Blooming resilience: Two-time cancer survivor transforms adversity into life of giving back!
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Stories of resilience and compassion often shine brightly in the midst of life's challenges, reminding us of the power of the human spirit.
Such is the case of one individual whose journey through adversity has not only shaped her own outlook on life but also inspired those around her.
Through her unwavering spirit and dedication to service, she embodies the essence of hope and resilience, proving that kindness and generosity can bloom even in the face of adversity.
In the heart of Brisbane, a remarkable story of resilience and compassion unfolded.
Rose Graham, a 73-year-old two-time pancreatic cancer survivor, turned her personal battles into a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
Her journey is not just one of survival but of transformation, as she dedicated her time to volunteering at the very place that once provided her with lifesaving care.
Rose's connection with the Mater Cancer Care Centre in South Brisbane began 15 years ago, not as a patient, but as a volunteer offering comfort through hand and foot massages to oncology patients.
Little did she know that the centre would become her sanctuary in her own time of need.
The ‘shock’ discovery of a lemon-sized tumour in her pancreas thrust her into the role of a patient, receiving care from the same institution she had served.
In 2019, under the expert care of oncologist Dr Vikram Jain and surgeon Dr Mehan Siriwardhane at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, Rose underwent intensive chemotherapy and a complex Whipple procedure to remove the cancerous growth.
Her dedication to helping others didn't wane during her treatment; instead, it was the memories of the patients she had previously supported that spurred her on in her fight against cancer.
National Volunteer Week, which will take place from May 20 to 26, spotlights individuals like Rose, whose altruistic efforts often go unnoticed.
For Rose, volunteering is more than just a pastime; it's a 'very fulfilling' way to support fellow patients.
‘I don’t often tell patients what I have been through, I focus on supporting and helping them to take their minds off their treatment,’ she shared.
‘There’s something special about giving someone a massage, it’s an energy from one person to another, and it feels good.’
‘A lot of cancer patients get neuropathy, which is numbness and tingling in their feet, and the perfect time for a massage is while they have treatment,’ Rose continued.
Despite the recurrence of her cancer last year, Rose's determination to survive never faltered.
‘Doctors had told me pancreatic cancer was one of the worst types of cancers you could get and this cancer can spread like a seed of a flower,’ she recounted.
The 73-year-old underwent three weeks of radiation and—against the odds—earlier this year, doctors said she is currently showing no signs of cancer.
In 2023, the Cancer Council reported that more than 4,500 Australians were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, making it the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, with approximately one in 70 individuals expected to receive a diagnosis by the age of 85.
The cancer survivor described her diagnosis as ‘quite a journey’, but her involvement as a volunteer at the Cancer Care Centre brought her a sense of ease and familiarity with her treatment there.
‘When I was well enough and ready to return to volunteering, at first I wasn’t sure if I could handle it, but when I walked through the doors, I just knew in my heart this is exactly where I should be,’ Rose narrated.
Judy Johnson, Mater Volunteers Senior Manager, spoke of Rose's ‘deep empathy’ for cancer patients, a sentiment born from her own experiences.
‘As a hand and feet massage volunteer, she provides companionship and comfort,’ Ms Johnson said.
‘Patients say the massage makes the long hours easier to bear and helps with stress and anxiety. Rose arrives with a smile and leaves with an even bigger one.’
For further details on volunteering opportunities at Mater, you can contact them at 3163 8599, email [email protected], or visit www.mater.org.au/group/careers/volunteering.
Rose's inspiring journey as a two-time cancer survivor and her dedication to volunteering at the Cancer Care Centre exemplifies the resilience and compassion found within the senior community.
As she continues to support others facing similar challenges, the importance of advancements in cancer treatment becomes increasingly evident.
This interconnectedness underscores the significance of recent developments in pancreatic cancer research, offering patients like Rose newfound hope and a fighting chance against this formidable disease.
Have you encountered individuals like Rose who have turned their personal struggles into opportunities to help others? Or perhaps you've found solace in volunteering during difficult times in your own life? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
Such is the case of one individual whose journey through adversity has not only shaped her own outlook on life but also inspired those around her.
Through her unwavering spirit and dedication to service, she embodies the essence of hope and resilience, proving that kindness and generosity can bloom even in the face of adversity.
In the heart of Brisbane, a remarkable story of resilience and compassion unfolded.
Rose Graham, a 73-year-old two-time pancreatic cancer survivor, turned her personal battles into a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
Her journey is not just one of survival but of transformation, as she dedicated her time to volunteering at the very place that once provided her with lifesaving care.
Rose Graham, a two-time survivor of pancreatic cancer, has been volunteering at the Mater Cancer Care Centre for the past 15 years. Credits: Australian Seniors News
Rose's connection with the Mater Cancer Care Centre in South Brisbane began 15 years ago, not as a patient, but as a volunteer offering comfort through hand and foot massages to oncology patients.
Little did she know that the centre would become her sanctuary in her own time of need.
The ‘shock’ discovery of a lemon-sized tumour in her pancreas thrust her into the role of a patient, receiving care from the same institution she had served.
In 2019, under the expert care of oncologist Dr Vikram Jain and surgeon Dr Mehan Siriwardhane at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, Rose underwent intensive chemotherapy and a complex Whipple procedure to remove the cancerous growth.
Her dedication to helping others didn't wane during her treatment; instead, it was the memories of the patients she had previously supported that spurred her on in her fight against cancer.
National Volunteer Week, which will take place from May 20 to 26, spotlights individuals like Rose, whose altruistic efforts often go unnoticed.
For Rose, volunteering is more than just a pastime; it's a 'very fulfilling' way to support fellow patients.
‘I don’t often tell patients what I have been through, I focus on supporting and helping them to take their minds off their treatment,’ she shared.
‘There’s something special about giving someone a massage, it’s an energy from one person to another, and it feels good.’
‘A lot of cancer patients get neuropathy, which is numbness and tingling in their feet, and the perfect time for a massage is while they have treatment,’ Rose continued.
Despite the recurrence of her cancer last year, Rose's determination to survive never faltered.
‘Doctors had told me pancreatic cancer was one of the worst types of cancers you could get and this cancer can spread like a seed of a flower,’ she recounted.
The 73-year-old underwent three weeks of radiation and—against the odds—earlier this year, doctors said she is currently showing no signs of cancer.
In 2023, the Cancer Council reported that more than 4,500 Australians were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, making it the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, with approximately one in 70 individuals expected to receive a diagnosis by the age of 85.
The cancer survivor described her diagnosis as ‘quite a journey’, but her involvement as a volunteer at the Cancer Care Centre brought her a sense of ease and familiarity with her treatment there.
‘When I was well enough and ready to return to volunteering, at first I wasn’t sure if I could handle it, but when I walked through the doors, I just knew in my heart this is exactly where I should be,’ Rose narrated.
Judy Johnson, Mater Volunteers Senior Manager, spoke of Rose's ‘deep empathy’ for cancer patients, a sentiment born from her own experiences.
‘As a hand and feet massage volunteer, she provides companionship and comfort,’ Ms Johnson said.
‘Patients say the massage makes the long hours easier to bear and helps with stress and anxiety. Rose arrives with a smile and leaves with an even bigger one.’
For further details on volunteering opportunities at Mater, you can contact them at 3163 8599, email [email protected], or visit www.mater.org.au/group/careers/volunteering.
Rose's inspiring journey as a two-time cancer survivor and her dedication to volunteering at the Cancer Care Centre exemplifies the resilience and compassion found within the senior community.
As she continues to support others facing similar challenges, the importance of advancements in cancer treatment becomes increasingly evident.
This interconnectedness underscores the significance of recent developments in pancreatic cancer research, offering patients like Rose newfound hope and a fighting chance against this formidable disease.
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