Personal stories

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

Story

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.   

Simon and his counsin and the Pink Test

For Simon, cricket has always been more than a game, it’s been a lifelong passion, a family tradition, and ultimately, a bridge to supporting a cause that means the world to him.

Anne & Rakhi’s Story

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.

Lucy's story

“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.” 

Growing family traditions: Trisha's story

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.

Selfie of Deb McKnight inside her home

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.

Vicki Riddington and McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Megan

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.

McGrath Nurse Kristyn Shilling Nurse wearing scrubs

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.  

McGrath Nurse Michiko Ban wearing scrubs

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.   

McGrath Nurse David Brock wearing scrubs

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.   

McGrath Nurse Marie Laing wearing scrubs

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 Bonfiglio and McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Linda sitting down together outside

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. 

Nikki and Sam sitting on brown leather couch talking

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.

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