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Rosemary’s cancer story: hope, family and gratitude

4 min read 08 May 2026

Rosemary knows all too well how cancer turns lives upside down. 

In 2004, she sadly lost her husband to prostate cancer, after two and a half years of caring for him during his journey. 

Then fourteen years ago in 2012, she received a shocking diagnosis of her own. 

“I was suddenly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I’d had no symptoms.” 

Rosemary brightened 2

Ovarian cancer is known as a ‘silent’ cancer. Symptoms are vague, meaning it is often diagnosed when it is advanced and difficult to treat. Each year, close to 2,000 Australians are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and nearly half of these women unfortunately do not survive their cancer. 

A long, frightening and exhausting journey 

Rosemary began weekly chemotherapy soon after her diagnosis. Her fear throughout this period felt even heavier without her husband by her side. 

“It was a frightening time without his support.” 

After a year of treatment, she was given the all-clear. But at her next 12 monthly check-up, the doctors found cancer again. More chemotherapy ensued, which caused hair loss and exhaustion.  

“Chemo is not the most pleasant. But if you need to do something to help you get better, what do you do?” she reflects.

About eighteen months later, Rosemary had a third bout of cancer. This time, treatment involved a lot of surgery. The outlook was bleak: she was shocked to learn it was stage four.

“It was scary because my doctors told me to go home and get my affairs in order.” 

But thankfully, Rosemary was encouraged to seek a second opinion. This is what led her to Peter Mac, where she was put on a clinical trial. Miraculously, the treatment provided through this clinical trial worked. She is still receiving this treatment today, which has gifted her with more time to enjoy her life and family.

“I’m very thankful. I feel wonderful.” 

Finding strength through family

Like many people who experience cancer, the emotional impact took its toll on Rosemary. 

“I felt like a zombie as I walked through my journey,” she recalls. 

”But I had to get myself together, and I was going to get through this, I had to pull myself together and look up and move forward, not looking over my shoulder.” 

One thing that helped Rosemary through her journey was a sense of humour, something she and her husband had done throughout his treatment. Crucially, her family was key to finding the strength to keep moving. A proud mother of three and grandmother of eight, she describes her family as being “a rock” during this time. 

“They gave me more to live for.” 

Rosemary family 2

A gift that makes a difference 

Rosemary is intimately aware how urgently new treatments are needed for ovarian cancer. Along with her own experience, she has lost many close friends to this devastating disease, including a woman she met during her treatment journey, which deeply affected her.

Having benefitted first-hand from a clinical trial at Peter Mac, Rosemary is leaving a gift in her Will to support much-needed cancer research. She hopes her gift will help other women access improved treatments and outcomes in the future.

“I hope my gift helps Peter Mac to create tests that can screen women earlier for ovarian cancer. 

“Through Peter Mac, I had the privilege of meeting Professor David Bowtell, who inspired me to give more so other women can have a better chance of survival through this cancer.” 

Rosemary evening 4

A life of joy and gratitude

Thanks to the power of research, Rosemary is now enjoying life in her retirement community. She can pursue her hobbies, which include crafts such as sewing and repairing dolls. She volunteers her time to support to wives of men with prostate cancer. And she has been given more time with her beloved family, watching her grandchildren grow.

Rosemary feels blessed to have been given another chance at life after her first diagnosis fourteen years ago. Lifesaving cancer research meant that her stage four ovarian diagnosis was not the end. She is determined to make sure that more women with ovarian cancer have hope for survival in the future. 

Rosemary bridge

“I’m happy as happy just being able to put one foot out of bed each morning and stand at the window and say, it’s a great day to be alive. That’s where I’m at.” 

“And Peter Mac has worked hard to support me and ensure they do everything right for me to live a fulfilling life during my journey. It’s a beautiful place to be a part of.” 

Rosemary’s story is a shining example of how cancer research can allow better futures for people and families affected by cancer. By supporting Peter Mac, you are giving the gift of hope. Thank you.

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