Q: Why was the Foundation set up?
A: Establishing the Foundation was Cindy's idea and the driving force behind its establishment is her husband, John O'Leary, along with friends and volunteers on the Coast.
During her own treatment for breast cancer, Cindy met many other sufferers and their families. It became apparent to Cindy during this time that a grassroots organisation was needed on the Sunshine Coast to help with the little things that make a difference to those suffering from cancer and their families.

Q: What is the Foundation all about?
A: The Foundation is all about making a difference to families living with breast cancer that may be financially, as well as emotionally, challenged by the illness.

Q: What does the Foundation do and what are its objectives?
A: The Foundation's guiding vision is "helping families, making a difference". Its objectives are to support and assist Sunshine Coast breast cancer sufferers and their families, particularly those patients who are terminally ill; assist patients to cope with their illness; provide them and their families with appropriate and practical support including financial, emotional and advisory; and ensure the funds it raises on the Sunshine are directed, in the first instance to breast cancer sufferers living on the Coast.

Q:How do you help breast cancer sufferers and their families?
A: Provide practical domestic support for example home cooked nutritious meals, cleaning, child care, ironing, gardening; creating special memories with family for example sending the family on a small holiday, creating a memory book; emotional support and financial assistance for example. supplementing pharmacy bills, an occasional massage or purchase of a prosthesis

Q: What are your long term objectives?
A: Continue to build the Foundation awareness through continual fund raising events so that funds can be disbursed to breast cancer sufferers and their families

Q: You are just launching this Foundation, when will you provide assistance to families?
A: With the help and support of the Sunshine Coast community our goal is to start providing support before the end of 2008.

Q: How do breast cancer sufferers apply for assistance?
A: A: Please email the Foundation on info@cmbcf.com.au and an application will be mailed to you. Application criteria is currently being finalised and will be available shortly.

Q: Do breast cancer sufferers need to apply in person or can a friend/relative apply on their behalf?
A: Yes, others can apply on their behalf, e.g. health care worker, friend or relative.

Q: What can breast cancer sufferers apply for?
A: Home help (housework, ironing, gardening, meals, hanging out the washing); pharmacy assistance; transportation to treatment.

Q: Can people apply who have received a grant previously from other sources i.e. the QLD Cancer Foundation?
A: Yes.

Q: Do I apply for a one-off cash donation during my treatment?
A: The Foundation will not give cash donations; however, applications can be made through The Cancer Council Queensland for one-off financial assistance.

Q: Do you prioritise families above singles, terminal cases above non-terminal cases?
A: Each application is discussed and evaluated on its own merit.

Q: Who approves the application?
A: Upon approval by the Foundation's Education and Public Awareness sub-committee the application will be submitted to the Foundation Management Committee for a final decision.

Q: I'd like to support the Foundation, how can I help?
A: Organise a fundraising event; event sponsorship; Become a Founding Friend; make salary deductions and get your employer to match; purchase or sell merchandise; make cash donation to the Foundation in lieu of presents or flowers; organize a free dress day at your school or work place. For further details visit our website at www.cmbcf.com.au

Q: Someone I know has passed away and the family wishes to have donations made to the Foundation instead of sending flowers.
A: The family can request this in the funeral notice in the newspaper. Should envelopes be required at the funeral service the Foundation would be pleased to facilitate this. Please phone 1300 557 710.

Q: What is the status of the charity?
A: The Foundation received its incorporated association status on March 29, 2007. The foundation also has current Deductable Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which means donations over $2 are tax deductable as per the Australian Taxation Office regulations.

Q: Is there anything else like this on the Coast?
A: We are a local charity supporting families on the Sunshine Coast. Our unique point of difference is the money raised on the Coast will stay on the Coast.

Q:Why did you set this up and not become a part of one of the National Breast Cancer Organisations?
A: There are many fabulous breast cancer charities around Queensland and Australia, but only the Cindy Mackenzie Breast Cancer Foundation is specifically aimed at helping the Sunshine Coast community.

Q: How much is public education part of what you do?
A: Public education is very important. We have links on our website to other breast cancer organizations. A number of our Ambassadors and General Committee are either breast cancer survivors or involved in cancer care. They are committed to raising awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer and to promoting the activities of the Foundation within our community.

Q: How are you managed?
A: The Foundation is managed by a Management Committee and sub-committee of volunteers who are committed to maintaining the vision of Cindy Mackenzie and who have the best interests of the Foundation at heart. They have a wide range of professional skills and a strong sense of commitment to the Sunshine Coast community.