Community Stories

For Australians like Ava, Jess, and Andrew, the ‘everyday’ is even more special.

As we celebrate 60 years of life-changing impact, we’re reflecting on the IVF legacy born in South Australia.

Many people are unaware that Australia’s most pioneering work into IVF began in Adelaide at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

For Western Australians like Ava, Tatiana, and Andrew, the ‘everyday’ is even more special.

In September 2023, Bernadette lost her mum to bowel cancer. Just three months later she received the same shocking diagnosis. This is Bernadette’s message of hope.

At just two years old, Edwina was diagnosed with a devastating childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

Paul was a fit and healthy 42-year-old running his local Parkrun when he had a devastating stroke, and had to learn to walk and talk again.

Fit and vibrant at age 61, Robyn was shocked to learn she had an aggressive form of breast cancer – a tumor so big it even surprised doctors.

After brushing aside concerns about a growing lump, Andrew shares his battle with testicular cancer as a strong message to all WA men.

Ava wasn’t breathing when she was born and needed immediate resuscitation. Her little life hung in the balance, but thanks to the research-informed team at Fiona Stanley Hospital, she survived.

When Tatiana was a child, doctors told her parents she wouldn’t make it past her teens. But thanks to medical research, the double-transplant recipient from North Perth is now 62 and proving everyone wrong!

Peter King is a burly bulldozer operator with a heart of gold, but it was a tiny cochlear implant that saved his life.

Imagine being 30, a new dad and then receive a life-altering cancer diagnosis.

Cindy’s life changed after hearing 3 words – “you have cancer.”

Mastitis or breast cancer? Paige knew.

Geoff Fisher is a feisty fellow, but one balmy morning the avid swimmer floundered. His heart suddenly stopped. This is the extraordinary story of Geoff’s life-changing heart transplant.

In the face of a stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis, Jackie is making every day count in her fight for awareness and lifesaving treatments through her Longest Table event. 

Faced with a scary prostate cancer diagnosis, Kym and Leanne Krause found comfort in our accommodation for regional cancer patients.

As someone who filled every moment with love, laughter, kindness and joy, Janine Chalwell’s legacy lives on after her melanoma battle.

New research aims to find better treatments for childhood cancers like neuroblastoma and help reduce long-term side effects.

Jess Halkett has faced gruelling treatment for brain cancer but through it all, Art Therapy has made an impact.

When she suffered a stroke while home alone, Marilyn Jackson thought she would be left with debilitating side effects. Thanks to medical advancements, she made a remarkable recovery!

Margaret Jarrett has been using light therapy for the past three years to treat her Parkinson’s symptoms, helping her regain her sense of smell, improve her gait, gut health and overall wellbeing.

Charlie’s 20-Year Prostate Cancer Battle.

Charlie got the shock of his life when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer 20 years ago. He is still fighting to this day, never sure whether his medication will lose effectiveness or if the cancer will come back. Now, new research could change that!

After emigrating to WA from South Africa in 2013, Brett Driessen’s life took a life-threatening turn when an unknown virus invaded, and ultimately, destroyed his heart.

For Adela, living well always meant having children. The thought of kidney disease getting in the way of that left her distressed and heartbroken. Thanks to ground-breaking research, Adela and her husband Shah were able to welcome baby Amir!

Michelle’s Mission To Save Lives From Breast Cancer

Breast cancer survivor Michelle has made it her mission to help protect other women from this disease.

Donna’s Legacy of Love. It was Donna’s mission to bring joy through her miniature therapy horses. Our generous supporters helped ensure they can continue bringing smiles to the faces of people who need it most.

Life-Changing Programs Support Curtis’s Transition To Civilian Life. After 30 years in the Navy, Curtis had a real fear of not being understood in the civilian world. Programs delivered through MESHA helped him to understand how valuable his skills could be in the civilian world.

Research Saved Danny From Atrial Fibrillation.

Having always been health conscious and active, Danny was shocked when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in 2018. Thanks to his doctors and research, Danny is enjoying his life with his wife Sandy, and their sons and grandkids.

Beth’s Brave Breast Cancer Battle. When Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, she didn’t want her kids to worry. Thanks to research, Beth is still enjoying life with her family.

Laurel Palliative Care Foundation’s Art Therapy program helped Uta, Julia and Luca to heal from their grief.

The impact of quality palliative care on patients and their families is clear in this heartfelt letter written to the staff at Laurel Hospice from cancer patient Jenna.

The Parkinson’s SA Wellbeing team supports Kate on her journey with Parkinson’s following her diagnosis.

The creation of a long-lasting legacy for Bob’s family.

Michelle’s Triple Negative breast cancer fight.

When Michelle was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at only 36 years old, she was terrified of leaving behind her 4-year-old son, Nate. Thankfully, Michelle won her fight and is still enjoying time with her family.

Assistance dog Sophie helps Trevor with his Post-Traumatic Stress.

Revolutionary stroke trial at the Royal Adelaide Hospital is saving lives!

Tim Lamming’s life was turned upside down after he was diagnosed with the heart condition, MINOCA.