Get involved and help Queenslanders living with cancer by volunteering. Volunteers are the heart of our organisation. Join us to make a greater impact and connect with like-minded people.
Every contribution helps support those living with cancer. Whether a one-off donation or monthly gift, your support ensures funding stability for long-term goals and future generations.
Leave a legacy by including a gift in your Will, starting a tribute page for a loved one, or funding a research grant for early-career cancer researchers driving clinical innovations.
Organise a fundraising event in your community, either as a team or an individual. You can join one of our existing fundraising events or you might like to come up with your own way.
When organisations work together, we can have a greater impact for every Queenslander going through cancer and help amplify our message for all Australians.
However you get involved, you’re making a direct impact on the lives of Queenslanders affected by cancer. See the results of what we’ve all achieved.
Because of You, Debbie had support and care
A few months ago, we introduced you to Debbie Alward, an independent stockwoman from Aramac whose life split into a permanent ‘before’ and ‘after’ when she was diagnosed with cancer. More than 1,000 kilometres from home, Debbie faced surgery, treatment and months away from everything familiar. During her treatment in Brisbane, she stayed at Cancer Council Queensland’s accommodation lodge, where she found comfort, connection and support from staff, volunteers and other regional Queenslanders walking a similar path.
It’s a long way from Aramac to Brisbane, and Debbie’s experience is shared by many Queenslanders living outside major cities, who face challenges far beyond the disease itself. Long distances, time away from family and the costs of travel and accommodation can add enormous pressure at an already overwhelming time. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, people such as Debbie can access the care and support they need, regardless of where they live. On behalf of Debbie and the thousands of Queenslanders facing cancer each year, thank you. Your kindness helps provide practical support, comfort and hope when it is needed most.
At Kodi’s university graduation, everyone around her was celebrating, talking excitedly about travel, careers, and what the future might hold. Then just 21, the occasion felt very different.
“It was a struggle,” “I felt like I couldn’t make plans because I didn’t know what was going to happen.”
Kodi says.
She’s recently found a lump the size of a golf ball in her neck. When an ultrasound came back inconclusive her doctor ordered a biopsy, which revealed she had papillary thyroid cancer.
As part of her treatment, Kodi underwent radioactive iodine therapy, which uses a radioactive form of iodine to target any remaining thyroid cancer cells. Because her body became temporarily radioactive as a result, she had to stay alone in a hospital room for several days. “When staff came to bring you food they’d knock, and I would have to stand in the farthest corner of the room, while they rush in and rush out. I wasn’t able to touch my dog for weeks.”
During treatment, Kodi called Cancer Council Queensland’s 13 11 20 information and support line.
“Even though I had people in my life who were able to support me through the hard times, it got to a point where I wanted to speak to someone so I wasn’t burdening my friends and family.”
“I’m a positive person, but it was hard, and Cancer Council Queensland really helped me stay optimistic,” she says.
“That call to Cancer Council Queensland’s 13 11 20 line was a turning point. It helped me hold onto hope that I’d go into remission, and I’m so grateful to say I’m there now.”
Every call to 13 11 20 is funded by supporters like you. Thank you.
“We are making progress. Thanks to you, we are moving closer to the patient trials that could one day change what a brain cancer diagnosis means for Queenslanders.”
Dr Taskeen Janua
Cancer Council Queensland Next Generation Cancer Research Fellow
The University of Queensland
“I want to personally thank you for making my research possible. Your support gives me the time and stability to keep searching for better treatments for people facing brain cancer.
Aggressive brain cancers such as glioblastoma remain incredibly difficult to treat. One reason is the blood-brain barrier, a natural defence that protects our most precious and vulnerable organ, the brain. While it keeps harmful substances out, it also prevents many cancer drugs from reaching tumours.
Thanks to your generosity, I can continue exploring new ways to overcome this challenge, including developing silica nanoparticles that may be able to carry drugs safely across the barrier and directly to tumours.
This research is still at an early stage, and there is much testing ahead. Many experiments do not work the first time, but each one teaches us something important and helps us move a step closer to better treatments.
That is why your support means so much. Without this fellowship, this research could have stopped. Instead, because of people like you, I can keep asking the next question, testing the next idea, and working towards a future where brain cancer treatment is more effective and less harmful for patients.
Thank you for helping make this work possible here in Queensland. I am sincerely grateful for your belief in cancer research and in researchers like me.”
Rebecca Bell has volunteered with Cancer Council Queensland for many years (if we can be specific that would be much better), and has chosen to leave a gift in her Will. She hopes others will consider doing the same.
“I’ve been a cancer carer and support person since I was seven years old. It has touched my family and now myself, but my passion is helping others.”
Rebecca says
She lost a close friend to cancer more than 60 years ago, before many of today’s treatments existed. “It just gets me excited to know that other people, young and old, now have much more hope of survival and a future to look forward to, because of cancer research, help and support.”
“I’m not a wealthy woman, but I want to leave what I can to make life easier for people who are going through cancer,” Rebecca says. “Most of all, the legacy I want to leave is kindness.”
When you leave a gift to Cancer Council Queensland, you help fund research and support for Queenslanders facing cancer, now and for years to come.
Discover
Want to know your own cancer risk, and what you can do about it? Our free Cancer Risk Calculator looks at six everyday habits and shows you where small changes could make the biggest difference.
See your doctor if you notice any unusual changes, and don’t put off your next screening.
Right now, only 8% of eligible Queenslanders take part in bowel cancer screening. Just 52% take part in breast screening through BreastScreen Queensland, and 56% in cervical screening. If you’re overdue, book in today.List View
