LITTLE Tayla Hirst isn't quite five yet and already she has endured more than any one should have to.
Diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer seven months ago, she has undergone two operations and six lots of chemotherapy.
Tayla is just one of the 11 local children and their families being given a helping hand by Country Hope.
As the global financial crisis continues to bite, the city's major supporter of seriously ill children has experienced a significant drop in crucial donations.
They spend thousands of dollars a week helping children diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and their families in and around Griffith.
But with money going out "twice as fast" as it is coming in each week Country Hope deputy chair Babs Donaldson said it was imperative that locals were made aware of the need.
"I do realise that people are doing it tough in Griffith. And we are very grateful for the support we do receive from everyone," she said.
"But money really is going out twice as fast as it's coming in at the moment for us.
"All of the money we raise in Griffith for Country Hope stays here and goes into an account in Griffith to help our children."
Mrs Donaldson said of the 11 children on their books, seven were very ill.
"We don't just lend support to cancer patients. These beautiful children have a range of extremely rare life illnesses," she said.
"They have to spend a lot of time in hospital undergoing treatment and that can put a lot of pressure on their families.
"Airfares alone cost us so much, but we also help cover things like medical costs, petrol vouchers, food hampers, clothing, shoes and counselling."
Tayla's parents Tammy and David, brother Bradley, 11 and sister Kiara, 3 had their world turned upside down when doctors diagnosed four-year-old Tayla with Hepatocellular carcinoma.
With the help of Country Hope Tammy said they were taking each day as it comes.
"Country Hope has been terrific," she said.
"I'm not sure how we would have managed without them. Mainly for our flights and last minute cancellations, it's one less stress when you have so much to cope with."
Three-year-old Abby suffers from a rare kidney disorder. The Butchers are also extremely grateful for the support they receive.
They had hoped to enjoy Christmas at home with her last year but instead she had to be rushed to Sydney to have surgery on her kidney and have her gall bladder removed.
She came home at the beginning of February and now attends East Griffith Preschool once a week.
"The thing is with Abby we don't fall under any other umbrella, our only support is Country Hope and they are fantastic," Abby's mum Bec said.
"She has been to preschool three times this year and she loves it. She only cried once and that was when I came to pick her up and take her home."
Locals are being urged to support Country Hope in any way they can. Mrs Donaldson said new members, with fresh ideas about how they can raise funds, were always welcomed.
If you can help Country Hope call Babs on 6962 2056.
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