Community

Greg’s story

Greg thought of himself as healthy and active when he went in for a routine heart ablation in early 2023. A few days later, tests revealed a mass on his pancreas. The diagnosis was pancreatic cancer.

When his surgeon mentioned a clinical trial called NEO-IMPACT, Greg chose to take part, knowing it could offer an approach beyond standard treatment. Through the trial, Greg received treatment he would not otherwise have been able to access.

The chemotherapy was hard. Greg lost weight and developed neuropathy that persists today. Recovery from surgery was slow, and he had to learn his body's new limitations. But then came the scans with unexpected news: the cancer was completely gone.

Karen’s story

Karen Humphries is on a mission. Driven by her experience with cholangiocarcinoma, Karen is a fierce patient advocate, determined to raise awareness and see improved survival outcomes for the disease. 

Throughout her journey, Karen has been resolute in shining a light on the disease. She’s channelled her determination into numerous public speaking engagements, media interviews – and this year, hosting a World Cholangiocarcinoma Day event.

“I’m here to make a change,” she says.

Lachlan’s story

Lachlan was known for his cheeky humour and big heart. A devoted father to his young son Leo, he was only in his thirties when stomach pains led to a diagnosis of advanced bowel cancer.

Lachlan chose to be open about his experience, wanting others to understand what it was like to live with bowel cancer and why research mattered. His honesty broke through the silence that can surround cancer, especially for younger men.

Lachlan passed away in 2023, surrounded by those who loved him. To honour his memory and determination to make a difference, the Lachlan Kean Foundation was created, supporting bowel cancer research and awareness.

Brooklynn and Jim’s story

Brooklynn, a medical technician in the Royal Australian Air Force and member of our Community Advisory Panel (CAP), graciously shared her family's journey with her father Jim's oesophageal cancer diagnosis.

Jim was a farmer in the Riverina, fit and healthy when he was diagnosed in July 2021. The news changed everything for their family.

Despite treatment including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, Jim never stopped showing up for his daughters. 

Jim passed away in November 2023. Joining the CAP has given Brooklynn purpose, using her clinical background and lived experience to review research materials and make them clearer for families like hers.

Jodie’s story

For many people with colorectal cancer, chemotherapy can be lifesaving. However, a common treatment can lead to a side effect that causes people to feel pain, numbness or pins and needles in their body at a single touch. This is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, CIPN for short, and it can be one of the most difficult side effects a patient can experience.

While undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer, Jodie – Deputy Chair of the Community Advisory Panel – experienced neuropathy as a side effect, mainly in her hands and feet.

A gutsy tale of friendship

The Blue Mountains hold some of New South Wales’ most stunning views: majestic sandstone cliffs, endlessly stretching forests and some of the largest waterfalls in the region.

For Madeline Baker, Ksenija Bragg, Anna Draper, Victoria Janchek, Kathleen Quine and Tessa Sloane, the Blue Mountains also represent an opportunity for change.

Through the GI Cancer Trails’ Gutsy Challenge, they traversed 15km to raise funds for bowel cancer research in memory of their dear friend Lachlan Kean, who passed away in 2023 from bowel cancer.

“He spent the most difficult last months of his life selflessly determined to help raise necessary awareness around bowel cancer,” Kathleen says.