Personal stories

Anne and Rakhi first crossed paths as registered nurses in the same hospital ward. Their bond grew even stronger in 2019, when Anne was diagnosed with breast cancer and again 18 months later, when Rakhi faced her own diagnosis.

“The day was just fantastic - beautiful weather, beautiful company, generous people and a great cause. I walked away thinking I’ve made a contribution. It felt really good and I’ll be back there in January.” 

Trisha joined our Pink Army of volunteers in honour of her sister, Sue. In 2022, Sue was diagnosed with stage-four cancer, so she rallied family and friends to lend a hand at last year’s NRMA Insurance Pink Test.

For Deb McKnight, going through lung cancer has meant constant upheaval. Shifting treatments, the required closure of her small business and the emotional toll of not having family close have only deepened the hardship.

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.

Jade Wendt, 45, had just finished supporting her mum through breast cancer when she was diagnosed herself. Four months later, her husband David, 44, “stole her limelight” when he was diagnosed with renal cancer while she was midway through her third round of chemotherapy.   

Kristyn Schilling joined the McGrath Foundation in late 2024 and is one of our first specialist nurses providing care to people going through Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary & Gynaecological Cancers.  

Every day, Michiko Ban provides life-changing care to people going through cancer, and their families. This International Nurses Day, Michiko reflects on her role, and the impact it makes to people during their diagnosis and treatment.    

As our first male McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, David Brock is paving the way for others this International Nurses Day by providing life-changing care for people going through cancer.   

Marie Laing has been a cancer care nurse for 17 years and is based in Canberra. She is one of our first McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to specialise in lung cancer.  

Angela, 63, a Primary School Teacher from Five Dock in Sydney is the patient of McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Linda Nolasco who supports people with breast cancer at Concord Hospital. 

Friends Sam Burge and Nikki Shar both have cancer experiences. Sam was diagnosed with breast cancer and had the support of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, while Nikki nursed her husband through cancer alone.