“Sam, I’m so sorry. It’s cancer.”
That moment changed everything.
At 46, I was a healthy, active mum of two, working in surf life-saving and training for a half marathon. Life was busy, fun and full—until a non-urgent test revealed oesophageal cancer.
My treatment plan was aggressive. Months of chemo and radiation, targeted therapy, and a complex surgery to remove part of my stomach and oesophagus. Even with private health cover, the out-of-pocket costs were enormous—it was over $8,000 for radiotherapy alone.
I kept thinking—what happens to people who can’t afford this? How do they get the care they need?
You can help someone in this situation.
Not all cancer treatments or therapies are covered by Medicare or even private health insurance. Your donation to the 2025 Cancer Care Appeal can help provide things like:
- support for people struggling to afford their treatment through our Gift of Hope program
- comfort and dignity in hospital care, such as cold caps that can prevent hair loss during chemotherapy
- specialist cancer care and supportive therapies
- small acts of kindness that help to lift spirits.
Every dollar helps ease the burden for someone like me—so they can focus on healing, not costs.
Your tax-deductible gift before June 30 could be someone’s lifeline.
Thanks to the support of my community, I’m here. I’m in remission. I’ve seen my daughters graduate, travel, and grow up. I’ll never forget what that support meant to my family and I.
Together, we can make sure no one has to choose between paying the bills and accessing cancer care.
Thank you so much,
Sam x