“Liam was always thinking of other people in the same position as him. He had a dream of holding a black-tie fundraising event,” Josephine said.
After Liam’s passing, Josephine brought that dream to life.
Clare Smith (left) and Josephine O’Brien (right) together at Icon Cancer Centre.
The event raised $265,000 for Icon Cancer Foundation (ICF) – funds that have recently enabled the appointment of a new Cellular Therapy Coordinator, a specialised nursing role within Icon’s growing cellular therapy program.
The role is designed to support patients undergoing some of the most complex and rapidly evolving cancer treatments available today.
In a deeply personal connection, the nurse appointed to the role, Clare Smith, had cared for Liam during his treatment.
“It’s a full circle moment. It’s very touching,” Josephine said.
Clare had also volunteered her time at the fundraiser itself, stepping in to help after finishing a long nursing shift.
“That’s just who she is. The staff at Icon Cancer Centre don’t just care for patients – they go above and beyond,” Josephine said.
In 2022, Liam was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive blood cancer. His only hope was a stem cell transplant, but Australia’s stem cell donor registry was in crisis. From his hospital bed, Liam and his wife Josephine created The Life-saving List – a grassroots campaign to raise awareness, increase donor registrations, and advocate for urgent reform.
The campaign sparked national media attention and drove action in parliament, leading to a commitment from State and Federal Health Ministers to reform the stem cell registry, increase funding, and introduce cheek swab testing to make it easier to find potential donors.
Within just nine weeks, stem cell donations had almost tripled, leading to one of the highest donation rates in Australia’s history.
Josephine took Liam’s legacy to the next step, raising funds to support cellular therapy research.
Cellular therapy is one of the fastest-advancing areas in cancer care, with treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy offering new options for patients with blood cancers. In Australia, access to CAR T-cell therapy remains limited, currently available on a restricted basis through the public health system, and in the private sector only via clinical trials.
These innovative therapies are complex and can be overwhelming to navigate. That’s where the Cellular Therapy Coordinator plays a vital role.
“We help guide patients through their journey,” Clare explained.
“There are multiple appointments, tests and a lot of information. It’s about helping patients understand what’s happening and what’s next.”
The coordinator role provides a consistent point of contact, ensuring patients feel supported throughout treatment.
“It gives patients a person they can always go to no matter how big or small their question.”
For Josephine, this was exactly the outcome she hoped for.
“From the moment you’re diagnosed, it can be overwhelming. If this role can make that journey even a little easier, that means everything,” she said.
For Clare, stepping into the role carries deep meaning.
“I knew how passionate Liam and Josephine were about helping others, even during his treatment. To now carry that forward is incredibly humbling,” Clare said.
“He’s always there in the back of my mind, knowing this work is part of his legacy,” Clare said.
For Josephine and her children, that legacy is something they hold close.
“We’ve always said, from little things, big things grow. This feels like a very big win,” Josephine said. “It’s important for our kids to see that helping others matters.”
Josephine O’Brien (centre) pictured with Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane nurses Caitlin Pert (left) and Clare Smith (right) at the Life Saving List Gala. Both Caitlin and Clare cared for Liam throughout his treatment at Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane and volunteered at the event.
The new role comes at a critical time for Icon Cancer Foundation, as it helps expand Icon’s cellular therapy program and increase patient access to cutting-edge treatments.
This growth has been driven by significant philanthropic support.
A $2.5 million donation from Brisbane family Liam Talbot and Charli Robinson has enabled major investment in research infrastructure, including clinical trial facilities and upgrades to the cellular therapy laboratory. This will allow Icon to open more clinical trials to open and expand patient access to innovative therapies.
Philanthropy has also supported key clinical leadership, including the research component of Dr Karthik Nath’s role as Deputy Director of Cellular Therapy.
Dr Karthik Nath (far right) pictured alongside fellow Icon doctors as Liam Talbot and Charli Robinson present a $2.5 million donation to Icon Cancer Foundation to support life-changing cancer research and clinical trials.
Since joining Icon in 2024, his international experience has helped attract global clinical trials.
Most recently, Icon activated a clinical trial using CAR T-cell therapy for patients with large B-cell lymphoma, the most common type of lymphoma treated across its centres. The trial is exploring the use of CAR T-cell therapy earlier in treatment to improve long-term outcomes.
As cellular therapy programs grow, so too does the need for specialised support.
These treatments require precise coordination and clear communication, particularly for patients navigating an unfamiliar system.
The Cellular Therapy Coordinator role helps bridge that gap.
“It’s all very time-sensitive,” Clare said. “Cells are collected, sent overseas for modification, and then returned for treatment. There are many steps, and everything must happen at exactly the right time.”
“Having someone to guide patients through that process is incredibly important.”
For Josephine, that impact remains deeply personal.
“Time is such a precious gift. If you can give that to someone – more time with their family, more moments – that’s everything,” Josephine said.
She hopes others will feel inspired to contribute.
“It’s not just about the person going through cancer. It affects so many people. It really does take a village.”
For Josephine and Clare, this is about continuing Liam’s legacy.
“We’re continuing what Liam wanted to do. He wasn’t able to see it through, but we can do it for him,” Josephine said.
For Clare, it’s a responsibility she carries every day.
“To support patients and honour Liam at the same time is incredibly meaningful.”
And while the road that led here has not been easy, Josephine finds comfort in what has been created.
“We’ve had our storm. Now we’re looking for the light,” Josephine said.
Josephine and Liam O’Brien in the park with their children.
Together, these efforts are helping more patients access new treatments and better outcomes, now and into the future.
