MHF Brain Cancer Care Coordinators

Sandy Nixon

Hunter New England Health District

My name is Sandy, I have been a very proud MHF Brain Cancer Care Coordinator since 2016. I have worked in Oncology Nursing since 2012 and have completed a Bachelor of Nursing, a Master of Clinical Nursing and a Graduate Certificate in Oncology Nursing.

I grew up on the Mid North Coast in Taree, and am the youngest of four. My husband and I have 3 beautiful children, Hugh, Oscar and Bonnie. I love playing touch football and soccer, or any sport for that matter!

Since becoming an oncology nurse, I have developed an even deeper appreciation for my wonderful family and friends. Knowing that my children are proud of me for helping others is everything.

I feel extremely grateful to work as a MHF Nurse. I have the privilege of meeting and walking alongside the most inspiring, courageous and resilient patients and their families. It’s an honour to be there with them every step of the way. I initially became a nurse because I wanted to help people, but it has become so much more than just that. Being a MHF Nurse is being part of something much bigger than I could have ever imagined, it’s being part of a wider community to find hope amongst the devastation. I am thankful to work with the most amazing team including MHF staff, hospital colleagues and researchers. We’re all in this together.

Alisha Gooley

Hunter New England Health District

Hi my name is Alisha and I am a proud brain cancer nurse for the Mark Hughes Foundation. I have been in this role since September 2017 and I feel so blessed to work with a dedicated team of people and such an inspiring foundation whose aim is to find a cure for brain cancer.

Prior to becoming a MHF nurse I worked as an oncology nurse in the outpatient and inpatient care setting. Oncology nursing has and always will be an enormous passion of mine and I feel so humbled to provide care to our brain cancer patients.

What I love most about this role is the continuity of care it provides, timely referral to services, collaborative care approach, access to clinical trials and the facilitation of optimal patient care. This role has certainly changed the way I approach everyday life and, for me it is the little things that bring me the most joy. Of a weekend you will find me spending time in the sunshine with my husband Matt and children George 2 and Audrey 1, playing a game of league tag, in the backyard attempting to grow a veggie garden and travelling around in the caravan with family and friends. I am so grateful for being given this opportunity to work in a job I enjoy immensely and will continue to raise awareness and fight this dreadful disease.

Natasha Malcom

Hunter New England Health District - Tamworth

My name is Natasha Malcolm and I am the Mark Hughes Foundation Brain Cancer Care Coordinator for the North West area. I commenced the role in late June 2020, and I work 3 days a week. I am based at the North West Cancer Centre in Tamworth, however I also cover Armidale and all surrounding areas.

This position is to support any adults who gets diagnosed with a primary brain tumour. The main purpose of my role is to support and assist both the patients and their families through this life altering diagnosis, which is an extremely difficult time in their lives.

Brain Cancer is such a devastating diagnosis and does not discriminate age or gender. Life can literally change overnight, both physically and mentally and in many circumstances the person they once were prior to diagnosis has been changed forever. Having a dedicated brain cancer specialist nurse for patients and families during this unbelievably difficult time has proven such a valuable service to have to brain cancer patients in our area.

The aim of this role is varying, from patient advocate, education, clinical advice, emotional support for both patient and families. I accompany majority of patients in there Oncologists consults here at the North West Cancer Centre and arrange and book treatment schedules, as well as arranging for follow-up investigations and assisting with referrals for any financial assistance that they may require. Assessing patient’s needs, referring to appropriate services when required and working with other multidisciplinary teams to ensure all patients and family’s needs are met. And often, just being that person on the other side of the phone to listen when people just need to chat can be just as valuable and any physical assistance you provide. Brain cancer patients often have very complex needs, so acting as that contact person between patients and specialists can help them better understand and comprehend things that are taking place.

I have taken great pride in starting the Brain Cancer Coordinator position for the North West area. The multiple kind words and thanks that I receive from patients and their families is endless and they always are so appreciative of any assistance they receive, even if it is just a person to listen when times get emotionally tough. I have been a Registered Nurse since 2003 and have held multiple positions throughout my career, but without a doubt this position has given me the most work satisfaction and enjoyment than any previous. I feel so privileged to be a part of my patient’s lives and always go to the absolute most to guide and help them thought this most devastating diagnosis. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the generosity of the Mark Hughes Foundation in funding this position and giving me the opportunity to help the people of the North West.