A life of giving back
John (below), known as “Foxy” for his red hair, isn’t just a survivor – he’s a giver. At 75, he has faced two cancer diagnoses but remains committed to helping others.
His recent donation to Icon Cancer Foundation reflects his deep belief in the power of research to improve treatments.
His cancer journey began five years ago with an aggressive stomach cancer diagnosis, leading him to travel from Darwin to the Gold Coast for treatment under medical oncologist Associate Professor Michael Slancar at Icon Cancer Centre Southport. Thanks to advancements in treatment, he survived – only to face another diagnosis, prostate cancer, two years later.
Now as he nears the end of chemotherapy, he looks forward to returning home with his wife, Trish, and his beloved dog, Humphrey (right).
John’s resilience stems from a lifetime of hard work.
It’s about knowing your contribution will make a difference.”
business empire in construction and hospitality. With success, he believes wealth should be shared. His wife, Trish, also supports the cause hosting annual morning teas to raise funds for cancer research.
Despite his achievements – including being named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2016 for his philanthropy – John remains humble. “People write me lovely letters thanking me. There are a lot of nice people out there,” he says. “I love giving money away. It feels good knowing I’m helping people.”
Looking back, John feels immense gratitude. “From the get-go, I wasn’t going to let cancer beat me,” he says.
His legacy is not just in the businesses he built but in the lives he has touched. His generosity serves as a reminder of the difference one person can make.
Read the full story at qrco.de/icfinsight
Bringing cancer research to Tasmania
Associate Professor Louise Nott (above right) is breaking down barriers to bring life-saving cancer research and clinical trials to Tasmanian patients.
As Director of Medical Oncology for Icon Group and a medical oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre Hobart, A/Prof Nott is a strong advocate for local research.
Her passion for clinical trials began during her fellowship in Adelaide, when she saw a young mother with metastatic bowel cancer respond well to an early-phase treatment. “It was amazing to give her more time with her family,” she recalls.
Returning to Tasmania, she saw inequities in clinical trials access, particularly for rural and lower-income patients. Determined to change this, she joined Icon Cancer Centre in 2018 to build a research program. In 2021, she launched the centre’s first clinical trial.
Since then, she’s expanded access to over 20 trials to more than 100 patients. “It’s about increasing access for all Tasmanians,” she says.
Her team is involved in cutting-edge trials, including antibodydrug conjugates for breast cancer, which precisely target cancer cells while reducing side effects.
A/Prof Nott believes in investigator-initiated research that directly benefits patients. “We’re answering the questions we ask every day,” she says. She hopes every patient has the option to participate in research.
Her dedication to world-class care was recognised in late 2024 when she was named a finalist in the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards for Tasmania.
Icon Cancer Foundation funds a research project led by A/Prof Nott.
Read the full story at qrco.de/icfinsight
Connecting with the community
The BIG Party Charity Dinner
Save the date – Saturday, 2 August 2025, Gatton, Queensland. Hosted by Lockyer Valley Growers in support of Icon Cancer Foundation. Check iconcancerfoundation.org.au as we update details over the coming months.
Long Lunch for a good cause
Thank you to The Ray White Collective (New Farm, Brisbane) for hosting the Long Lunch, supporting vital blood cancer and cellular therapy research. A special thanks to Josephine O’Brien, for her dedication to raising funds for blood cancer research.
Fundraise for Icon Cancer Foundation
Want to make a difference? Host a fundraising event, such as hosting a morning tea, shaving your head or getting involved in a sporting event. Get in touch at foundation@iconcf.org.au to find out more.
Prostate cancer study expands to WA
Patients in Western Australia can now access focal lowdose rate (LDR) brachytherapy for prostate cancer, contributing to the national LIBERATE clinical registry.
Previously established in Victoria, the registry advances understanding of the treatment’s benefits.
Radiation oncologist Dr Eve Tiong, leading the study in WA, highlights its advantages. “Focal LDR brachytherapy delivers highly targeted radiation, minimising damage to healthy tissue. It’s a quick outpatient procedure lasting about 30 minutes.” Tiny radioactive seeds placed in the prostate emit radiation precisely, reducing side effects like erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
The LIBERATE registry collects data on long-term outcomes, helping refine future treatments. “It’s through research that we improve cancer care,” says Dr Tiong. National lead Dr Andrew See notes promising early results, with 138 patients already enrolled.
It’s
through research that we improve cancer care.”
Icon Cancer Foundation funds this vital research, ensuring more patients benefit from cutting-edge treatment. Focal LDR brachytherapy is now available at Icon Cancer Centres in Victoria and WA.
Read the full story at qrco.de/icfinsight
Join
us
in funding research
Monthly giving to Icon Cancer Foundation is a simple yet powerful way to drive cancer research forward. Your ongoing support fuels clinical trials and provides a stable funding base for our researchers.
It’s easy to sign up. Scan the QR code and become an ICF Champion today!
