Deborra-lee Furness and Hugh Jackman proud South Australian children will receive more cancer support

Fight Cancer Foundation’s Patrons Deborra-lee Furness and Hugh Jackman are proud South Australian children can now access additional cancer support services as the Foundation launches its activities tonight, 6:00pm at the John Halbert Room at the Adelaide Oval.

In partnership with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation, Fight Cancer Foundation will deliver Back on Track, the first dedicated education support program for children with cancer in the state.

“As we all know, children and young people undergoing long term cancer treatment often ‘disconnect’ from their schools and peer groups. Back on Track is designed to maintain those connections enabling their education to continue through the treatment and recovery,” said Hugh.

“My mum Fay Duncan, a founding member of Fight Cancer Foundation and former President, is passionate about this program so that all young patients who miss school during cancer treatment are given education support so they will have the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve their life goals and dreams,” said Deborra-lee.

“Together we can make a difference,” said Deborra-lee and Hugh.

Back on Track currently runs at major paediatric hospitals Australia-wide and provides a rich learning experience for children and young people so their journey as learners continues while they receive treatment for cancer and are often absent from school for long periods.

Managing Director, Eric Wright believes that Fight Cancer Foundation’s Back on Track program will bring new hope to many young South Australians living with cancer.

“We look forward to establishing a strong presence in Adelaide through Back on Track, Footy Colours Day and the Red Ball to help fulfil our mission of giving hope and saving the lives of South Australians living with cancer.”

Back on Track education support program

Back on Track provides a rich experience for children and young people so their journey as learners continues while they receive treatment for cancer. The program aims to make the transition back to school as seamless as possible by keeping learners connected to their regular learning environment and peers.

Back on Track is based on sound education principles and proven methods of engaging learners in learning. Specialist Education Advisors liaise with learners’ families and medical teams to develop an individual program that documents learning goals and achievements, and informs the learning that takes place in each education session.

In Adelaide, Back on Track aims to incorporate integrated learning activities that provide the opportunity for learners to use a range of knowledge areas to achieve goals. The program works around learners’ wellbeing, treatment, individual needs and ‘good and bad days’. Importantly, it provides learning and communication strategies that are supported by a partnership between schools, treating hospital education institutes and families.