Personal stories

Read first-hand experiences of the support provided by our nurses through cancer treatment.

Dan was always on the move. A devoted husband, father of two teenage girls and lifelong sports lover, he lived a busy, active life in Melbourne. So, when a routine run left him unusually short of breath, he knew something wasn’t right. 

Matt and his McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Jordan standing in the hallway of a health care facility looking at the camera and smiling

Matt’s life changed in an instant. At 34, he was working in civil construction and raising a young family with his partner Kyra, life was busy but normal. Then one day, something didn’t feel right. 

Meg standing outside the Sydney Cricket Ground with her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Carissa

As a mum of three, Meg was used to being on the go, balancing family life with her work in disability support services. Then a strange tightness in her leg began to bother her. 

Kirby dressed in pink sitting next to her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Justine

Kirby is used to caring for others. A registered nurse from Maitland, a mum to two young children, and someone who loves the outdoors, 37-year-old Kirby had built her life around caring for others and making the most of family time. Days were filled with work, camping trips, cricket, and the joyful chaos of raising her kids, Norah and Vance.

Angelique - hero

At just 24, Angelique’s life changed with a breast cancer diagnosis. With the support of her partner and her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, she navigated treatment with resilience and a focus on what lay ahead.

Helen and Sophie - Hero

When a routine blood test revealed multiple myeloma, Helen’s life changed unexpectedly. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse and her family, she approached treatment with optimism and continues to live life fully.

Rachel's Story: Hero 1

At 45, Rachel’s life changed in a matter of weeks when a minor stomach issue led to a bowel cancer diagnosis. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, she is navigating treatment while staying connected to the life and family she loves.

Michelle's Story - Hero

When Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer at 44, life moved quickly from uncertainty to treatment. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, she navigated the experience with practicality, strength and a renewed clarity about what mattered most.

Karen's Story - Hero

Just weeks into retirement, Karen’s life changed with a bowel cancer diagnosis. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, she is learning to navigate treatment while focusing on living fully in the present.

Toyota Volunteers Hero
Story

With Toyota proudly backing the volunteer program, more than 600 Pink Army volunteers helped transform the Pink Test into a sea of pink, raising vital funds to support McGrath Cancer Care Nurses.

Maureen's Story Hero

When Maureen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, her world changed overnight. With the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, she faced treatment with honesty, humour and the reassurance that she was not alone.

PSD - Sam Konstas Hero Image

Pink Stumps Day saw local cricket clubs across Manly Warringah swap their whites for pink and rally behind a shared cause. With the support of ambassador Sam Konstas, the day proved the power of community-led action in supporting people facing cancer.

Sharon & Graham's Story

For Sharon and Graham, giving is simply part of who they are. Inspired by fairness, service and the belief that everyone deserves access to free, expert cancer care, their regular support helps ensure McGrath Cancer Care Nurses can be there when families need them most.

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