From gratitude to giving back

Not everyone feels the need to give back, but for those who do, it often holds deep meaning, helping to restore a sense of control at a time when life can feel unpredictable.

Giving allows people to transform their gratitude into something lasting. It may be a message that uplifts their care team and, in turn, helps fund the research that shapes better care for future patients.

Many reasons and ways to give back

Gratitude takes many forms with each one deeply personal.

For ICF donor Josephine O’Brien, gratitude became a way to honour her husband, Liam, and support blood cancer research that gives future families more time together. Earlier this year, she organised the Life-Saving List Gala, raising significant funds for Icon’s cellular therapy program.

“We wanted to honour Liam by supporting others facing the same cancer journey. It brought me and our children great comfort. Icon Cancer Centre became our second home, and giving back to support research helps us bring a little light to a very dark time.” – Josephine O’Brien, who hosted the Life-Saving List Gala in memory of her husband Liam

In Greater Springfield, the community rallied around Rudy Grommen, who is currently receiving treatment at Icon Cancer Centre Springfield. Inspired by Rudy, Harcourts Real Estate organised the 10km for $10k fun run, bringing together more than 95 participants and raising over $17,000 for cancer research through ICF.

These acts of generosity – whether through a heartfelt message, a community fundraiser or a significant philanthropic gift – all help transform gratitude into impact. They strengthen connection, inspire hope and provide researchers with the certainty they need to pursue discoveries that improve survival and quality of life.

The wellbeing impact of gratitude

The idea that gratitude benefits wellbeing isn’t just anecdotal. Research continues to show that expressing thanks can improve emotional health for the giver and receiver.

“Rudy’s gesture of gratitude through the fun run was deeply uplifting for our team. It was a powerful reminder of the impact compassionate care can have, and how meaningful it is when patients say thank you. Moments like this renew our sense of purpose and help us stay resilient through the challenges.” – Amanda Waldon, Site Manager Icon Cancer Centre Springfield on the 10km for $10k community fundraiser organised by patient, Rudy Grommen.

In healthcare, those effects are powerful.

Studies have found that gratitude practices, such as writing or receiving thank-you messages, can reduce stress and depression while strengthening social connection. A guide published by the American Nurses Foundation, highlights that recognising gratitude in the workplace helps nurses and clinicians reconnect with purpose and meaning, supporting resilience and lowering burnout.

“As a nurse at Icon, I’ve been lucky enough to earn the trust of patients and families during the most difficult chapters of their lives. Seeing their gratitude, however they show it, is deeply moving. Being connected the generosity and enduring legacy of families like the O’Briens and their Life-Saving List Gala is profoundly touching and motivating. Josephine and her family’s dedication to advancing cancer care for future patients inspires and sustains me on the more challenging days and fuels the care I give every patient. This feeling is continually reinforced by the small acts of appreciation and thanks we receive from patients every single day.” – Caitlin Pert, Nurse at Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane who cared for Liam O’Brien throughout his treatment.

For staff working in high-pressure clinical settings, a few heartfelt words from patients or families can make a real difference. It reminds them why they do what they do, helping to sustain the compassion and energy that quality care depends on.

“Thank you to all the nurses and staff who were so caring and beautiful. They gave us some beautiful family moments.” – Sheree, Jorja and Caitlin Griff, who hosted a fun run with On Pace Multisport to raise funds for ICF in loving memory of husband and father, Phil.

From gratitude to impact

At ICF, gratitude has always been at the heart of its mission. The Foundation is built on the generosity of patients, families and communities who want to give back and support the doctors and researchers dedicated to improving cancer care.

The Gratitude Portal offers a natural extension of that mission.

By creating a space for messages of thanks, it strengthens the connection between patients and their care teams. And when these messages are accompanied by donations, they help fund innovative, investigator-led cancer research – the kind of research that drives improvements in survival and quality of life.

“When patients and clinicians work together to advance research, we create a powerful circle of care, progress and gratitude.” – Dr Craig Gedye, Icon Group Director of Research (Medical Oncology and Haematology) and Medical Oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre Adelaide.

It’s a simple concept with far-reaching impact. One small act of gratitude can inspire hope, drive discovery, and sustain the people who care for others every day.

“It honestly means a lot when patients take a moment to say thank you. I feel really humbled knowing as I see what they’re going through, grateful for the amazing care our team gives, and lucky to be part of Icon where we get to make a difference every day.” – Kirri Loveday, Site Manager at Icon Cancer Centre Southport