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- 20 Years Of A Calling For Care
20 years of a calling for care
David Brock, McGrath Cancer Care Nurse
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.
It started when he saw a palliative care nurse and family member care for David’s uncle, who was also one of his closest friends. During his uncle’s final days after living with bowel cancer, David saw the difference cancer nursing could make. He had found his calling.
“The minute I walked into the oncology ward, I knew it was for me.”
- David
Joining the McGrath Foundation as its first male McGrath Cancer Care Nurse seemed like the perfect fit for David – combining his passion for people with delivering meaningful, personalised support.
David has cared for countless people and has always received positive feedback. Still, he wishes more men would consider the field.
“When I did my training, I was in ICU and it was almost 50 per cent male nurses. But with cancer care, you don’t tend to find too many men. I would certainly encourage anybody embarking on a nursing career that has an interest in helping people, and is passionate about providing support during a really profound time in their lives, to consider cancer nursing.”
While most of his work is with women, David also supports men facing breast cancer while providing the same dedicated care. Men like Terry, who didn’t realise men could get breast cancer until a lump was discovered after going in for a bowel cancer surgery.
“Every time I raise something with him, he just gets it done.”
- Terry
David’s calling for care has proven deeply meaningful and professionally rewarding, a combination that motivates him every day.
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.
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.