Discover the profound impact of an empowered and supportive villager community in helping Rochelle defeat her Cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis
Rochelle Hanley’s Battle with Cholangio-carcinoma
Empower the Patient – Increase Survival, Empower Their Community – Exponentially Increase Survival.
Is That To Simplistic?
By Steve Holmes
The Villager
Rochelle Hanley’s courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma is a vivid testament to the unyielding human spirit, illuminating even the darkest of challenges with hope and resilience. Diagnosed at 39, Rochelle’s journey through the complexities of this rare, silent, and aggressive cancer is not just her personal fight for survival. It’s a powerful narrative about the profound impact of collective grassroots support, compassion, and a transformative shift in perceptions that are redefining the battle against cancer.
In bringing her sister Rochelle’s story to light, Lizzie Wallace not only highlights Rochelle’s extraordinary resilience but also casts a spotlight on the remarkable network of supporters mobilized by the Main Beach community. This grassroots movement, fueled by a collective spirit and commitment, has rallied behind the innovative Patient-Led Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia, which Claire and I are proud to spearhead. Our foundation is at the forefront of a transformative approach to cancer response, marking a significant juncture at the intersection of medical science, patient empowerment, and community-driven innovation. Together, we’re crafting a new paradigm that significantly enhances the patient’s ability to navigate and overcome their cancer challenges.
This next-generation model has not only empowered Rochelle in her fight but also established a new benchmark in patient response capabilities. It exemplifies the profound impact of empowering the community and underscores our concerted efforts to bring about a step change in how patients confront cancer. It’s a striking illustration of what we can achieve when actions and purpose align, reinforcing the idea that empowering individuals and their supporting communities can dramatically improve survival chances.
Rochelle’s story, marked by her unwavering courage and embraced by the unique Villager community of the Gold Coast, perfectly embodies our core belief: To empower the patient is to increase survival; to empower their supporters and community is to exponentially elevate survival chances. Together, we stand poised to amplify the prospects of victory in this collective journey.
With this foundation of unity and innovation, I will hand over to Lizzie Wallace who will share her intimate perspective on her sister Rochelle’s journey, a narrative steeped in resilience and bolstered by the embrace of a compassionate community.
Lizzie Wallace shares her sister Rochelle’s story with ‘The Villager’
Unity in the Face of Adversity: Rochelle’s Journey Through the Eyes of Sisterhood
My beautiful sister, doting wife and loving mum of two energetic boys Shelly Hanley from Brisbane Qld, has recently been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma at the young age of 39.
A couple of weeks shy of her 39th birthday we were dealt with a devastating blow to our entire family, Shelly had always been the picture of health and vitality. We were all in shock and disbelief, and the initial days after her diagnosis were filled with fear and uncertainty. As we began to research and understand more about this rare form of cancer, we realized the daunting road ahead for my sister. Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a particularly aggressive and difficult cancer to treat. It often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage, making it even more challenging to successfully treat. However, we know our Shelly will never give up and has made it her mission to be a success story.
As my sister began her journey with cholangiocarcinoma, we quickly realized the importance of having a strong support system. We were lucky to have a close-knit family and lots of beautiful friends who rallied around my sister, but we also knew that we needed additional resources and support. That’s when we discovered Steve from the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. In my many late night google searches, I was able to find one of few who had survived Cholangio. I knew if we were going to face this beast head on that we had to get in touch with him immediately. He just so happened to live on the Gold Coast, it was simply meant to be. I met with him and his wife Claire who quickly made us a part of their growing Cholanigo foundation family.
This incredible organization is dedicated to providing support, education, and research for those affected by this disease. From the moment we reached out to them, we were met with compassion, understanding, and a wealth of information.
The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation has been an invaluable resource for our family. They offer support groups for both patients and caregivers, where we have been able to connect with others who are going through a similar experience. These support groups have not only provided us with emotional support, but also practical advice and tips for navigating the healthcare system. The foundation also offers educational resources, including webinars and conferences, to help us better understand my sister’s diagnosis and treatment options.
One of the most significant impacts the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation has had on my sister’s journey is their dedication to research. They have funded numerous research projects and clinical trials, with the goal of finding more effective treatments and ultimately a cure for this disease. This gives us hope for my sister’s future and for others who may be diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in the future.
The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation has also been a source of comfort during some of the most difficult moments of my sister’s journey. They have a team of patient advocates who are available to provide emotional support and guidance throughout the treatment process. Knowing that we have someone to turn to for support and advice has been a tremendous relief for our family.
In addition to all of the support and resources they offer, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation also raises awareness for this rare cancer. They work tirelessly to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the signs and symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma, with the hope of early detection and better outcomes for patients.
My sister’s journey with cholangiocarcinoma has been a challenging one, but we are grateful to have the support of family, friends and the amazing Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation by our side. The foundation has been a source of strength, hope, and guidance already in Shellys journey and we have no doubt they will continue to be a lifelong support for her and our family. We will forever be grateful.
Shelly is the strongest person I know, she is fiercely resilient and will fight this thing with everything she has got. Every day she continues to amaze me with her positivity, dedication and drive to survive so that she can be there for her family. Her journey is going to be full of ups and downs and there is a long road ahead but I know one thing for sure is that if anyone is going to get through this she will.
Love you forever my sis, you got this x
Lizzie, your story about Rochelle is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. It’s a vivid testament to the power of love, community, and resilience in the face of adversity. It’s clear Rochelle is a warrior, and with the support of family, friends, and the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, she’s not fighting alone, just as the foundation is not fighting alone we have a grassroots villager community supporting our efforts to help your family.
To the Villagers of Main Beach thank you also. If you can pitch in and support what Claire and I have and continue to create, please join The Villager Club it’s only a $24 donation, or jump on this donation link to more directly help our efforts. to ‘Help Patients Help Themselves’
Steve
Recent photos of our family
Our Mum and Dad with my big sisters Rochelle and Jess.
The Whole Family at Marina Mirage
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