Easing the Cancer Journey with Hope and Heart
Year in Review – The Trudy Crowley Foundation
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. But instead, there are waiting rooms, 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, 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.
This year, the Trudy Crowley Foundation has expanded its mission, deepening its commitment to supporting those navigating cancer in the Mackay community. Honouring the legacy of Trudy Crowley, who fought ovarian cancer with courage and compassion, the Foundation has introduced new faces, programs, and milestones—each a testament to its unwavering dedication.
One of the most significant moments came at the 2024 Touch of Teal Soiree, where over 300 attendees gathered, raising a remarkable $78,419.08. The evening was made even more special by the announcement that Levi Crowley, Trudy’s son, had joined the Board.
"Having Levi with us on this journey feels like closing a circle that started with Trudy’s vision,” shared Founding Director Jacquie Camilleri.
“He’s shown the same tenacity and warmth that his mum did, and he brings a renewed energy to our mission.”
Levi’s appointment symbolises a legacy of family support and resilience, with Jacquie adding, “He’s been volunteering with us for more than a year, and now, as a Board member, he’s helping us ensure that no one in Mackay has to face cancer alone, just as Trudy wanted.”
Joining Jacquie and Levi on the Board are Levi’s father, Damian Crowley and Sonia Crowley, with Aggie Murphy as Treasurer, Luke Phillips as Secretary and Pauline Townsend as Chair.
This year’s soirée also cast a poignant light on 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 Foundation’s mission has only grown stronger in 2024, 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.
Bridgeen Doherty, the Trudy Crowley Foundation's Ovarian Cancer Ambassador, has had a profound impact on the lives of those affected by ovarian cancer. Diagnosed with Stage 3C high-grade serous carcinoma in December 2019, now advanced to Stage 4, Bridgeen has passionately championed awareness around ovarian cancer, encouraging women to learn about the symptoms and actively advocate for their health.
Since joining the foundation, Bridgeen has spearheaded the development of a vital support group for local ovarian cancer patients, and her wise words, “Know your body, know your normal” are now used regularly by the Foundation.
"It’s not just about the treatment," Jacquie says, “it’s about providing comfort, relief, and understanding.
“People need a space to feel heard or understood, and that’s what we’re here for.”
Supporting all who walk through its doors, the Foundation welcomes people from all walks of life, including men. Foundation Ambassador Earl Nielsen, a bowel cancer survivor, has created a support network specifically for men who may feel more comfortable speaking to others who’ve faced similar battles.
"Cancer is often isolating, especially for men who may not be as open to the idea of reaching out for help,” says Earl.
“The Foundation lets us talk openly, share our stories, and know we’re not alone.”
Volunteers, including Jacquie herself, have been invaluable. They assist in every aspect of care, from wig fittings to scarf-tying lessons for those facing hair loss due to chemotherapy. These services provide not only practical support but also a measure of dignity and hope.
With each new development, the Foundation’s vision grows, yet its purpose remains steady: to support, honor, 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."
The Trudy Crowley Foundation thanks its partners; Murphy Equipment Sales Australia Pty Ltd, S.H. Tait & Co, and Daly Bay. This editorial was sponsored by Daly Bay for the Trudy Crowley Foundation.
https://www.trudycrowleyfoundation.com.au/
