Personal stories

Just weeks into retirement, Karen’s life changed with a bowel cancer diagnosis. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, she is learning to navigate treatment while focusing on living fully in the present.

With Toyota proudly backing the volunteer program, more than 600 Pink Army volunteers helped transform the Pink Test into a sea of pink, raising vital funds to support McGrath Cancer Care Nurses.

Pink Stumps Day saw local cricket clubs across Manly Warringah swap their whites for pink and rally behind a shared cause. With the support of ambassador Sam Konstas, the day proved the power of community-led action in supporting people facing cancer.

For Sharon and Graham, giving is simply part of who they are. Inspired by fairness, service and the belief that everyone deserves access to free, expert cancer care, their regular support helps ensure McGrath Cancer Care Nurses can be there when families need them most.

For Simon, cricket has always been more than a game, it’s been a lifelong passion, a family tradition, and ultimately, a bridge to supporting a cause that means the world to him.

Trisha joined our Pink Army of volunteers in honour of her sister, Sue. In 2022, Sue was diagnosed with stage-four cancer, so she rallied family and friends to lend a hand at last year’s NRMA Insurance Pink Test.

Anne and Rakhi first crossed paths as registered nurses in the same hospital ward. Their bond grew even stronger in 2019, when Anne was diagnosed with breast cancer and again 18 months later, when Rakhi faced her own diagnosis.

“The day was just fantastic - beautiful weather, beautiful company, generous people and a great cause. I walked away thinking I’ve made a contribution. It felt really good and I’ll be back there in January.” 

For Deb McKnight, going through lung cancer has meant constant upheaval. Shifting treatments, the required closure of her small business and the emotional toll of not having family close have only deepened the hardship.

Vicky became a regular donor after learning McGrath Cancer Care Nurses now support people going through all types of cancer. Having been through cancer three times, she knows first-hand the difference their care makes.

Jade Wendt, 45, had just finished supporting her mum through breast cancer when she was diagnosed herself. Four months later, her husband David, 44, “stole her limelight” when he was diagnosed with renal cancer while she was midway through her third round of chemotherapy.   

Marie Laing has been a cancer care nurse for 17 years and is based in Canberra. She is one of our first McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to specialise in lung cancer.