Shae Gibson
Women's Cancer
Support Fund

Shae and the Fund

Shae Gibson was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2016. Shae fought hard to fight this aggressive disease for almost three years before passing away on 11th January 2019 at age 32.

Throughout her time with us, Shae’s goal was for her life to have real meaning, to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of others, to effect change in real and tangible ways. Shae always considered others first.

Shae was a patient at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and through her cancer journey met many other women fighting the disease. Shae was appointed to the Partnership Advisory Council in late 2016 and used this position to better understand the challenges and experiences of many cancer patients. She learnt that for many women, there were significant costs in treating their cancers: costs of medicines, tests and treatments, loss of income because of inability to work, costs to have family nearby to support them.

In her final weeks, Shae instructed her Executor and family to establish a special fund from her estate to work with the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse team to support such women in need. Shae wanted to assist women from a lower socio-economic background to meet some of these costs so they could focus on recovery and not experience the stress of severe financial constraints. The Shae Gibson Women’s Cancer Support Fund has been established by the Lifehouse to achieve this goal. The Gibson Family are part of an Advisory Committee to support the Lifehouse team in managing donations and grants to eligible women.

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a not-for-profit, comprehensive cancer hospital offering care from screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and to wellness.

At Chris O’Brien Lifehouse we put the patient firmly at the centre of everything we do.

We provide the full range of cancer care: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation oncology, research, supportive care and evidence-based complementary therapies like acupuncture, mindfulness, reflexology, massage and exercise physiology.

Our specialists take part in multidisciplinary teams of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, psychologists and researchers to provide peer-reviewed, tailored, individualised treatment to patients.

Patient care is underpinned by a thriving research program that ensures we remain at the forefront of the latest approaches to cancer prevention, care and treatment. Research and trials are carried out by the same clinicians who treat patients, shortening the path between discovery and new treatments.

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is more than a hospital: it’s a place of hope, possibility, healing and life. Our achievements are possible thanks to our generous, compassionate and committed community of supporters.