Heidelberg Magistrates' Court

Marissa's Story

Cancer touched my life in a very personal way 18 months ago when I lost my mum, Jan, to endometrial cancer. Specialists detected the cancer in late 2023 and performed a hysterectomy, followed up by a series of radiation therapy through the Olivia Newton-John Centre and Austin Health. Mum recovered well after the initial treatment, and we were hoping that the worst was over. Unfortunately, she became acutely unwell 6 months later and investigations found the cancer had returned and this time had spread to Stage 4. In her last 2 months, mum spent time at the Austin Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Olivia Newton-John Centre, receiving treatment and support which gave her quality time with family and friends. I am grateful to the many oncology specialists, nurses and other staff who not only supported mum, but also supported me during this most difficult time.

 

Mum was strong, brave, hilarious, sharp and bossy until the end and I miss her every day. She dedicated her career as a nurse to caring for others and I hope to honour mum’s memory this year by supporting this wonderful cause – thanks to all those who have donated. Please know that it makes a huge difference.

Bec's Story

“Cancer has left a mark on my family that is impossible to ignore. Both of my grandfathers (Rocco Alafaci and Maxwell Loy) were diagnosed with Bowel cancer in the late 90s. Rocco was lucky to have had it caught early, and with surgery and treatment was able to live a long and healthy life.

 

Max was not so lucky, despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer was insidious and managed to evade total removal, before progressing to his stomach, throat, blood and bones. He was provided amazing support and care by the Austin Hospital, and was cared for by his devoted wife Marion for the last 6 months of his life at their beloved Montmorency home. Even while undergoing treatment, he was a massive part of my life and losing him in 2003 left a hole in our family that time has only softened, not covered.

 

While he was not lucky enough to benefit from the Olivia Newton-John Centre at the Austin Hospital, he and his wife had always discussed at length the extensive support that the Austin hospital provided to him and his family during his time there. Support which has only extended since the completion of the Olivia Newton-John centre.

 

Unfortunately, 21 years later cancer would strike again, this time in the form of my father, Ian Loy and my uncle, Alan Loy. Alan was diagnosed with Bowel cancer in late 2024. He became one of the thousands of patients that the Oliva Newton-John centre has cared for, and after a long battle with the terrible disease, was able to ring the bell in February this year, marking the beginning of his journey of remission.

 

My Father is just beginning his journey, after the discovery of pre-cancerous cells during a routine scan a number of months ago. Further investigation has revealed possible Bowl cancer and prostate cancer. At this early stage, the support from doctors has been amazing, and it is only due to the home testing kits that are supported by the cancer council that the initial detection was made.

 

The cancer council’s work has spanned 2 generations of my family, from early intervention and support in the 90s, to the current day. Donating is something small that has a massive impact on the thousands of Australian’s diagnosed with a form of cancer each year.”

Shelby Jean’s Story

My beautiful dad Garry was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (esophagus cancer) in 2020. It was such a devastating blow to myself and my family. You always hear about the dreaded “C” word, but what does it mean? You never realise how close it hits home until it’s knocking on your very own front door.  My dad endured months to what seemed like years of treatment and pain, we didn’t know if we would loose him. I watched my dad through the hardest time of his life, he was so strong and never complained. I admire him so much. I will never forget after his chemo treatment it was time to face a major surgery where they had to cut a major part of his esophagus out and reconstruct his throat internally to help him be free from this disease. We  finally got the call, the cancer had been successfully removed, what a relief! Once dad had come out of surgery and was settled, I received a call and message saying “ I want to come home”. And I remember saying “it’s ok dad, I’m coming to get you and bring you home”. Not everyone gets to hear or say those words, in my families case, we were  lucky. Almost 4.5 years later my dear dad continues life in remission, but not a day goes by that I don’t think about those dark times in his life and my families. I am so proud of my dad, that is why I am hoping to raise funds for cancer research and would love for everyone to contribute no matter how big or small, I know cancer has touched us all in some way or another, and I hope to continue to raise awareness for this great cause. I love you dad.

Maurice's Story

My dad was diagnosed with lymphoma and later leukaemia when I was four years old, and he passed away when I was seven.

At the time, I was just a child and didn’t fully understand what was happening. But as I grew older, I began to feel the impact it had on me, my sister, and my mum. Even though 23 years have passed, there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about it or feel its effects.

Our family has grieved in our own ways, and we continue to visit him as a way of honouring his life.

There is never enough support for the Cancer Council, so any donation—no matter how small—can help make a difference to those who are currently going through this experience.

Cheyanne's Story

Jeanette Kay Angus (Chey’s mum) was a healthy 54-year-old—until she wasn’t. After completing all the usual checks, she was diagnosed in 2010 with stage 4 breast carcinoma.

She endured a mastectomy, radiation, and intensive chemotherapy, facing the entire journey with incredible grace and strength. Even in such a dark time, she found ways to bring light—often making jokes about her new appearance to lift the spirits of those around her.

She survived—until late 2011, when it was discovered that a lymph node had been missed during surgery. The cancer had rapidly progressed and spread to her brain, kidneys, lungs, and blood.

The Austin Hospital provided incredible support, hosting sessions for cancer patients that included wig styling, makeup guidance, and morning teas where patients could come together and share their experiences openly. This support extended to the entire family.

On 23 June 2012, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre opened. Jeanette became its very first patient and began her second round of treatment there. The centre provided immense support, not only to Jeanette but to her family as well. They were even able to have family portraits taken there—something especially meaningful, as Jeanette was unable to leave due to her oxygen tank.

It was at this centre that Jeanette spent her final moments, surrounded by her mother, children, and grandchildren. During this time, she wrote personalised letters to each of her loved ones—something they could hold onto forever.

In January 2013, after the cancer progressed rapidly and began causing memory loss and confusion, Jeanette passed away. Cheyanne was just 15 years old. Her husband of 30 years became a widower, and a once tightly united family was left heartbroken.

It was a three-year battle—fought fiercely, bravely, and with unwavering love and support.

In her honour, every year on January 6th, a lily is laid in the pond.

I encourage everyone to support the Cancer Council and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre. Whether outcomes are successful or not, the journey is an emotional and unpredictable rollercoaster. Please support in any way you can. ❤️

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