Personal stories

Rebecca, a 39-year-old bowel cancer patient from the Adelaide Hills, describes her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Carissa Stone as someone who supports every aspect of life with cancer, not just the medical side. From managing chemotherapy side effects and body changes after surgery to conversations about skincare, sexual health and early menopause. Rebecca values how accessible and non-judgemental this support is, noting it's easier to text Carissa than book an appointment, and that Carissa always knows the right questions to ask. Carissa, in turn, describes her role as helping Rebecca reconnect with herself holistically, encouraging her to slow down and prioritise her own wellbeing rather than focusing solely on others.

For Trisha and Luke, volunteering at the NRMA Insurance Pink Test is personal. Their family experienced firsthand the difference a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse can make when Sue, Trisha's sister and Luke's mum, was cared for by Nurse Sam through her cancer treatment. Now, on the anniversary of Sue's birthday, they return to Pink Army Headquarters each year to celebrate her life, give back to a cause she loved, and help more families access the same support.

Brisbane paediatric nurse, Lachana, has spent her career caring for children and supporting families through some of life's most difficult moments. In 2025, as a new mother, she found herself facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

Known as the “Pink Man of Kilcoy”, Harold has worn pink every day for more than 25 years to honour his late wife and raise awareness of breast cancer. Despite experiencing significant personal loss and his own cancer diagnosis, Harold continues to support his community through fundraising and advocacy, serving as a proud ambassador for Pink Up Kilcoy and the McGrath Foundation.

Inspired by the McGrath Foundation and a simple lesson about giving, 11-year-old Owen turned an idea into a fundraising tradition at his local cricket club. By selling pink lolly bags at Pakenham Cricket Club's Pink Ladies Day, Owen has raised almost $4,000 over three years to help fund McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, demonstrating how small acts of community fundraising can make a meaningful difference.

Kerry Patford is the Chief Nurse at the McGrath Foundation, where she supports, mentors, and collaborates with Nurse Clinical Leads across all Australian states and territories alongside the cohort of McGrath Cancer Care Nurses spread across Australia.

As a mum of three, Meg was used to being on the go, balancing family life with her work in disability support services. Then a strange tightness in her leg began to bother her. 

Dan was always on the move. A devoted husband, father of two teenage girls and lifelong sports lover, he lived a busy, active life in Melbourne. So, when a routine run left him unusually short of breath, he knew something wasn’t right. 

Kirby is used to caring for others. A registered nurse from Maitland, a mum to two young children, and someone who loves the outdoors, 37-year-old Kirby had built her life around caring for others and making the most of family time. Days were filled with work, camping trips, cricket, and the joyful chaos of raising her kids, Norah and Vance.

At just 24, Angelique’s life changed with a breast cancer diagnosis. With the support of her partner and her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, she navigated treatment with resilience and a focus on what lay ahead.

When a routine blood test revealed multiple myeloma, Helen’s life changed unexpectedly. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse and her family, she approached treatment with optimism and continues to live life fully.

At 45, Rachel’s life changed in a matter of weeks when a minor stomach issue led to a bowel cancer diagnosis. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, she is navigating treatment while staying connected to the life and family she loves.