20 stories of care

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

Phoebe Sceresini’s world was turned upside down after being diagnosed with breast cancer on her hen’s day when she was just 27 years old.

For Jo Douglas, living with metastatic breast cancer hasn’t just been about surviving, it’s been about ‘living well’. With the care and support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Helen Conlon, she’s had years of quality time with her family and friends– time she wasn’t sure she’d have.

Father of two Paul Nelson, 64, has been diagnosed with cancer three times in 10 years. In the midst of this treatment he was connected with his McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Nicola Lanci who Paul describes as a “life preserver”.

After 25 years as a graphic artist, David Brock longed for a career with deeper meaning – one that offered real connection, impact and ultimately more satisfaction.

Some careers are just jobs – others become a life’s work, built on care and the chance to help others when they need it most. For McGrath Cancer Care Nurses Sharon Shelford and Karen Miles, that’s exactly what nursing has been. A privilege, a passion and, without a doubt, ‘the best job in the world.’

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.

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 the SCG at the Pink Test to community ovals around the nation for Pink Stumps Day, the past 20 years have proven one thing – cricket unites us.  

In Warrnambool Victoria, appreciation for McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Bec Hay flows in every direction. From the patients she’s supported, to the communities that value her work, to the pride her own family has for everything she gives.

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. 

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.