Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) co-founder and dedicated patient advocate, Ms Kate Vines, was honoured today for her contribution to the cancera disease where abnormal cells split without control and spread to other nearby body tissue and/or organs sector, receiving the 2024 Jeannie Ferris Award.
The Award, which recognises outstanding achievements in improving equity of outcomes for people affected by cancer in Australia, was presented to Ms Vines by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler, at a ceremony this morning at Parliament House.
“I am delighted and honoured to be named as the 2024 recipient of the Jeannie Ferris Award. The creation and development of Rare Cancers Australia has been one of the proudest achievements of my life. From our “kitchen table” beginnings in 2012 we now support thousands of Australians living with rare cancers across the country. That we have been able to build a model of patient care that supports and empowers these patients is one of my greatest joys,” said Ms Vines.
“I am so proud that the 360-degree care model that I began is now embedded in the DNA of RCA. This award is wonderful recognition for not only my work but for the whole RCA team now so brilliantly led by Christine Cockburn. My heartfelt thanks to Cancer Australia for this recognition, it is fantastic.”
RCA CEO, Ms Christine Cockburn, said that the rare cancer community, including the countless number of patients Kate has helped over the years, were delighted to see Ms Vines recognised for her work.
“Kate Vines has indelibly changed the way Australian patients, their families and loved-ones, navigate the uncharted, perilous rare cancer road. Because of Kate, now every person with a rare cancer, no matter their age or geographic location, can receive personalised support that is only a phone call or an email away – this would have been unthought of 15 years ago and is an outstanding contribution,” Ms Cockburn said.
“Having battled Medullary Thyroid Carcinomacancer arising from tissues that line organs for 33 years now, Kate is a walking miracle, and a source of inspiration and hope to so many. Recognition and acknowledgement of her impact in the rare cancer community through receiving this Award embodies a lifetime’s achievement and we all could not be prouder of her.”
Sarah McGoram, is a well-known health advocate and Order of Australia recipient who was supported by Ms Vines at RCA when she was first diagnosed with Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST).
“I met Kate over the phone when I called RCA for support. I was in a state of panic and despair, because I had been told I had to find $130,000 for my rare cancer treatment. Kate listened to my questions, helped me understand why I was falling through the cracks with my rare cancer, and assured me that I was not alone, she was there to help. That one phone call was a turning point for me as a person living with a rare cancer,” Sarah said.
“Thanks to Kate, a patient diagnosed with GIST today can reach out to RCA, connect with a GIST Patient Support Navigator, receive a patient support guide and join the GIST patient support group. This support did not exist until RCA created it and Australians living with GIST are not alone in their rare cancer journeywhat a person experiences/lives from the time they think they have cancer anymore. Without Kate, this would never have happened.”
“I have never met another patient who has personally given so much to support others with cancer, while also managing their own disease. I’m in awe of what Kate has done and continues to do for others. Kate’s impact has had a ripple effect across the entire rare cancer community and her work will have a lasting impact on future generations.”