When Monica became her brother Joseph’s primary carer during his battle with prostate cancer, transport quickly became more than a practical need, it became essential care.
At KINTO, our partnership with Gather My Crew gives us a window into the real stories behind help and care, where transport is often the missing piece.
This is Monica’s story, and it shows just how vital simply getting to an appointment can be.
Recently, I lost my brother, Joseph, to prostate cancer. I was his primary carer.
In the final months of his life, one thing became increasingly clear: transport wasn’t just a logistical detail, it was essential care.
As Joseph became more unwell, he relied on me more and more to drive him to appointments, transfusions, and hospital visits, on top of everything else that caring involved. Getting him where he needed to be, safely and on time, became a constant responsibility, and a heavy one.
I was struggling. In truth, I was breaking.
People often say, “Let me know if you need anything.” Friends and family genuinely wanted to help. But coordinating lifts, schedules, appointments, and availability while already exhausted and grieving, felt impossible. Even setting up a shared calendar required energy I simply didn’t have.
Then I remembered a podcast where Mia Freedman mentioned an app that helped organise meals for a friend recovering from surgery. I couldn’t remember the name, but a quick search led me to Gather My Crew and I knew I’d found what we needed.
Within a week, I’d set up our crew and the tasks that mattered most.
Joseph suddenly had drivers for his three-times-weekly hospital visits that no longer rested solely on my shoulders. Transport, which had been a major source of stress, became shared.
That shift mattered more than I can express.
Not only did it give me precious respite, it gave Joseph something just as important: connection. Each drive became a chance to catch up with friends from different chapters of his life. The simple act of being driven by someone who cared reminded him that he wasn’t facing this alone.
As his needs increased and he could no longer cook for himself, the crew expanded beyond transport. Meals were added. Laughter followed. It even became a running joke about who made the best breakfast or dinner.
What struck me most was how the app eased pressure on both sides of care. Asking for help can feel unbearable. Saying no can feel just as hard. Clear tasks like driving to an appointment, made it easier for people to offer help they genuinely could give, without guilt or overwhelm.
Transport became more than a lift. It became dignity, relief, and shared responsibility.
I can’t thank Gather My Crew enough for easing the load during one of the most difficult times of my life. I now tell everyone I know to remember it, even if they don’t need it yet. Because when the time comes, having support ready can make all the difference.
Getting to where you need to go shouldn’t be the hardest part of caring.
That’s why KINTO and Gather My Crew are working together, helping ensure more people can get to appointments, to loved ones, and to care, safely and flexibly, when it matters most. To read more stories from users of the Gather My Crew app, or to find out more about the charity itself, head to gathermycrew.org.au
