‘Survivorship’: Sophie Cotsis MP hosts brain cancer awareness event at NSW Parliament

·

Doctors and brain cancer researchers gathered at NSW Parliament on May 4, 2021, to show their support for a ‘Survivorship’ awareness event organised by The Brain Cancer Group, Care2Cure, and hosted by Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis MP.

The Brain Cancer Awareness event was aimed at shining a light on ‘The Survivorship Diary,’ a book recently released by brain cancer patient, Cassandra Bennett, to support other patients and carers through their cancer journey.

Attendees on the night, which included prominent members of the Greek community such as Suzane Peponis-Brisimis, founder of the White Pearl Foundation, and representatives from the Bank of Sydney, were first treated to light refreshments before moving to a nearby theatre for the official proceedings.

READ MORE: Suzane Peponis-Brisimis: Leading philanthropist shining a spotlight on brain cancer research.

Master of Ceremonies, Richard Ryan, who is the CEO at Castlecrag, Hunters Hill and North Shore Private Hospitals, kicked off the event before introducing Ms Cotsis to the stage for some opening remarks.

During her speech, Ms Cotsis thanked medical researchers for their “phenomenal work” in brain cancer research and later discussed why the event held a special significance for her.

READ MORE: White Pearl Foundation raises over $20,000 at 2021 Breakfast for Brain Cancer.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and I can tell you, Cassandra, congratulations on [your launch] because I know now what it means when you’re looking at survivorship,” Ms Cotsis said.

From there, Cassandra went up on stage to describe how ‘The Survivorship Diary’ came about after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in July 2018.

“Some two years later, 28 months of chemotherapy… and the global pandemic, we have the survivorship diary… We’ve designed this diary to help patients and their families manage the incredible amount of information they have to understand, remember and keep track of after being diagnosed and through treatment,” Cassandra explained.

Cassandra Bennett describing ‘The Survivorship Diary.’ Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.

“The diary contains ten sections – diagnosis, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, mental and emotional wellbeing, seizures and neurological health, living with brain cancer, financial notes, palliative care and other resources.

“Each section includes two pages on how to describe each day of the treatment, key questions to ask specialists and a table to record names and contact details for each of the key members of the support team.”

(L-R) Sigrid Hawker, Paul Hawker and Associate Professor Michael Black, who is the Director of The Brain Cancer Group, Care2Care. Photo: Andriana Simos / The Greek Herald.

The practical use of this game-changing resource was then stressed when former Campbelltown Mayor, Paul Hawker, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour this year, and his wife Sigrid, discussed how helpful the diary has been during Paul’s cancer journey.

“The Survivorship Diary… has many helpful facts about cancer and treatment and one of them in particular was the suggestion that taking chemotherapy at night before bed can reduce the effects of nausea. It certainly worked for us,” Sigrid Hawker said in her speech.

Paul Hawker concluded the night by having a conversation with Associate Professor Michael Black, who is the Director of The Brain Cancer Group, Care2Care, where he described how he has “accepted” his cancer diagnosis and cheekily admitted that “whilst I’ve glanced through the diary, I haven’t made any entries in it because Sigrid seems to be the one that records everything and reminds me of things we have to do.”

This drew laughter from the crowd as it became even more evident just how valuable ‘The Survivorship Diary’ is for carers of cancer patients, who at times are too tired from cancer therapy to even consider their next doctor’s appointment or treatment date.

The successful awareness event ended with attendees enjoying coffee and light refreshments outside the theatre.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

History and heritage united: Evzones receive warm reception in South Australia

Greek Australians were filled with pride on Thursday, 24 April 2025, as the Evzones stood in reverent formation during an official reception.

The Tymbakion Shorts: How a heirloom uncovered a hidden chapter of ANZAC history

When Dr Andrew Holyoake stumbled upon wartime memorabilia, he had no idea it would lead him to a long-forgotten chapter of WWII history.

A Kytherian ANZAC: The wartime legacy of Nicholas Theodore Georgeopoulos

Nicholas, the first child of Theodore N and Eirini Tzortzopoulos, was born in Sydney, Australia in 1917. Read more here.

Oakleigh Grammar commemorates ANZAC Day at special assembly

Oakleigh Grammar has honoured ANZAC Day with a moving whole school assembly to commence Term Two of 2025.

‘ANZAC Bread’: How Australian flour fed the survivors of Genocide

The Hobson’s Bay had sailed from Melbourne the previous month with thousands sacks of flour donated by Victorian farmers.

You May Also Like

20 years since Athens Olympics: Sydney event to honour Greek Australian contribution

AHEPA NSW are inviting people to a unique function to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Athens 2004.

On this day in 1939, Greek composer Stavros Xarchakos was born

Songs written by Stavros in the 60's are now considered classics of their time, with the composer known for his personal musical style.

Greek souvlaki store owner caught up in Melbourne drug-trafficking investigation

A Lamborghini-driving cryptocurrency founder is fighting to regain control of his souvlaki store and Bitcoin empire after being charged over his alleged role in...