Therapy on Wheels has received a significant grant from Bankwest as part of its “Best in the West” funding partnership with 9News.
Therapy on Wheels is a not-for-profit organisation which takes passengers down the drag strip from 0-200+kph in 10 seconds in a highly modified, ‘one in the world’ Supercharged Hellcat Mercedes Benz.
The $5,000 grant Therapy on Wheels has received will be used to continue supporting those affected by cancer.
“We do this to not just raise cancer awareness but to also improve the mental wellbeing of cancer patients and their families through adrenaline-based participation in motorsport,” Therapy on Wheels Founder and Director, Andy Kahle, said.
The motivation behind Therapy on Wheels is Kahle’s own cancer survival story. The West Aussie was about to start her dream of drag racing, but in March 2010 – just a couple of months before she was set to sit for her race license – she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer.
Deciding to utilise the strength of the motorsport community, friends and family who surrounded her, Kahle set her focus on achieving her dream of drag racing. After 10 years of ‘all clear’ cancer tests, and lots of racing, Kahle and her husband Mick created Therapy on Wheels.
Dealing with the anxieties surrounding a cancer diagnosis combined with life’s daily stresses can take its toll on not only a patients’ recovery process, but also on the mental wellbeing of the entire family. Kahle explains that Therapy on Wheels has brought the motorsport community together to provide the kind of support that keeps the whole family smiling.
“While being strapped into the seat of a 200kph+ Supercharged Hellcat Mercedes Benz drag race car may not seem like therapy, there’s a lot more to motorsport than just the squeal of tyres and roar of engines,” Kahle said.
“Adrenaline based activity has long been used to increase endorphins, in turn aiding in the decrease of stress, depression and anxiety.
“This kind of therapy allows patients and families to recharge their emotional batteries with a big smile.
“With the Bankwest grant, my team and I look forward to continuing to provide this unique adrenaline rush experience to those affected by cancer and their families.”
For more information on Therapy on Wheels, visit https://www.therapyonwheels.asn.au/
Bankwest has partnered with 9News to celebrate and recognise local heroes – both the people doing it tough, and the ones lending a helping hand to those in need. Individuals, organisations or community groups can be nominated to receive one of 13 $5,000 grants. To learn more about the ‘Best in the West’ program, visit https://www.bankwest.com.au/about-us/community/best-of-the-west