One of the great ironies of melanoma is that it is, on the whole, highly and successfully treatable if caught early, making regular skin checks a powerful ‘final defence’ against this potentially life-threatening cancer. Up to 90% of early-stage melanomas are treatable with a simple (local anaesthetic) procedure.
Unfortunately, a late-stage melanoma diagnosis isn’t quite so straightforward. It doesn’t just affect your health, it affects your whole life. The Neil Evans Melanoma Foundation (NEMF) Patient Fund, the first of its kind in Australia, was launched to help support and comfort late-stage melanoma patients when they need it the most. It directly supports them with access to treatments and trials, other vital services such as transport and accommodation, and psychological support.
What is ‘advanced’ or ‘late-stage’ melanoma?
Advanced-stage melanoma, also known as late-stage melanoma, is when someone’s melanoma is determined to have progressed beyond its original site to other parts of their body. Melanoma stages are diagnosed or labelled one (I) through four (IV). The higher the stage, the further the cancer has spread, and the more challenging it is to cure.
Since its launch just over three years ago, the Fund has now provided vital support to over a dozen Australians living with advanced melanoma.
Thanks to our incredible community of donors and supporters, here’s a snapshot of the difference we’ve been able to make in patients’ lives:
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Psychiatric care: We’ve funded specialist mental health support for a patient diagnosed with late-stage melanoma. Supporting patients with this type of care vitally recognises that psychological well-being during cancer treatment is just as crucial as physical treatment.
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Clinical trial access: Two patients gained access to promising clinical trial infusions, expanding their treatment options and hope for the future.
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Travel and accommodation: We supported a patient undergoing treatment at GenesisCare at Mater Hospital North Sydney with transport and lodging, removing those extra logistical burdens and enabling them to focus on themselves and their treatment.
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Medication funding: For a patient who had exceeded their Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) limit, we stepped in to cover what the PBS couldn’t.
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Side‑effect management: A young patient dealing with severe immunotherapy side effects received financial assistance for life‑changing colitis medication.
Why it matters!
Melanoma treatments—especially immunotherapies and clinical trials—can be prohibitively expensive. While Australia’s PBS now subsidises some treatments, many patients still face large out‑of‑pocket costs for medications, trials, travel, and specialist care. That’s where our Patient Fund comes in; to bridge these gaps so patients can focus on recovery, not finances.
By addressing a broad range of expenses, the Fund reflects the diverse and complex needs of melanoma patients, and enables us to make a direct and positive impact on patients’ (and their families’) lives.
To our donors, partners, and donors: this is your Fund. Every grant, every journey we’re able to support, and every trial accessed is thanks to your continued generosity and a shared belief that together, we can beat melanoma, for good.
Make a difference. Make a donation today.
