Pivotal Cancer Care Role: Funding Campaign Rallies for Support.
It has been a little over a year since Pitta Pitta woman and nurse Shanon Nealon, has occupied the role of First Nations Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant. A role which has situated her in the PA, Logan, QEII Jubilee, Redland and Beaudesert Hospitals, to be able to serve First Nations patients all over Queensland.
In her capacity, Shanon sought to challenge the ways one might typically imagine medical support for First Nations patients – whose relationship to health care is deeply constrained by historical violence and other socio-economic factors.
Shanon achieves this support primarily through her flexibility and relational approach to health care. A dedication which has her working outside of the hospital and even outside of her working hours.
“…my role has gone a bit beyond just being a hospital role.”
“For example, I was dropping medication off to a patient’s accommodation last week as they couldn't get up here, we were able to get it from the pharmacy here and I dropped it off on my way home.”
And yet, despite the impact she’s had on mob, and despite the historical and cultural significance of her work, the role of First Nations Cancer Nurse Navigator is in search of funding for 2026-2027.
“At the end of the day, it's all about a better outcome for our mob and our elders and closing the gap.”
To preserve Shanon’s critical work, the Dry July Foundation and the PA Research Foundation have partnered for a fundraising campaign via the month-long event ‘Dry July’.
The previous two years of Shanon’s role was funded through a partnership between Dry July, PA Research Foundation, and University of Queensland, and now the Foundation is seeking to raise $25,000 to help it fund Shanon’s role in 2026. If the Metro South Health based charity can hit their target, Dry July has committed to throwing in a matching amount, to ensure Shanon’s role which has already helped more than 80 First Nations patients with cancer or their support network to better navigate the health system and improve their health outcomes can continue.
“I really look forward to what we can achieve this time year through Dry July. I’d love to see as many people as possible signing up to go Dry this July for the Foundation so that we can continue making a difference for First Nations cancer patients and their families through Shanon’s work. If you’re passionate about helping to close the gap in cancer otucomes I’d urge to consider signing up for Dry July this year or to donate to our campaign.
PA Research foundation Chief Executive Officer Damian Topp said.
To assist in funding the First Nations Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant, or to just participate in Dry July, all you will need to do is register via the link below select the Princee Alexandra Hospital as your beneficiary. To participate in Dry July, you do not have to strictly give up alcohol – it could be coffee or energy drinks. Whichever vice works best for you.
If you are interested in donating to the PA Foundation’s Dry July campaign directly, click here.
And if you are interested in knowing more about Shanon’s role and her own experience of breast cancer, click here.
