Event Topic:
As requested by members of the Brain Tumours Online Community, we have invited three wonderful people who have generously agreed to share some of their personal experiences and stories of loving and caring for someone with a brain tumour.
About the speakers:
This webinar will be hosted by Prof Kate Drummond (Head of Neurosurgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and the project lead on the Brain Tumours Online project), and she will be joined by three special guest panellists – Aidan, Sarah and Narelle. Our panellists have sent through the following bios by way of introduction to you:
Aidan:
Aidan was a carer for his late wife, Toni Shields. Aidan and Toni meet at the Monash University Commerce Ball and married to the day 7 years later. Little did they know that in 4 months time Toni would be diagnosed with a brain tumour, Grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma. After initial treatment they returned to Brisbane and the next 5 years were filled with many happy memories of travel, raising a puppy, renovating their home, celebrating every “good” 3 month scan and spending time with people they loved.
When Toni’s tumour progressed they returned to Melbourne to be nearer to their family. For the next 18 months Toni was unable to work, Aidan took on more caring duties and whilst it was hard at times, they lived very fulfilling lives and found joy in every day. Being a carer is the most rewarding job anyone can have. You find resilience you never thought you had and enjoy moments you never thought you would that help prepare you for the next phase of your life.
Since Toni’s passing Aidan has travelled the world, surfed in the arctic circle, ran 5 marathons (Melbourne the first and most recently sub 3 hours at Chicago in 2023!) and meet a girl in the Caribbean whom is now married to and has a 2 year old son (with #2 on the way! 🙂 )
Sarah:
Sarah is a full time working parent to two boys. She enjoys Australian rules football, keeping active, time with her family and friends and is a Director on two not-for-profit boards. At the time of her husband’s diagnosis, they were counting down the days until their wedding and planning their honeymoon in Paris. They were very much young and in love. Sarah lost her husband at the age of 29.
Narelle:
Narelle was a carer for her husband Peter Dickinson. Narelle and Peter meet while nursing together at the Freemasons and married 8 years later. Just before their 2 year anniversary Peter was diagnosed with a Grade 4 glioblastoma. After initial treatment Peter was able to go back to work 3 days a week, and was able to drive again. During this time Narelle was going through IVF treatment while supporting Peter through his treatment. Peter’s tumour progressed 11 months after diagnosis. That’s when Peter stopped work. Family and friends helped out with the caring role, while Narelle continued to work. Narelle took on more of the caring and nursing role for the last 3 months of Peter’s life. Peter was 40 years of age when he passed. Narelle went on to have Peter’s daughter a year after he passed.
Webinar recording:
The webinar was recorded, and you can now watch the video.
When was the webinar held?
2-3pm Thursday 27th June 2024 (Australian Eastern Standard Time, i.e. Melbourne/Sydney timezone).