Facing a life-limiting cancer diagnosis, Graham Gathercole knows every day is a gift – time made possible by research funded by people he’s never met.
What began as severe gut pain back in October 2024 turned out to be secondary cancer in his liver and ribs, with the primary cancer later identified in his esophagus.
Graham’s fight for survival led him to a breakthrough treatment – immunotherapy – now recognised as one of the most significant advances in cancer care in recent decades, giving him time he was never expected to have.
Graham is determined that others should have the same chance.
Breakthroughs like immunotherapy are the result of decades of research – with continued funding critical to delivering the next generation of life-saving treatments.
Told to essentially “go home and get his affairs in order”, Graham sold off all he owned to make things easier on his family after he was gone.
Graham becomes emotional when recalling the thoughtful things his support team did for him during his toughest days.
“Two of my sisters came down in November that year and spent a week with me,” Graham said.
“They were upset when it came to saying goodbye. I was very unwell and Christmas felt so far away.”
His partner Nikki rearranged work to care for him, close friend Deb and her husband drove him to appointments, and friends rallied to provide whatever support was needed. His other sister’s prayer group prayed for him.
His face lights up when he acknowledges the outstanding work of Oncologist, Dr Yujo Chua, and the nursing staff in the Cancer Unit, most of whom he’s come to know very well.
“I know I see Nurse Gery on Sundays, as he’s always there – ready to greet me with a smile. It’s those little things – the little moments with caring friends – that keep you going”, he said.
Through a grueling treatment regime, and the many side effects of medication, Graham pushed through the Christmas he thought he wouldn’t see, and in March, realised he should start thinking about his upcoming birthday. In gratitude for how far he’d come, he arranged a 70th birthday celebration, asking friends and family to donate to cancer research through Canberra Hospitals Foundation.
The celebration raised $6,778 for local cancer research, supporting patients across Canberra’s hospital system.
Asked what impact he’d hoped would be achieved by his donation, Graham’s clear that he just wants to help others through a cause he passionately believes in.
“I feel extremely grateful and I feel God’s left me here to do something. I’ve just got to figure out what,” he said, tearfully.
Thanks to the research investment made by many before him, he now has time to do just that. But more patients are still waiting for the breakthrough that could give them more time too. Your tax-time gift today can help fund the next life-changing discovery
Immunotherapy: From Research Breakthrough to Life-Saving Treatment
Hailed as one of the most significant advances in cancer treatment in recent decades, immunotherapy essentially “switches the immune system back on,” helping it find and fight cancer cells that would otherwise go undetected.
- Research into immunotherapy has progressed over decades, with major breakthroughs in the past 10–15 years
- Now used to treat cancers including melanoma, lung, kidney and bladder
- Has significantly improved survival for some patients, with long-lasting responses
- Not all patients respond – ongoing research is critical
Breakthroughs like immunotherapy don’t happen by chance – they are made possible through sustained investment in research, innovation and patient care.
Your Research Donations at Work
Research funded through Canberra Hospitals Foundation is helping improve care for patients of all ages – from emergency departments and cancer wards to intensive care and dementia services.
Your support helps fund:
- Cancer research and clinical trials
- Emergency medicine research improving patient care (REACH)
- Dementia rehabilitation programmes supporting patients and carers
- ICU recovery research improving long-term outcomes
Every breakthrough starts with research – and every breakthrough starts with people like you.
Thanks to research, patients like Graham have been given more time. But more families are still waiting for the breakthrough that could change everything.
This tax time, your donation to Canberra Hospitals Foundation can help fund urgent local research and bring new treatments to patients who cannot afford to wait.
Please give before 30 June.
Your tax-deductible donation can help shape the future of healthcare locally.
