From hospital volunteer to survivor: Redland granny’s remarkable cancer campaign

Hospital volunteer Debbie Andersen never dreamt she would one day find herself on the receiving end of lifesaving surgery within the walls of her workplace.

Hospital volunteer Debbie Andersen was diagnosed with breast cancer while working at the Mater Redlands. Picture: Contributed

Hospital volunteer Debbie Andersen never dreamt she would one day find herself on the receiving end of lifesaving surgery within the walls of her workplace.

The 60-year-old Capalaba granny was working as a volunteer in the Mater Cancer Care Centre at South Brisbane when she found herself on the other side of the medical chart, diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer.

Known as malignant Phyllodes tumour, Mrs Anderson’s cancer that makes up less than 1 per cent of all breast tumours.

Unlike most forms of breast cancer, which usually start in the ducts or glands, phyllodes tumours start in the connective tissue or stroma of the breast.

Her diagnosis in 2020 shook her to the core after she found a small lump in her left breast.

Despite the rarity and severity of her condition, she chose to confront it with optimism, a trait she had often witnessed in patients she comforted in the same hospital corridors.

When doctors told her she had a rare breast cancer, she said she was “shocked” but remained positive through treatment.

“My surgeon, Dr Emma Clarkson, was wonderful, she kept me informed with everything from the time I was diagnosed,” she said.

“I just couldn’t believe I was volunteering in the Mater Cancer Care Centre at the time I was diagnosed.

“I was used to providing comfort to cancer patients and found myself needing that comfort.”

Her treatment involved removing the lump in her breast and having a tennis-size ball “scoop of tissue” removed, as well as radiation for eight weeks.

“I have a scar from my left side of my back all the way to the front of my breast – but I am cancer free and only require yearly check-ups,” she said.

The passionate volunteer has clocked up more than 3700 hours of service since 2011 at the hospital, where she also volunteers as a cuddle carer at Mater Private Hospital Redland.

Her duties include creating baby footprint cards for Mater families, with funds raised going back into services for Mater Mothers’ hospitals through a grant program.

New parents Ryan and Rachel Somes with four-day-old Beau Somes and his baby footprints from the Mater Redlands.

Mrs Andersen said her personal journey with breast cancer has helped reassure other cancer patients.

“I always tell them that in a few years they won’t remember this time, it’ll be a memory,” she said.

After she was diagnosed, she set some new life goals including creating more awareness about breast cancer which she plans to do by donning running shoes to take part in the International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-ray on March 10.

The CBD event is sold out, but Mrs Andersen is calling on residents in Redland to create or join “virtual” fun runs in their communities.

“I know first-hand what it’s like to have breast cancer and knowing money raised from this event will go towards research to help other generations with the disease is comforting,” Mrs Andersen said.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said thousands of Queenslanders have already thrown their support behind the virtual challenge after the Brisbane CBD event sold out in record time.

Hospital volunteer Debbie Andersen at Mater Redlands. Pictures: Contributed

This year’s event will be the biggest ever – and there’s still time for people everywhere to sign up online to a fun run in their community,” Mr Thomas said.

“People are gathering their family, friends, work colleagues and even their fur babies to be part of their team.

“From local parks, along the coastline or even on a treadmill – the possibilities are endless.”

Funds from the event will go towards lifesaving breast cancer research, as well as services and support for breast cancer patients at Mater hospitals in Redlands, Brisbane, Springfield, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

■ The virtual challenge allows people to walk, jog or run 5km, or choose their own distance, in their neighbourhood any time between Sunday, March 3 and Sunday, March 10.