Nigel Rendell

46, Diagnosed with rare Mantle Cell Cancer in 2023

Nigel Rendell never imagined his life would be upended by a diagnosis of Mantle Cell Lymphoma - a rare form of blood cancer that affects fewer than 5 per cent of lymphoma patients.

The road has been anything but easy, a brutal stem cell replacement, endless hospital visits, challenging chemotherapy sessions, and days when hope felt distant. Yet, through it all Nigel has shown so much appreciation for Barwon Health and the care and support he has received.

Today, Nigel has shifted his focus entirely to his health and family. Driven by his experience, he is passionately committed to advocating for those facing similar paths.

“I have proudly had 100 per cent of my treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma here in Geelong close to my family and loved ones. I’ve witnessed first-hand the exceptional layers of care and services available locally.”

Isla Foy

36, Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2023

Isla Foy was 26 weeks pregnant when she felt an unusual pain in her chest. At first, she thought it was a simple infection. But the truth was far more devastating – she was living with stage three invasive breast cancer. Within days, Isla began chemotherapy. Just two days after her first treatment, she went into early labour and baby Freddie was born safely.

While juggling the demands of a newborn and chemotherapy, Isla endured 16 rounds of treatment, surgery, and radiation at Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre and cancer services. The journey was physically demanding and emotionally overwhelming. Isla credits both her son and the treatment she received at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre for saving her life.

“Freddie is my guardian angel. If I wasn’t pregnant, I possibly wouldn’t know that I had cancer because my symptoms changed so much from pregnancy hormones. Without him, I may not be here. And without the team at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre, I wouldn’t have made it through.”

James Kerr

42, Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer in 2019

Six years ago, James Kerr’s life changed overnight with a diagnosis no one wants to hear - testicular cancer. He beat it once. Then it came back.

Through months of intense chemotherapy at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre, he found more than treatment, he found a team that felt like family. James is now officially cancer free. His gratitude to the Andrew Love Cancer Centre is endless. Because of early detection and treatment, he’s back to living a full, healthy life on the Bellarine Peninsula with his family.

James tells his story not for himself, but to help others. One of his mates got checked after hearing what he’d gone through - and discovered his own testicular cancer early, just in time. That’s the power of awareness.

“The Andrew Love Cancer Centre staff became an extension of family when I needed it most, I’ll be forever grateful for the care they showed me.” 

Roxie Bennett

62, Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 1997

Roxie says she’ll never forget the feeling of dread that filled her body when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 35. She recalls the terrifying time where one moment she was living a full life, the next, everything was uncertain. In that moment of fear, it was the Andrew Love Cancer Centre that helped Roxie find her footing.

“I was so young, and everything was happening so fast. But the team at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre were incredible. Their care, their kindness, it made the hardest time in my life bearable.”

Now more than 20 years cancer-free, Roxie is one of Geelong’s most passionate advocates for local cancer services. Best known for her radio career and tireless community work, she’s also a proud supporter of the Centre that helped her through the toughest fight of her life.

“There was a time when people had to go to Melbourne for this kind of care. I’m just so grateful I didn’t have to. Being close to my kids during treatment meant everything.”