The Illawarra and Shoalhaven has received a boost in cancer support with the appointment of McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, Taylar Grech and Madeleine Dempsey, who are supporting people experiencing genitourinary cancers. This brings the total number of McGrath Cancer Care Nurses in the area to nine.
With around 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and over 160,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Australia this year there is a substantial need for specialist cancer care provided by McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to support people across Australia with any type of cancer.
Holly Masters, McGrath Foundation CEO, said the new nurses will provide free care and support for individuals and their families in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities.
“McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are clinical experts who help people with cancer and their families navigate the medical system by providing clinical, psychosocial and emotional support to people with any type of cancer throughout their treatment.
“We are incredibly proud to begin to provide this vital service to people experiencing genitourinary cancers in Illawarra, as we are committed to our purpose of ensuring no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse,” Masters continued.
Shoalhaven nurse, Madeleine, who also has more than 10 years’ experience as a registered nurse with postgraduate qualifications in cancer care nursing, is extremely passionate about her role as McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.
“I’ve always wanted to work in the cancer space and to make a difference. In my role as a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, I can help people in their darkest days through traumatic experiences.”
- Madeleine
I find educating, guiding, and providing essential psychosocial support to people through their experience with cancer so rewarding,” she said.
Illawarra nurse, Taylar, who has over 10 years’ experience as a registered nurse with postgraduate qualifications in surgical oncology nursing shared what inspired her to join the McGrath Foundation.
“I strive to treat my patients and their family holistically whilst providing safe and supported care, working as a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse is a privilege," she said.
“I feel inspired daily to provide the best care and support possible to these patients throughout their cancer experience.”
- Taylar
There are currently 302 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia caring for people and their families experiencing cancer. McGrath Foundation nursing care is completely free. You don’t even need a referral.
)
Canberra has received its first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse dedicated to supporting people with lung cancer across the ACT and surrounding suburbs. McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Marie Laing, will join the three other McGrath Cancer Care Nurses based at Capital Region Cancer Service who support people with breast cancer.
The Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker, and surrounding areas will receive a McGrath Foundation first with the appointment of McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Carissa Stone, who will care for patients across the region experiencing any type of cancer.
Vicky became a regular donor after learning McGrath Cancer Care Nurses now support people going through all types of cancer. Having been through cancer three times, she knows first-hand the difference their care makes.