The words fall like stones in a silent room, heavy and irreversible. A diagnosis delivered by a doctor doesn’t arrive gently; it crashes in, turning life as you know it upside down.
The reality of cancer sinks in, casting an unsettling shadow over the world you knew just moments before. The fear begins to coil around you: fear of the unknown, of what’s to come, of what this means.
The medical jargon is endless, technical, and impossible to fully absorb, especially when every thought is clouded by worry. There is an instinctive need for something concrete, a step forward, a reassurance. Instead, there are waiting rooms and weeks between appointments, and despite having a loving circle of family and friends, a quiet feeling of loneliness settles in.
In a time when everyone is telling you to stay strong, inside, you feel lost and disconnected—even from yourself. Your oncology team is kind and dedicated, but they, too, are only human in a system stretched thin. You find yourself wishing for a space where you’re not just another case to be managed, but a person facing something unimaginably tough. Somewhere to sit, where words don’t have to be rehearsed or fears brushed aside. Somewhere to simply be.
This is where the Trudy Crowley Foundation steps in: not as another clinic or appointment but as a haven of empathy, warmth, and connection. For people with any cancer diagnosis, and for their loved ones, this foundation provides the comfort of understanding.
Whether it’s a cup of tea in serene silence or a heart-to-heart with someone who has navigated a similar path before, the foundation is there. In a time marked by vulnerability and uncertainty, it stands as a lifeline—restoring dignity, understanding, and the reminder that no one faces cancer alone.
Here, you’re not just a diagnosis; you’re a person, and in these walls, you find the strength to navigate the unknown with dignity and support.
"Ovarian cancer may be a silent killer, but I won’t be silent"
These powerful words by Trudy Crowley embody the spirit of a woman whose courage and resilience ignited a movement of hope, awareness, and support.
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016, Trudy was appalled by the lack of resources available to women facing the same battle. The single brochure handed to her offered information on breast cancer, not ovarian cancer—a glaring oversight that fuelled her determination to make a change.
For Trudy, silence was never an option. She became a fierce advocate, dedicating her time to spreading knowledge, raising funds, and connecting with organisations such as Ovarian Cancer Australia and the Cancer Council. Her tireless efforts reached as far as Parliament, where she pushed for greater awareness and better resources. Before her passing in 2018, Trudy’s relentless dedication inspired the creation of the foundation that now bears her name—a guiding force for those navigating all cancers.
The establishment of the Trudy Crowley Foundation is itself a story of resilience and determination. It began during a chance meeting between Trudy and Jacquie Camilleri at the Mater Hospital on Trudy’s first day of chemotherapy. The two formed an instant bond, and their friendship would lay the groundwork for something extraordinary.
In late 2017, as her health declined, Trudy confided in Jacquie that she needed to step back from her advocacy work to focus on her family. Jacquie, inspired by her father’s words to “step up,” knew she couldn’t let Trudy’s mission falter. With Trudy’s blessing, the foundation was born.
Today, the Trudy Crowley Foundation continues Trudy’s legacy of advocacy, education, and support.
The foundation’s mission has only grown stronger, with its existing support programs continuing to offer unwavering care. Two dedicated ovarian cancer and palliative care nurses, Chris Giannengelo, and Rosie Stannard, provide personalised, compassionate support both within and beyond the hospital. The Foundation’s counsellor, Rebecca Snell, is also on hand to help individuals and loved ones navigate the often-overwhelming emotional landscape of cancer.
With each new development, the foundation’s vision grows, yet its purpose remains steady: to support, honour, and uplift the Mackay community in its fight against cancer.
"Every dollar we raise, every hand we hold, it’s all for Trudy’s dream—that no one in our community ever faces cancer alone."
Last Year’s Touch of Teal Soirée also poignantly illuminated the need for additional palliative care options in Mackay—a need Trudy herself had fervently advocated for during her life. The foundation is now more committed than ever to creating a private palliative sanctuary—a place of peace, compassion, and dignity for those in their last stages of life. This sanctuary would work alongside the current palliative services, easing the strain on the healthcare system while providing patients with a tranquil, supportive environment.
"Our goal is to give families a place where their loved ones can pass with the comfort they deserve," Jacquie shared.
The Trudy Crowley Foundation is a tribute to Trudy’s vision: a space where no one is just a diagnosis but a person deserving of dignity, compassion, and understanding.
This commitment is embodied by the Foundation’s three remarkable ambassadors—Bridgeen, Teharnee, and Earl—whose stories of resilience and hope are shared in the following pages.
Their journeys not only reflect the Foundation’s mission but also serve as powerful reminders of the strength found in community and the courage to face life’s toughest battles.
"Every dollar we raise, every hand we hold, it’s all for Trudy’s dream—that no one in our community ever faces cancer alone."
Trudy Crowley Foundation ambassadors, Bridgeen Doherty, Earl Neilsen and Teharnee Peel show that there are bright moments and laughter to be celebrated during and after cancer
Trudy Crowley: The fearless advocate whose legacy of love, compassion, and determination continues to inspire and support countless lives
Trudy Crowley Foundation ovarian cancer and palliative care nurses Chris Giannengelo (left) and Rosie Stannard. Photos supplied
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