A story of time, against the odds
Advances in treatment, made possible by groundbreaking research, gave Sally something extraordinary: More time.
Your support helps fund vital research and compassionate care that gives patients like Sally more time with their families, and more hope for the future.
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In June 2015, Sally was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
At the time, she and her husband Peter were preparing for a long-awaited overseas trip. Instead, they found themselves in a hospital room, their plans suddenly replaced by uncertainty.
As the news spread, their four children travelled from wherever they were to be by their side.
“As soon as our children heard the news, they all came to be with us. They were there in my hospital room, alongside their partners, when we first met my oncologist, Professor Chris Karapetis,” Sally recalls.
They were facing a diagnosis with a median survival rate of just 12 months.
But Sally is still here—more than 10 years later.
What made the difference
Over the years, Sally underwent chemotherapy, radiation and ongoing care at Flinders.
Then came a breakthrough. A new type of treatment—previously unavailable to people with mesothelioma—changed everything.
“Immunotherapy only became available to me through medical research. It gave me three extra precious years of feeling well, being able to travel, and spending time with our gorgeous young grandchildren.”
When Sally began immunotherapy, her tumours reduced. But more than that, it gave her something extraordinary:
More time.
Time to meet each of her nine grandchildren—every one of them born after she was told she might have just 12 months to live.
Time to be present. To make memories that once felt out of reach.
Time that wouldn’t have been possible without research.
What made the difference
Mesothelioma, like too many cancers, remains a devastating disease, with no cure and limited treatment options.
For many families, time is still running out.
Research is what changes that.
And it’s only possible because people choose to support it.
The difference you can make
Right now, you can help fund the next breakthrough—giving more families the chance to experience moments that matter.
Donate nowThe impact in action
At Flinders, community support is already driving progress through initiatives like our annual Health Seed Grant Round, supporting researchers with seed funding to explore new ways to prevent, detect and cure a range of illnesses.
As Mother’s Day approaches, Sally shared with us:
“Since my diagnosis, all our children and their partners have been such a wonderful support, each in their own way. We have had many precious family get-togethers and holidays. I adore my grandchildren, they bring us such joy.
I have so much to live for and I think that has helped me a great deal.”
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Flinders Foundation acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Flinders precinct was established. We acknowledge the Kaurna people’s deep and ongoing connection to land, waters and community, and pay our respect to their Elders, past and present.
