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- Growing Family Traditions: Trisha's Story
Growing family traditions: Trisha's story
Trisha joined our Pink Army of volunteers in honour of her sister, Sue.
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. Sue’s legacy has now inspired an even larger group of friends and family to volunteer and sign up this year. Trisha says Sue’s passing only strengthened their commitment.
“We always knew about the Pink Test and I don’t know why we never volunteered before. It was such an amazing experience to be a part of it, the people that we met were so open and honest when sharing their stories with us. I would highly recommend it to anybody.”
With Sue’s birthday falling on the Sunday of the 2026 NRMA Insurance Pink Test, Trisha already has a plan.
“We know we have to get in early, we have a group of 20 people and we want to volunteer on the Sunday in the same timeslot.”
Everything else is organised for you—shirts, caps, tap-and-go devices, and clear instructions.
“The vibe on the day was amazing, the volunteers were so excited and we literally had people running after us wanting to donate.”
Having navigated cancer without professional support herself, Trisha saw firsthand how McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Sam made all the difference for Sue.
“Sam’s support she provided was unbelievable.”
Trisha travels from Queensland, while Sue’s son Luke comes from Melbourne. They’ll gather each January to volunteer in Sue’s honour and celebrate taking care to all cancers.
“To be at the Pink Test this year when they announced they wouldn’t just look after breast care patients, but expand it further, was incredible.”
Luke is proud of his mum, Sue’s lasting impact.
“The nurses who supported her made a huge difference and we even received a heartfelt message from one of her breast care nurses after she passed, sharing the impact Mum had on them too.”
“Mum volunteered at the Pink Test the year before she passed and absolutely loved it. That’s why Jamie, Trish, many of Mum’s friends, and I will continue volunteering with the McGrath Foundation in honour of our parents and all the incredible nurses, doctors and carers helping others on their cancer journeys.”
Bring your friends, family or colleagues to the volunteer at the Pink Test and create your own lasting memories.
Register now to join our Pink Army of Volunteers, proudly supported by Toyota.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.