20 stories of care

More than 20 years ago, Alison Szwajcer met Jane McGrath. Alison was Jane’s breast care nurse, a humble but unforgettable presence who entered Jane’s life when her cancer returned and metastasised in 2006.

20 years ago, Tracy Bevan sat beside her best friend, Jane McGrath, sharing tears, laughter, and what felt like an impossible dream.

Over the last 20 years, McGrath Cancer Care Nurses have been a lifeline in regional and rural Australia, providing expert care, hope, and support to families during their toughest times. 

For Emily Quinlan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 25, having a voice meant having someone she could turn to - someone who was always in her corner.

Adoring mum Alisha Daw was just 31 when her world was turned upside down, with a devastating diagnosis of stage three cervical cancer.

In communities across the country, acts both big and small demonstrate the creativity and generosity of everyday people in Australia who help raise vital funds for the McGrath Foundation.

At the heart of the McGrath Foundation’s extraordinary journey is Kerry Patford, one of the original McGrath Cancer Care Nurses who has since risen to become the Foundation’s Chief Nurse.

We are proud to stand alongside our passionate partners who have turned Australia pink in support of people experiencing cancer. They have been instrumental to helping us work towards our purpose of ensuring that no one goes through cancer without care.

Passionate people across Australia have rallied behind the McGrath Foundation in awe-inspiring ways – pushing limits, conquering epic challenges all in the name of raising vital funds for McGrath Cancer Care Nurses. 

The McGrath Foundation has always evolved to meet the needs of people with breast cancer and now, as we expand our care to all cancers, that commitment is stronger than ever.

From towns turning pink to race days and high teas, people across Australia have turned passion into purpose, uniting to support people experiencing cancer.

From volunteering to monthly donations and legacy gifts, our supporters have shown what it truly means to give. For20 years, special people across the country have turned their personal experiences into lasting impact.