All the Foundation has achieved

Since Trudy’s passing in 2018, the Foundation is carrying on her vision and mission to give education and support to ovarian cancer patients, their friends, and their families. So what has the Trudy Crowley Foundation achieved since her passing?

Since 2019, a dedicated fully qualified ovarian cancer Palliative Care Nurse, Rosie, is firmly in place at the Foundation part-time. Rosie Stannard was handpicked by Trudy before her passing (although Rosie wasn’t aware of this fact at the time). She has supported local women on their journey with love and compassion. We can proudly boast that Mackay was the first in Australia to have a dedicated nurse working in this capacity, within the community.

A casual Oncology and Emotional Support Counsellor, Rebecca (Bec) Snell, is based at the Foundation. She offers counselling and support to people undergoing cancer treatment and their families, or families grieving the loss of a loved one. She is available at the ICON Cancer Centre, Mackay Base Hospital, face to face in Trudy’s Centre (corner or Gregory and Alfred Streets), online sessions and she also conducts home visits.

Bridgeen Doherty was invited to join the Trudy Crowley Foundation as the ambassador. She is now walking her own journey of ovarian cancer and has picked up the mantle left behind by Trudy and is passionately working within our community. From raising awareness, speaking at functions, workplaces, service clubs and anywhere there is an opportunity for her to educate on the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer to giving lifesaving information to women on the risk factors of Ovarian Cancer and how to advocate for their own health.

Three, amazing, dedicated women all doing the work of Trudy. 

The Foundation provides wigs and scarves for women undergoing treatment for when they want to look and feel their best. Many people find losing their hair difficult. Its loss can affect their self-confidence and make them feel sad or vulnerable and is a public sign of a cancer diagnosis. We provide a private space to assist our patients with choosing their wig, or a choice of colourful scarves, which we show how to tie into flattering accessories. 

In 2022, Trudy Crowley Cancer Community Support Centre (Trudy’s Centre), was officially opened on the corner of Gregory and Alfred Street Mackay. This is a safe place where patients and their families can come together to utilise the community support services, have a cuppa and a biscuit, and find comfort with others walking this journey too.

Trudy’s Centre is not just available for Ovarian Cancer patients, but for patients with any form of cancer. It’s important to the Foundation that this facility is available for everyone. This was Trudy’s dream.

These services are free to Trudy Crowley Foundation patients and their families, all thank you to the incredible support from the sponsors, who believe in Trudy’s dream.