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Ellie’s story

Leanne holding the memory of her sister Ellie.

Leanne holding the memory of her sister Ellie.

Can Do the Distance – Sign up or donate
This August, Leanne is walking 270km in honour of Ellie as part of Can Do the Distance. Join Leanne by walking in honour of someone special to you, or support her journey with a donation.

Can Assist Harden    |    Can Assist Young

 

As told by her sister Leanne. 

Ellie was 24 years old, newly married and pregnant with her first child when her cancer journey began. 

At a routine 12‑week pregnancy scan, doctors discovered a mass in Ellie’s bladder. At first, there was little concern. Further tests and a biopsy confirmed it was cancer, but specialists believed it would remain contained and could be addressed after her baby was born. 

During her second trimester, Ellie underwent surgery to remove the visible cancer, while continuing her pregnancy, determined to do everything she could to protect both her own health and her unborn child. 

Ellie carried her pregnancy while living with cancer, focused on welcoming her daughter Ivy into the world. Six weeks after giving birth, Ellie underwent major surgery to partially remove her bladder. The early outlook was positive, and she began regular monitoring, undergoing laparoscopies and scans every three months. 

Ellie in hospital receiving treatment, with daughter Ivy.

Ellie and daughter Ivy

Around nine months to a year later, doctors discovered the cancer had returned. This time, it had spread beyond the bladder into the peritoneal lining. The cancer was microscopic, aggressive, and not detectable through standard scans. Specialists later described it as appearing like sesame seeds scattered throughout her body. 

Ellie was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer linked to the urachus – a structure connecting the bladder to the umbilical cord during fetal development. For most people it disappears before birth. For Ellie, abnormal cells had formed decades later, with devastating consequences. 

There was no established chemotherapy for this cancer. Treatments were trialled in the hope they might slow its progression, but none were effective.

Ellie during treatment 

Ellie spent eight months away from home over the course of her illness, attending specialist appointments and treatments. The travel burden was enormous. Her family clocked more than 5,000 kilometres travelling to and from Wagga Wagga, and over 20,000 kilometres travelling between home and Sydney. Ellie often drove herself, with her mum and baby Ivy by her side. Trips could last days or weeks at a time, placing significant emotional, physical and financial strain on the family. 

Can Assist Young and Harden branches provided vital support through fuel vouchers and accommodation, helping Ellie’s mother stay close to care so Ellie could continue seeing her daughter Ivy during long hospital stays. 

In mid‑2023, Ellie underwent a massive 15‑hour surgery in Sydney. Surgeons removed non‑essential organs, sections of bowel, and performed a heated chemotherapy wash inside her body in an effort to prolong her life. The recovery was intense, but Ellie returned home determined to keep going. 

Just before her 27th birthday, Ellie’s condition deteriorated rapidly. The cancer returned aggressively, completely blocking her bowel and fusing organs together. She was told there were no further treatment options – only comfort care. 

Ellie under care

Ellie spent Christmas in hospital with her family, her young daughter playing beside her bed while she watched, unable to eat but determined to be present. After months in hospital and specialist care, Ellie came home under palliative care and passed away on 12 April, aged just 27. 

Ivy visiting mum  

Ellie believed deeply in sharing her story. She wanted awareness, understanding, and for others to receive the same community support she had. Her legacy lives on through her family and through fundraisers like Can Do the Distance – ensuring no country family has to face cancer alone. 
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When Help Arrives – How Can Assist Supports Local Cancer Families

When someone in Peak Hill receives a cancer diagnosis, the journey ahead can feel frightening, expensive, and overwhelmingly lonely. But for more than a decade, one thing has remained constant: sooner or later, Maria shows up at their door – often with a gentle smile, a form, and the reassurance that they will not walk this path alone. 

As the Can Assist liaison officer, Maria is usually the first person families meet. She calls or visits as soon as she hears about a diagnosis, introduces herself, and explains the ways Can Assist can help. “I give them our form, my number, and I just say, ‘If you need anything, call me. If I can’t answer your question, I’ll find someone who can.’” 

For many local families, the single biggest barrier to treatment is fuel. Fuel vouchers are the support families most often accept. Every week, Maria checks in with each person – not just to organise vouchers, but to ask how they’re coping. “Sometimes people just need to talk,” she says. 

Can Assist also covers pharmacy costs for cancer related medications and supplements, provides food vouchers when needed, and helps people navigate IPTAAS reimbursement – often the difference between whether someone feels they can afford ongoing treatment, or not. 

Maria shares the story of a man who refused help for months. She quietly slipped vouchers into an envelope and delivered them anyway. When he finally became cancer free, the first thing he did was send a message of gratitude. “He said he’d support Peak Hill Can Assist for the rest of his life,” Maria recalls. Maria shared his message with the volunteers. “The smiles… you could feel the pride in the room,” she says. 

For local cancer families, Can Assist is not just financial help – it is community, dignity, and hope. And for Maria, being part of that journey is “a privilege.” 

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Kate’s story

 

When 28-year-old nurse Kate Attwood found a lump in her breast, she expected reassurance. She was young, healthy, and had no strong family history. But in October 2023, in a quiet ultrasound room far from her home in Gundagai, everything changed. The radiologist’s expression softened, and in that moment, Kate’s world shifted. 

As the diagnosis was confirmed days later, the fear wasn’t only about cancer – it was about time. Becoming a mum was important to Kate, always part of the life she imagined with her husband James. But cancer meant she had to make urgent, complex decisions before chemotherapy could begin. 

Living in the country added another layer of difficulty. Gundagai to Wagga. Wagga to Sydney. Then Wodonga. More than 50 trips, each one a reminder that cancer in the country comes with extra weight – distance, cost and isolation. 

Before treatment, Kate underwent an egg-retrieval cycle in Sydney – a 750km journey – but the embryos didn’t survive. Devastated but determined, she travelled again, this time to Wodonga, for ovarian tissue preservation. Today, 83 tiny slivers of her ovary are frozen, waiting to give her a pathway to motherhood when treatment is over. 

Kate and James

Kate and James

Amid the emotional and financial strain, Can Assist stepped in. They helped cover pharmacy costs, fuel and travel vouchers, easing a burden that had grown heavier with every kilometre travelled. 

Kate says, “A big, big thank you to Can Assist and to all the people that donate to Can Assist. Having Can Assist there to help and support me through my journey was really important. You can feel very isolated when you get diagnosed, especially in a rural area where there’s not a lot of women in their 20s getting diagnosed with breast cancer.” 

Today, Kate is back nursing, carrying forward a new depth of empathy – shaped by the road she has walked, and the hope she still carries for the family she dreams of. 

This Mother’s Day, we honour women like Kate – and every mum, future mum, daughter and family facing cancer across the country, and especially our volunteers who make support possible. Your strength inspires us all.

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Mal’s Story

When Mal found a lump in his neck, he and his wife Alison never imagined how far the diagnosis would take them from home. The treatment offering him the best chance of recovery from throat cancer was in Sydney – more than 375 kilometres from their life in Lake Cathie. 

Read more

Kylie’s Story

Kylie’s Cancer Journey: Finding Strength Far from Home 

In November last year, Kylie Louie’s world changed when she was diagnosed with vulvar cancer. What began in one area quickly spread to her bones, liver, lymph nodes, lungs and bone marrow. 

In December she began radiation treatment in Dubbo, followed by six months of chemotherapy there starting in January. The treatment was tough — sessions every three weeks — but Kylie kept going. After chemo she tried immunotherapy, only to face serious side effects that put her in hospital. A PET scan and biopsy then revealed cancer in her bone marrow, so Kylie has started chemo again in Dubbo, this time weekly and in smaller doses. 

Kylie in Lourdes Hospital, Dubbo 

 

Living in Gilgandra, 70 kilometres from Dubbo, means Kylie spends countless hours on the road. Between appointments, hospital stays and tests, she’s travelled thousands of kilometres and spent at least $3,000 on fuel on fuel alone. “It takes it out of you physically and financially,” she says. 

Thankfully, Kylie has not faced this journey alone. Her husband, children and mum have been by her side every step of the way. And with support from Can Assist, some of the financial strain has eased. Can Assist has helped with food vouchers, accommodation for her family during hospital stays and other practical support. 

“I’m so grateful for Can Assist,” Kylie says. “It’s hard enough going through cancer without worrying about how you’ll afford to get to treatment. Their help means the world.” 

Kylie’s journey isn’t over, but she remains determined and hopeful. Her story reflects the reality for many country cancer patients: long journeys, extra costs and the need for strong support networks. It reflects the strength of country cancer patients everywhere — and the power of community to make the hardest days a little brighter.

Ethel’s Story

My Cancer Journey – Finding Strength and Support 

“My story started in early 2023 when my abdomen slowly began filling with fluid. At first, I didn’t realise what was happening. I’d just had a tooth pulled and was on antibiotics, so I thought maybe it was just my body reacting. But the swelling kept getting worse and my breathing was laboured. 

Before long, I looked eight months pregnant. Walking from one side of the room to the door felt like running a marathon. My husband insisted I see a doctor, and my boss did too– I’m a hairdresser and I didn’t want to let my boss or my clients down, but my I finally agreed, and booked the appointment. 

Blood tests led to hours in the hospital. Late that night, the doctor told me, “Because of your age and your test results, we’re going to start at cancer and work our way back.” When you hear the word “cancer,” it’s like the TV ads – everything muffled, everything a blur. 

The next week I was referred to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney. I didn’t have private health insurance and worried about costs and waiting times, but they got me in quickly and even helped with travel and accommodation through IPTAAS. During that first hospital stay, they drained 10 litres of fluid and later performed a full hysterectomy and drained another 6 litres of fluid. My ovaries were severely enlarged (the size of an orange) and leaking fluid. The diagnosis: stage 4 advanced uterine cancer. 

My best friend had passed away from stage 4 bowel cancer just the year earlier, so hearing those words was devastating. Doctors told me I had two to five years. I’ve just passed the two-year mark. 

Since then, my journey has been a rollercoaster – multiple surgeries, a colostomy bag, and two major rounds of chemotherapy. I’ve spent long stretches in hospital, first in Sydney and later at Dubbo Hospital. I’m now on lifelong surveillance with blood tests and scans every three months. The fear before each test never really goes away, but I try to stay hopeful. 

Cancer has changed my life in so many ways. I haven’t been able to work much – I started back just an hour a week answering the phone, and now I’m up to about four hours. My body fatigues easily. I have a 3kg lifting weight limit because of my stoma, so even simple things like hanging out the washing are too much. Through it all, my husband has been my rock – moving our bedroom around, helping me shower and eat, driving me to appointments, and taking care of everything without a single complaint. 

And Can Assist has made a difference. Asking for help was hard – I always thought there must be people worse off than me. But thanks to Dubbo Can Assist, we’ve had food on the table, petrol to get to appointments, and even help with our electricity bill. That support has taken such a weight off our shoulders and allowed us to focus on my health rather than just survival. 

As I write this, I have hair again this winter – after losing it for two years in a row. I’m working a little more, spending time with my husband and our dogs, and taking each day as it comes. Having faith in God has helped tremendously. 

To everyone at Can Assist: Happy 70th birthday and thank you for helping families like ours. Your generosity and care have meant the world.” 

Ethel – Dubbo 

 

John’s Story

John’s Story – It happened so suddenly 

John had always considered himself fit and active – walking, bushwalking, spending time with his three children and three grandchildren, and catching up with mates for a beer. Then, out of the blue, everything changed. 

“One morning I woke up and my left eye was very wet. I thought maybe something was in it. The next day, the eyelid was completely closed, and it’s never opened by itself since.” 

After visiting his doctor, John was sent to Tamworth for tests. The diagnosis was a sebaceous cell carcinoma – a rare cancer behind his left eye. Radiotherapy began in Tamworth, followed by immunotherapy, which he still receives every three weeks. 

“The cancer clinic there is great. The nurses are wonderful. I see my specialist regularly, and the treatment itself only takes about an hour – but it’s 80 kilometres each way. That’s been one of the biggest changes. I had to hand in my licence, so now my wife drives me. I really miss being able to just jump in the car to get bread or see a mate.” 

Despite the challenges, John remains active and positive. He’s grateful for the people who have supported him, including his local Can Assist branch. 

“They gave us petrol vouchers and that’s been a real help. It’s not just the financial side, it’s knowing someone cares. They’ve been there for me, and for many others in our town.” 

“At first, we said ‘no’ to help because we thought other people needed it more. But Can Assist is there for exactly this reason – to help people get through cancer in any way they can. I’m very thankful for them and the work they do.” 

John still faces treatment ahead, but his outlook remains positive. He keeps active, enjoys time with family, and stays connected with friends and the community. 

“It was such a surprise diagnosis, but I reckon I’m going well. The treatment’s working, and I’ve got a lot of people, especially my wife Debbie, to thank for helping me along the way.” 

 

Julie’s Story

My Cancer Story – Julie 

I was diagnosed with cancer on the 5th of December 2023. At first, I didn’t realise how serious it was — I thought I’d just pulled a muscle in my shoulder after being knocked about during a storm the night before. I couldn’t lie down without pain, so I went to Boggabri Hospital, where I was living at the time. 

My lovely doctor there decided to do an X-ray on my lung, then a scan, and she didn’t like what she saw. I was sent to a lung specialist in Tamworth, and from there to Newcastle for a PET scan. That’s when I learned the truth — little red spots all over my body. Red spots mean cancer. 

When I got back, my doctor held my hands and said, “Julie, I’m sorry, but you have stage four mutated cancer.” She explained it wasn’t like it started in one place and spread — it had just popped up everywhere: in my brain, lung, and pelvis. The good news was, I could live with it as long as the medication worked. And so far, it still is — I’ve now been living with it for 19 months. 

At first, I was put on a medication that made me very ill. I ended up in hospital every fortnight with dehydration, surviving only on pureed apple, custard, soup, and jelly for three months. My new treatment is just one small blue tablet each morning, and thankfully, it’s working well. 

Telling the Family
That first Christmas was hard. I didn’t tell my family right away. On Christmas Day, after lunch, I finally said, “Don’t move, I’ve got something to say. I have cancer — in my brain, lung, and pelvis.” My mum asked if I was joking. I told her, “Sure, Mum, I like to joke about cancer.” My dad just went pale. I told them I didn’t want too many questions yet — I was still trying to come to terms with it myself. 

I cried for a couple of weeks, then told myself, “Christ, I’m not going to get rid of it, so I’d better get on with living.” I still have days where I think, “Why doesn’t it just kill me and be done with it?” but I push through. 

Treatment & Changes
Since my diagnosis, I’ve had one round of radiation on my pelvis, which eased a lot of pain I thought was just a pinched sciatic nerve or arthritis. Recently, scans showed cancer in my ovaries, and my specialist wants them removed via laparoscopic surgery in Newcastle. 

Before all this, I worked in childcare, disability care, and aged care — from newborns to the nearly gone. I’ve looked after over 120 children in my lifetime and loved it. I had to stop working when the illness and treatment drained my energy. By mid-afternoon, I need a nap — not ideal for childcare, unless the kids looked after me instead! 

Support
I’m blessed with support from my parents, brother, and my wonderful support workers. My brother drives me to Tamworth because I’m not allowed to drive. One of my support workers told me about Can Assist, and they’ve been incredible — helping me with the costs for my many trips to treatment. I don’t think I would have lasted this long without them. I couldn’t have asked for more helpful, lovely people to help me. 

Message to Can Assist
To Can Assist — Happy 70th birthday! I can’t believe you’ve been around that long, considering I’ve only known about you for just over a year. You deserve to have a party all over Australia. Thank you for all you do, from the bottom of my heart. 

Bev and David’s Story: Help When It Was Needed Most

 

Bev and her husband David shared 44 years together — a lifetime of love, laughter, and quiet companionship. But when David was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in July 2024, their world changed in an instant. 

“It went to his stomach very quickly,” Bev recalls. “He had radiation therapy — just five sessions — but he’d been bleeding internally, and they couldn’t do anything for him after that.” 

From diagnosis to David’s passing in March 2025, the months were filled with hospital trips, invasive procedures, and a level of physical and emotional care that tested Bev’s every reserve. David eventually needed a feeding tube, and Bev nursed him at home until the end. “It was very hard on both of us,” she says. 

But they didn’t face it alone. 

Can Assist Stepped In 

Can Assist was there when things became overwhelming. “They took all the worry away from me,” Bev says. “They helped with getting us to Tamworth, they paid for accommodation there and at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, and they covered David’s medications and the special food he needed for the tube. I can’t express how much they gave us — financially, emotionally, and practically.” 

Bev already knew about Can Assist thanks to her strong local community ties and her friend Jenny, President of the local branch. “I’ve supported Can Assist for years, gone to all their events,” Bev says. “But I don’t know if I would’ve asked for help. I’m so grateful Jenny reached out and said, ‘We’re here for you.’” 

 

 

A Lifetime of Love — And a New Battle 

Bev is now facing her own cancer journey. Diagnosed in August 2023 with a rare blood cancer called myelofibrosis, she’s on chemotherapy tablets, morphine patches, and other medications to manage pain and fatigue. “I was diagnosed before David,” she says. “He was actually the one supporting me at first.” 

And now Can Assist is helping Bev with her treatment too — easing the cost of vital medications 

Finding Peace in the country 

Bev and David moved to the country 11 years ago to escape Sydney’s smog, after years of Bev suffering from chronic chest infections. “We came up here for my nephew’s wedding, loved it, and never looked back. The air is beautiful, and I’ve barely been sick since.” 

The couple built a new life in the country, one full of music and friendships. Bev ran a group that took people to musicals in Sydney and always supported Can Assist’s high teas, Melbourne Cup events, and more. 

Now, Bev finds herself leaning on the very community she gave so much to. 

Bev’s Message 

“To anyone going through cancer, or who knows someone who is — please reach out. There is help out there,” Bev says. “Can Assist is phenomenal. The local branches are full of kind, supportive people who go out of their way to help. You don’t have to do this alone.”