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Support services
The Trudy Crowley Foundation exists as a safe space for people impacted by cancer, and their families and friends, to come together with people they can relate to.
We offer the following services to the Mackay and the Greater Whitsundays communities:
Free access to a dedicated palliative care cancer nurses - including out-of-hospital care to those suffering from cancer
Free access to a counsellor for cancer patients and the family members affected by cancer
Free access to wig library
Support group services - the opportunity to connect with other cancer patients and their families in a safe space so you do not have to walk this journey alone
Safe space to connect at the Trudy Crowley Community Cancer Support Centre (Trudy’s Centre), at the corner or Gregory and Alfred Streets (Shop 5), for those affected by cancer and their families
Access to healthcare information and services
Rosie Stannard – Palliative Care Nurse
Rosie has worked in the nursing industry for over 40 years, primarily in disability, aged care, medical, oncology and palliative care. As a child, Rosie spent a lot of time in hospital unwell. During this time, Rosie had a lovely nurse who took great care of her. This is where her passion and aspiration to become a nurse stemmed from.
Rosie officially commenced her employment with the Trudy Crowley Foundation in July 2019 – although she was volunteering for the Foundation long before this. The appointment of Rosie was fitting as she was Trudy’s favourite nurse.
Rosie Stannard is the only nurse in Australia who is solely employed to assist women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Rosie’s role allows her to provide free out-of-hospital care to those suffering from ovarian cancer (although Rosie’s services have extended to other cancer type patients as well), and her services cover patients in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions.
Chris Giannangelo – Nurse
Chris is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with a career spanning nearly 50 years, including 33 years in community nursing and 20 years specialising in cancer care and palliative care. Her deep compassion and commitment to supporting people with a cancer diagnosis have been the driving force throughout her career.
Chris began volunteering with the Trudy Crowley Foundation in February 2022 when the Trudy Crowley Cancer Community Centre opened, and officially joined the team as a Registered Nurse in March 2023.
In her role with the Foundation, Chris is focused on providing quality, person-centred care to people with cancer, as well as offering support to their families and caregivers. She is guided by her belief in providing holistic, compassionate care, especially for those navigating palliative journeys. Her presence at the Foundation ensures that people feel seen, supported and never alone.
Rebecca Snell – Counsellor
Rebecca started as the Trudy Crowley Foundation’s counsellor in April 2021. She holds a Diploma in Counselling, as well as Advanced Study Majors in Grief and Loss, Family and Relationship Therapy and Expressive Therapies, through the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. Rebecca graduated in October 2020 and went straight into private practice, establishing Breakthrough Counselling and Support Services in Mackay and the Whitsundays in early 2021.
After going through the traumatic loss of her father due to cancer when Rebecca was only 12 years old, her desire to help others through difficult times was ignited. She is passionate about being able to offer counselling and support to people undergoing cancer treatment and their families, or families grieving the loss of a loved one. She offers emotional support to those who don’t need counselling but are struggling with intense emotions and in need of some short-term emotional support and comfort.
What Rebecca’s family went through with her father’s cancer journey has given her so much compassion towards these beautiful patients and their families, and an ability to relate to their situation. Her heart’s desire is to offer comfort and support, and walk alongside them on their journey.
This service 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.
Earl Nelson – Support Worker and Ambassador
Earl is a born entertainer, singer-songwriter, published author and motivational speaker who brings energy and heart to everything he does. With over 25 years of experience touring Queensland and abroad, Earl has also built a successful career in sales, promotions and adult education—earning awards as a Certificate IV Trainer and Assessor known for blending education with humour and fun.
Earl currently serves as both a Men’s Health Support Worker and Ambassador for the Trudy Crowley Foundation. After being diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer, he faced his own cancer journey with resilience and is now cancer free. He draws on his personal experience, strong communication skills and deep empathy to connect with others and share the Foundation’s message far and wide.
With strong ties to the Mackay region through sport, schools and community, Earl is passionate about giving back to his “village” and making a positive difference. His dedication to supporting others – especially men navigating cancer – drives his impactful work with the Foundation.
Bridgeen Doherty - Ovarian Cancer Ambassador
Bridgeen has 45 years of experience in executive assistant type roles, encompassing such areas as medical, public relations, marketing, recruitment, and industrial businesses. For the past 20 years, she worked as the executive assistant to the CEO of Mackay Regional Council. Bridgeen has always had a keen interest in the medical field and, apart from five years working as a medical secretary, she completed training in Swedish massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and counselling.
Bridgeen is on her own ovarian cancer journey, after being first diagnosed in December 2019 with Stage 3C high-grade serous carcinoma. She is now Stage 4. From the outset of her diagnosis, Bridgeen has been passionate about getting the message out to as many women as possible about the signs, symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer – and how to advocate for your own health.
An opportunity arose whereby Bridgeen was invited to join the Trudy Crowley Foundation as our Ambassador. As an ovarian cancer patient herself, Bridgeen saw the need for a support group to be formed for local patients to meet and support each other through their journeys. The beginnings of this group were formed in May 2021, by Bridgeen and Nurse Rosie, with sessions running every fortnight.
Teharnee Peel – Ambassador
Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022 while pregnant with her first child, Teharnee experienced a life-altering journey that shaped her passion for supporting others affected by cancer. At just 23 weeks pregnant, she began chemotherapy, followed by a planned caesarean at 32 weeks to allow for intensive radiation treatment.
In a short space of time, she and her husband were navigating cancer treatment, premature birth, emergency hospital visits, hair loss and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it all. Recovery has been a layered journey, involving physiotherapy, counselling, psychology – and life with a busy toddler.
Now based in Moranbah, Teharnee is proud to serve as an Ambassador for the Trudy Crowley Foundation. She’s passionate about connecting with others who are going through a challenging time and is always happy to share her story at events. Through her Instagram account frombaldtoballin, she continues to support and inspire other women walking a similar path.
How you
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