- Stories/
- Personal Stories/
- Meet Mcgrath Cancer Care Nurse Kristyn Schilling
Meet McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Kristyn Schilling
This International Nurses Day, we’re celebrating how McGrath Cancer Care Nurses change lives.
Nurses like Kristyn Schilling, who 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 Cancer Care Nurses change lives by helping patients feel heard and included in their treatment plan.”
- Kristyn Schilling
Kirstyn, who has been a specialist cancer nurse for 19 years, was inspired to become a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse after seeing the difference our care made to people going through breast cancer.
“Knowing that the McGrath model has been so well embedded for patients with breast cancer and that the Foundation has been entrusted with the facilitation of our roles, gave me a sense that this was going to be something that was going to benefit a whole load of patients, and that was really exciting,” she says.
“When you introduce yourself as a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, people are instantly interested in knowing more about it, and excited that they’re able to access the care. Now that we’re expanded our care to all cancers, they feel they’re now special as well. Because everyone going through cancer needs help.”
Kristyn describes her role as the “meat in the sandwich” between her patients and their care team, while also providing “reassurance and confidence to know that they can discuss their concerns and their needs throughout their treatment.”
“Knowing what’s important to the patient is really at the forefront of how I care.”
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.
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.