Bells Lewers, a mother battling bowel cancer, is campaigning for a simplified benefits system for cancer patients, highlighting the stress and difficulties she faced during her treatment.
A mum who has bowel cancer is calling for change to help cancer patients get easier access to financial support during treatment. Bells Lewers, from Chester, is lobbying parliament after her petition to create a fast-track benefit system for those living with cancer attracted thousands of signatures. The 56-year-old mum-of-two was turned down for assistance twice, first while undergoing chemotherapy and then after being diagnosed with cancer a second time in January 2024.
She was awarded financial support at a tribunal after nine months of waiting but said the journey had been 'extremely trying in an unexpected way'.She said: 'Part of being a cancer patient involves filling out a lot of forms and battling the benefits system. 'I had help and support from the amazing staff at Maggies, and I still found it all bewildering, immensely stressful and, frankly, ridiculous.' Ms Lewers said most people in her situation either go back to work too soon, rely on family and friends or get themselves into debt through circumstance. She added that the energy and the emotion it takes to make it through the benefits process, which she said is not fit for purpose, makes recovery 'all the more difficult'.'If you've done the right thing all your life, paying into the system, surely this is the moment you'd expect it to support you so you can get there?'Ms Lewers says the benefits process for cancer patients is not fit for purpose and makes recovery 'all the more difficult''I want meaningful change to help cancer sufferers, their medical teams and maybe even save the government hours of unnecessary admin,' she said
Cancer Benefits Financial Support Health System Patient Advocacy
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Teenage cancer patient from Derbyshire completes 3,000 push-upsAdam Dabrowski, 15, completed 100 push-ups a day for 30 days to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Read more »
Firefighters surprise cancer patient at Riley Hospital during bell ringing ceremonyAfter 860 days of chemotherapy, 17-year-old Benny Ray rang the bell at Riley Hospital to celebrate the end of his leukemia treatment — but his day was made even more special by a familiar surprise.
Read more »
Local organizations join forces to help cancer patient spend holidays at home with familyLocal organizations are coming together to help a cancer patient and father spend the holidays at home with his family and children.
Read more »
Surgeon Develops Identical Tumor After Transplanting Patient's CancerA German surgeon accidentally transplanted cells from a patient's malignant tumor into his own hand during surgery, leading to the development of an identical cancerous tumor.
Read more »
Cancer Patient Runs Marcothon Challenge During ChemotherapySam Wilkes, a colon cancer patient from Jersey, completed the annual Marcothon challenge while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Despite the challenges posed by the illness and treatment, Wilkes persevered, finding support and encouragement from fellow runners.
Read more »
Jiri Prochazka Sends Wholesome Response to Cancer Patient with UFC Star’s ‘War Hair'Shaving her head for chemotherapy, one UFC fan recreated Jiri Prochakza's iconic look.
Read more »