Cis' compassionate care inspires donation

Dannelle (Cis) was first diagnosed with cancer in November 2014 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation at St John of God Bunbury Hospital. It was in October 2019, that they discovered the cancer had spread, requiring regular treatment with biological therapies and chemotherapy over a 3-year period as well as multiple doses of radiation therapy.

16 Mar 2023

During this time, Cis received numerous admissions to the Palliative Care Unit at St John of God Bunbury Hospital, Granada. Cis' husband Mark said, "She loved the concept of Granada Happy Hour and was always speaking of the fantastic care she received in Granada and also from the oncology nurses when receiving chemotherapy."

Sadly, Cis passed away this January. Knowing how much of an impact our hospital and nurses had on her last few years of her life, Cis’ sister Kerry initiated a lamington fundraiser to give back to our hospital, with the help of her other sisters Kylie, Terri and Kym.

With 425 packets of lamingtons sold, a cash donation from Mark's good friend and owner of Dunsborough Cellars, Geoff Davies and the help of their family Relay for Life team, ‘Bulldogs’, Cis’ family raised over $2,000 which was generously donated to St John of God Bunbury Hospital’s Granada Happy Hour to help to continue to bring some light and enjoyment to palliative care patients.

St John of God Bunbury Hospital Acting CEO, Jack Harding said, “We are always grateful to receive donations but when it comes from our patients or their families because of their experiences at our hospital, it is even more special.”

Cis touched countless caregivers who she met throughout her journey at St John of God Bunbury hospital.

Granada Nurse Unit Manager, Maeve O’Malley said, “She was always happy to see her friends and family visit and to see familiar faces among our caregivers. She loved having a joke with us and we are so thankful that her memory can live on through this donation.”

Comprehensive Cancer Centre Nurse Unit Manager, Helen Barry said, “We had the absolute pleasure in caring for Cis over many years. She was a quiet, gentle soul who had an amazing sense of calm about her – she was always so grateful for our advice, attention and care. Our experiences shared were a privilege.”

Image 1: L-R Volunteer and previous Nurse Unit Manager Granada and Oncology, Kerry Smith, Nurse Unit Manager Helen Barry, Kerry Radford, Mark Steel, Nurse Unit Manager Granada, Maeve O'Malley and Acting CEO, Jack Harding.

Image 2: L-R Kerry Radford and Mark Steele.