Community Ambassadors

The Warwick Foundation has a strong network of passionate and dedicated volunteers across the country who inspire us everyday. We are humbled by the efforts of these individuals who have a true passion for our vision to touch the life of every young adult with cancer in Australia.

We have created the TWF Community Ambassador program to empower volunteers and/or members in each state and territory of Australia to support the Foundation and its members in an intimate and fulfilling way.

Please meet our Community Ambassadors for the 2011/2012 year.

Ally Beaman

Community Ambassador - Victoria

Monday 6^th July 2009 will be forever etched into my memory, the day I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I guess you could say it was a bit of a shock, at 25 years of age you don’t exactly anticipate being told you have the big C.

When I was diagnosed my whole world fell apart. I didn’t know anyone who had been in my position. I was faced with an incredibly large obstacle, and although I had the support of my wonderful boyfriend, parents, family and friends, I yearned for the advice of a fellow young adult with cancer. My first oncology appointment was a blur, and then the questions came flooding into my mind. What happens when...? What happens if…? How was I going to get through chemotherapy every fortnight, for six months!? Although I was surrounded by incredible love and support, I felt terribly isolated.

Sadly, I didn’t find out about The Warwick Foundation until I had finished my treatment, which makes me even more determined to help spread the word of the wonderful work they do.

I am so incredibly excited and honoured to be a Community Ambassador, I feel like if I can use my experience to make a difference in the lives of other young adults with cancer, then I can turn the most horrific time in my life into a positive one.

Kylie Walker

Community Ambassador - ACT

I was a fit, active and proudly independent single mother of two young children when I discovered the back pain I’d been experiencing for a year or so was caused by late stage non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Coming to terms with the diagnosis and learning to accept help while I went through eight months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy was a major challenge for me.

Soon after my diagnosis, a friend told me about The Warwick Foundation. They’d given him lots of support through his own battle with cancer, and he thought they could lend me a hand too. They certainly did – with moral support, pampering treats and a short holiday for myself, my Mum and my sister. It’s easy as a young adult to feel as though you slip between the cracks of cancer support, but thanks to the passion and compassion of those at The Warwick Foundation, I never had to feel this way. I am now in complete remission and they’re still supporting me through the ups and downs!

I am honoured to be invited to be a Community Ambassador and excited that I have the chance to help The Warwick Foundation support more young adults with cancer.

Suzanne Bish

Community Ambassador - Queensland 

My beautiful sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal cancer in early 2009. At only 24 years of age, I could not believe that this frightening disease could strike someone so young and healthy.  Throughout my sisters’ journey, we have met many young adults battling this disease. It became very apparent over time that there was a great need to raise awareness for this forgotten demographic.

I made it my mission to find an organisation committed to supporting young adults with cancer – thankfully, I found The Warwick Foundation. My family & I have witnessed first hand the assistance and care they offer to their members, and the focus they have to providing support to those in need.

When I was asked to be a Community Ambassador, I was thrilled at the chance to spread the word of the foundation. I could not think of a more worthwhile cause than assisting to raise much needed funds and awareness for this age group. I cannot wait to start giving back to my community by educating them of The Warwick Foundation!  

Shannon Simpson

Community Ambassador - Western Australia

I am a cancer survivor. I was 29 years old and had just commenced writing my PhD thesis when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Of course it was a huge shock, especially to a fit person who had always looked after herself. As a result of my diagnosis, I underwent a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and antibody therapy. But the journey doesn’t end there, with reconstructive surgeries, hormone therapy and the psychological effects of a cancer diagnosis to contend with.

I am passionate about TWF because I am all too aware that young people have very different needs when going through their cancer journey. TWF is a great source of age specific information and was also a support to me through the “mates in my shoes” program.

I am enthusiastic and excited to be a Community Ambassador as I feel this role provides me with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other young people diagnosed with cancer, especially those who undergo treatment in the most isolated city in the world!

 Adam Waters

Community Ambassador - South Australia

Throughout my career in the Hospitality industry and more recently in Vocational Education I have had the pleasure of working with young adults.  A generation I have seen time and time again as drivers in our workforce and community. 

I have often been frustrated by the lack of recognition young adults deserve, therefore it is an honour to have the opportunity to support a Charity that helps raise awareness, provides support and understands the unique needs of young adults on their cancer journey. 

The social importance of The Warwick Foundation is significant and I look forward to involving my peers and community and business leaders to support and empower those young adults and their families and friends to fight this disease.