Introduction
LIA is delighted to collaborate with Childhood Cancer Ireland on this volunteering programme. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for LIA Members to leverage their financial expertise to support families grappling with the profound challenges of childhood cancer.
An average of 353 children and young adults aged 0-24 are newly diagnosed with childhood cancer every year in Ireland. That means that 7 families receive a devastating diagnosis of childhood cancer every week!
A diagnosis often leads to the loss of one income, reducing the average family income to €3,670 per month. Despite free cancer treatments for young patients in Ireland, families face substantial extra costs for medications, counselling, play therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, averaging €4,178 yearly. Additionally, hidden costs such as travel, accommodation, and food add about €989 monthly.
Acknowledging these financial strains, this partnership aims to ease the burden and offer practical support to those dealing with the financial repercussions of childhood cancer.
How LIA Members can get involvedChildhood Cancer Ireland are seeking LIA members who are QFA or CFP® professionals willing to volunteer their financial expertise to assist families of children undergoing cancer treatment. Our members possess specialised financial knowledge that can be critical to families dealing with the financial fallout of cancer treatment. This collaboration allows our members to use their skills in a new and deeply impactful way, as well as contribute to their own professional growth. LIA members can volunteer in two ways:
and/or
If you would like to get involved simply complete this form and the Childhood Cancer Ireland team will be in touch with you. You can find more information at the end of this page. |
Partnership Overview
LIA has chosen to partner with Childhood Cancer Ireland because of their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families affected by cancer. Childhood Cancer Ireland’s dedication, expertise and comprehensive support services align perfectly with LIA’s vision to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Through this collaboration, we are empowering our members to make a deeply meaningful difference. A growing number of LIA members have stepped forward as volunteers, generously offering their time, compassion, and professional expertise to support families navigating one of life’s most difficult journeys. Many of these volunteers are already actively working with families, providing practical support and comfort when it’s needed most. Their involvement is making a real difference — bringing guidance, relief, and hope to those facing the challenges of childhood cancer.
This collaboration is more than a partnership; it’s a shared vision to touch lives, inspire change and foster a community where expertise meets empathy in the most impactful way.
" We still had to take the decision to pay interest only on our mortgage for 6 months. Dealing with the bank was extremely stressful at an already stressful time."
About Childhood Cancer Ireland
Child
hood Cancer Ireland , founded in 2013, is the national parent and survivor-led charity representing the voice of children and young people with cancer, survivors and their families. This is a charity founded and led by parents of children with cancer and survivors of cancer.
Childhood Cancer Ireland helps to ease the burden of diagnosis and treatment on children and their families by providing practical and emotional support throughout the journey.
Childhood Cancer Ireland campaigns for better services for families and survivors, as well as better treatments and outcomes for children and young people by ensuring that their views are embedded in policy and practice.
As part of their mission, they want to ensure that more children who are diagnosed with cancer survive childhood cancer and thrive as adults through early diagnosis.
Podcast - Financial Advice for Families Fighting Childhood Cancer
Featuring LIA CEO Joanne Keane & Richard Ferris.
We are delighted to feature on a very special podcast shining a light on the impact of our Gold Ribbon Volunteer Programme, in partnership with Childhood Cancer Ireland.
In this moving conversation:
Joanne Keane, CEO of LIA, shares why financial literacy and access to expert advice is so vital when a family faces the upheaval of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Richard Ferris CFP®, LIA member and Gold Ribbon Volunteer, reflects on his own family’s experience when his daughter was diagnosed with cancer at just 18 months - and why he now gives his time and expertise to support other families during their toughest days.
A Guide to Volunteering with Childhood Cancer Ireland
Below, you will find information about our volunteering process. Learn how, as a member of LIA, you can offer your expertise to assist families coping with the complexities of a childhood cancer diagnosis.
If you are interested in volunteering to provide financial planning support to families or participate as a speaker at a regional parent and survivor workshop, and currently hold the QFA and/or CFP certification please submit your application here.
Childhood Cancer Ireland will assess the application and follow up to confirm acceptance within 72 hours of receiving the application.
Assuming acceptance, you will then receive a welcome email from Childhood Cancer Ireland, along with a unique Childhood Cancer Ireland member number and access to their online members’ area which will contain essential resources related to volunteering activities.
If volunteering to provide financial planning support, a family may contact Childhood Cancer Ireland directly or Childhood Cancer Ireland may accept a referral from a trusted 3rd party on behalf of a family.
Childhood Cancer Ireland will match a family to a volunteer in their locality where possible.
When this occurs Childhood Cancer Ireland will:
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Contact the volunteer to confirm availability.
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Seek basic information from the family and permission to share contact details with the volunteer. The family will then make direct contact with the volunteer.
You will then enter into a Volunteering Agreement with the parents you are advising. This agreement affirms your dedication to conducting a thorough financial review and underscores your commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and ethical conduct in the services you provide.
By volunteering in the programme to provide financial planning support to families, you undertake to provide the financial planning advice service on a voluntary basis, with no fees chargeable to the families. The objective of this programme is to provide support without imposing any additional financial burdens on families.
An initial financial review will take place to assess the needs and goals of the family followed by a planning meeting. A review meeting will take place between 3 or 6 months later, depending on the circumstances.
The volunteer will confirm with Childhood Cancer Iireland that the reviews have taken place, ensuring transparency and integrity.
The typical volunteer commitment may vary, potentially requiring anything from 3-6 hours monthly for financial planning support. This engagement is adaptable and often less, depending on individual circumstances and availability. The scheduling is highly flexible, allowing for a balance with personal schedules and commitments.
If you are volunteering to participate as a speaker at the parent and survivor workshops the time commitment will vary from a single event to multiple events, based on your availability.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
Whether you're curious about getting involved or need help with your next step, our friendly teams are just a call or email away.
LIA Team - Email Member Services at membership@lia.ie or Phone 01-4563890.
Childhood Cancer Ireland Team - Email financialsupport@childhoodcancer.ie.