Trudy Crowley had a vision. That vision was “no woman walking the journey of ovarian cancer would walk alone”. Hence, the Trudy Crowley Foundation was established in 2016 to support and alleviate the suffering of those both directly and indirectly impacted by ovarian cancer. By connecting people with the right information, support services and resources available during this difficult time, the Foundation ensures that no woman, child, partner, parent or friend feels alone.
The Foundation has achieved much since Trudy’s passing in 2018.
On the February 24 this year, the Trudy Crowley Community Cancer Support Centre was opened in her memory. The Centre offers unique support services for cancer patients and their families, which include:
• a dedicated, part-time, fully qualified palliative care nurse
• a dedicated, volunteer, fully qualified palliative care nurse
• counsellor, Bec Snell, who provides invaluable support and counselling to patients and their family
• a dedicated vehicle to drive patients to doctors or treatment appointments at the Icon Centre or Base Hospital
• a private and dedicated wig room, where patients have access to wigs, colourful scarves or turbans
• a safe and supportive environment where patients and their families are welcome to come together for a cuppa and enjoy the comfort and moral support with others walking the same journey
• currently have around 20 patients within our support group who meet regularly at our Centre
• eight dedicated volunteers who offer their time to attend and man our Centre weekly
• seven dedicated, volunteer board directors.
All services available from our Centre are free to anyone walking the journey of cancer. We welcome men and women to utilize our Centre and our services, and it is open to patients from the private or public health sector. It’s important to us that this facility is available for everyone who is affected by cancer.
I am immensely proud to be chairperson of this wonderful Foundation that commenced from Trudy’s vision, and I know Trudy would share our pride at our achievements.
All funds raised from events and donations stay here in Mackay and the Whitsunday regions.
Cr Pauline Townsend
Mackay Regional Council