Saving local cancer patients hundreds of dollars in transport costs, with Gold Coast Hospital Foundation’s three brand new Cancer Patient Transport vehicles, thanks to a generous donation from James Frizelle Charitable Foundation.

Imagine battling a life-threatening illness while worrying about how to get to and from the hospital for your life-saving chemotherapy and radiation treatments. That is the reality for thousands of local cancer patients every year.

Since 2015, the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation has been managing and funding a fleet of vehicles to help support our local community. Last year the fleet made over 3,600 trips, helping local cancer patients gain transport access to critical treatment services at Gold Coast Hospitals.

And now, thanks to an incredible donation from the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation, the fleet has been upgraded with three new KIA Carnivals. These new vehicles will be on the road 5-days a week, travelling across the Gold Coast to support our local community. This provides patients peace of mind and allows them to focus less on how they will get their critical treatments and more on fighting their disease.

Joe and Russell proudly share the arrival of the new vehicles with Trish Harris and James Frizelle from James Frizelle Charitable Foundation

“Last year, the Cancer Patient Transport vehicles helped just under 2,000 patients make it to their critical chemotherapy and radiation treatments on time. This vital service is one of the Foundation’s largest financial commitments, with costs nearing $250,000 per year. We are deeply grateful to our cancer patient transport supporters, like the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation, for their generous contributions. Without their support, we couldn’t provide local cancer patients with such a critical service during their treatment journey. Making a difference to the health outcomes of our local community is very important to us,” said Russell Ousley, Gold Coast Hospital Foundation CEO.

Local cancer patient Robert Sketcher knows firsthand the life-changing impact the Cancer Patient Transport Vehicles can have. Robert has endured an agonising battle with a rapidly spreading squamous cell carcinoma. Following his diagnosis, he was admitted to Gold Coast University Hospital, where he faced three major surgeries to remove a 58mm tumour from his lip and chin. These procedures also involved the removal of his lymph nodes, teeth, and bottom lip, followed by a complex reconstruction with two skin grafts. Robert spent four weeks in ICU, fighting for recovery, and an additional seven weeks in the ward, where he worked tirelessly to regain his strength and relearn how to speak with the help of Speech and Occupational Therapists.

Now, Robert faces the next challenge of his recovery: 30 rounds of radiation treatment, requiring daily trips to Gold Coast University Hospital, five days a week. Before discovering the Cancer Transport Service, Robert had to rely on taxis, costing him hundreds of dollars. He was also the first patient to use one of the Foundation’s new vehicles and feels fortunate to have access to such a vital service.

“I felt quite privileged being the first Cancer Transport Service passenger to use one of the new cars. There is a lot of legroom in the back, and it’s easy to get in and out of. It makes a huge difference to me, not having to worry about how I will get to and from my radiation appointments,” said Robert.

Cancer Patient Service passenger, Robert with his driver Lex.

James Frizelle and Trish Harris from the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation have made an extraordinary impact on the Gold Coast community through their philanthropic support of health initiatives. They have been strong supporters of the Cancer Transport Service for many years. When the vehicles needed upgrading, Trish and James generously funded three brand new Kia Carnivals, ensuring the service’s continuation for years to come.

“We are proud to support the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Transport Service, which provides critical assistance to those in need within our community. It’s incredibly important to us to help ease the worry and burden of traveling to and from the hospital when someone is unwell, allowing them to focus solely on their cancer treatment,” said James Frizelle.

The new vehicles are now out in the local community, ensuring local patients have access to critical services when they need it most.

Watch the 9 News Gold Coast Coverage here. 

Watch the 7 News Gold Coast coverage here.