pivotal role in the opening of the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre in 2011, which provided oncology services for the first time to the people of Far North Queensland. Today, COUCH continues to support cancer care initiatives in partnership with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, including the recent donation of legacy funds to the Cancer Care Hub.
Photo: Rear: COUCH Corporate Services Manager Karen Mounsey, COUCH Secretary Michael Woodward, Foundation CEO Gina Hogan, COUCH Chairman Dr Scott Davis and COUCH co-founder Pip Woodward celebrate the transfer of legacy funds.
