- Stories/
- Personal Stories/
- 20 Years of Focusing on What Matters Most
20 years of focusing on what matters most
Alisha Daw and her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Carissa Stone
Adoring mum Alisha Daw was just 31 when her world was turned upside down, with a devastating diagnosis of stage three cervical cancer.
Thankfully, Carissa Stone, the first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse dedicated to supporting people experiencing any type of cancer, has been by her side since the beginning.
“Carissa has been absolutely amazing from the get-go... she really listens to the whole story, and I know she's there when I need her most.”
- Alisha Daw
Carissa says the McGrath Foundation’s care has allowed Alisha to focus on what is most important to her during her treatment – her family.
“We talked about what is most important to her, and that’s her family, most of all her son, Parker,” Carissa explains. “He is her number one priority. At the same time, I wanted to reassure Alisha that it’s okay to focus on herself throughout treatment.”
After that the next focus was practical support... discussing financial support, flexible working arrangements for her husband, James, and even services to support when she lost her hair and making sure she can feel as confident as possible.
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.
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.
20 years ago, Tracy Bevan sat beside her best friend, Jane McGrath, sharing tears, laughter, and what felt like an impossible dream.
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.