By Goya Dmytryshchak
A Good Friday Easter egg hunt will be held at Altona North to raise funds for a Point Cook man whose anti-cancer medication is costing $6800 a month.
Claude Mongelli, a father-of-two who worked two jobs to support his family, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2012.
He now has metastatic tumors in his lungs and brain, and cancer in his pelvis.
Mr Mongelli’s wife, Jane Pastore, said there was a drug called Inlyta (axitinib) that could help with her husband’s treatment by blocking the blood supply to cancer cells.
“However, it is not yet covered by the government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme,”
she said. “The treatment per month is $6800.
“We are like a lot of struggling families: we have a mortgage, two small children and daily bills that sometimes we can’t meet.
“It’s not only my husband who needs it, it’s many other families that require medication and they just can’t afford it. And these medications are available in other countries at a more affordable fee.”
Ms Pastore’s sister, Sylvia Pastore, of Altona, organised this Friday’s event and also started a GoFundMe online campaign with the goal of raising $20,000.
“Seeing my sister and her kids struggle is tough for all of us,” Sylvia said. “Their kids need to have a future and, while I can’t do anything about the medication or Claude’s cancer, I can do something to ensure there is some financial help for her kids and her.”
The Inner West (Melbourne) Buy Swap & Sell Facebook group, which has raised more than $13,000 for Mr Mongelli, has donated items for the Easter egg hunt. It will be held at Early Learners, 272 Millers Road, Altona North, from 10am-noon.
Entry is $5 for children over two, with children under two and adults admitted by gold coin donation. Bookings are required.
Payment and donations can be made via the GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/claudescause.
For more information, email smp191172@gmail.com or call 93323012.
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