After a high-flying global career in business and agriculture, a breast cancer diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic turned everything upside down for Bethwyn. Now, four years on and having made two significant donations to Icon Cancer Foundation (ICF), she’s clear about why she supports cancer research, and what makes ICF stand out.
Originally from a dairy farm just outside of Beaudesert in south-east Queensland, Bethwyn spent twelve years overseas in senior roles across Asia and the United States. While living in Singapore in 2021, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 49.
“I was in home quarantine at the time as I’d just returned from visiting family in Australia. It was a shock. I’d always had annual health checks, and it was seven months since my last mammogram when I felt a lump during a routine breast self-exam,” says Bethwyn.
Determined to be near her family, she returned to Brisbane and underwent surgery.
Bethwyn received care from several specialists at Icon Cancer Centre and describes her five months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation as deeply supported. “It’s obviously a challenging time, but they make it as easy as they possibly can. I only have positive things to say about Icon – not just the doctors but all the staff,” says Bethwyn.
Having benefited from advances in cancer treatment, Bethwyn wanted her philanthropy to reflect her personal experience.
“Having had cancer, I want to donate to causes that I have a personal affinity with. ICF stood out because it supports patient-centred research conducted by an extensive network of healthcare professionals. These are projects that wouldn’t be funded otherwise,” says Bethwyn.
With a science degree from the University of Queensland and a background in agricultural science, Bethwyn understands the power of evidence-based practice, but it was the real-world clinical insight of the ICC network that resonated most.
“I have heard other women talk about how horrific their breast cancer treatment was years ago. Even from my experience, it’s clear treatment has improved significantly over time, and that’s because of research. I want to help keep that progress going.”
“I want to donate to causes that I have a personal affinity with. ICF stood out because it supports patient-centred research conducted by an extensive network of healthcare professionals. These are projects that wouldn’t be funded otherwise.”
What truly set ICF apart for Bethwyn was the direct, open conversation about where her funds could make the most impact.
“I want to see tangible outcomes from my giving, for example, improvements in detection, survival or quality of life for patients. With ICF, I’ve been able to have real conversations about where the gaps are and how my donations could help fill them. That gave me confidence that my donation would be well managed.”
She was especially drawn to the practical, patient-focused nature of the research ICF supports. “The clinicians at Icon – doctors, nurses, radiation therapists – they’re the ones in the trenches. They know what works and where there’s room to improve.”
She recalls how advice from nurses helped her manage the side effects of treatment, using their deep experience from caring for so many patients. “That kind of knowledge is valuable, and it should be captured through research. ICF helps clinicians test and share what they’ve learned, often through small-scale studies that wouldn’t get funded through traditional channels,” says Bethwyn.
“I want to see tangible outcomes from my giving, for example, improvements in detection, survival or quality of life for patients. With ICF, I’ve been able to have real conversations about where the gaps are and how my donations could help fill them.”
For those thinking about supporting cancer research, Bethwyn has one simple message: “Have the conversation. ICF was open and transparent with me from the start. If you want to make an impact, talk to them about what matters to you and how your funds can help.”
Now based in Brisbane, Bethwyn serves on several Boards, helps care for her elderly parents, and enjoys the simpler pleasures of life with her high-energy German Shepherd, Zoe.
“Cancer was a big challenge, but the silver lining was that it brought me home. It made me think about how I spend my time. And now, through ICF, I feel I can give back in a meaningful way, by supporting the kind of research that made my treatment possible.”