Rachel Bamber is a Survivors Teaching Students Presenter and an ovarian cancer survivor.
Why are you interested in volunteering for ANZGOG?
For me to be here, two other women didn’t make it. Those women need survivors to give them a voice. Supporting research through organisations like ANZGOG is critical to improving survival rates for all cancers.
Why did you get involved with the Survivors Teaching Students (STS) Program?
I hope that sharing my story helps people understand the reality of cancer and just maybe saves someone’s life either through awareness or early detection. It’s also a great way to meet other survivors and know that we are not alone.
What do you think women and caregivers gain from involvement with STS?
A chance to tell their story, their way and turn a terrible experience into learning. For me it is also part of my healing, having the courage to share my worst life events reminds me of how far I have come and how lucky I am to have had such an incredible family and medical team, including all those behind the scenes finding new ways to beat this insidious disease.
What is your most important wish for gynaecological cancer research?
Prevention of all cancer is the ultimate goal – what an amazing step it would be for humanity to stamp it out. In the meantime, any research that eases the treatment, gives quality of life, prevents or cures this wicked disease is progress toward that goal. I also wish that all cancer research was given equal priority for funding.
To find out more about the Survivors Teaching Students program, visit the webpage or contact Elise Ackland (finance@anzgog.org.au).
