While their day-to-day roles at Flinders greatly differ, a common personal connection has brought this team of courageous Southern Area Local Health Network staff together to help medical research and patient care reach new heights.  

Meet team ‘Down for a Difference’ – They’re facing their fears so that people at Flinders don’t have to face theirs.  

Kiara Hutchinson - Secretary to the Cardiothoracic Unit 

I'm raising money for the Flinders Foundation by abseiling down a 25-foot building in honour of my beautiful nan, who passed away in late 2022 after a brave battle with breast cancer. My nan was my best friend, she begged me for years to have a baby and sadly fell short of meeting my boy by just one month. This is why this cause is deeply personal to me, and I want to do something meaningful to support cancer research and care. My wish is that other families might have more time with the people they love. Every donation, big or small, helps make a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. This is for Nan — and for everyone still fighting. 

Dr Jeremy Granger – Liver Transplant Fellow   

As a liver doctor, I see every day how important it is to have a team that really cares about each other and about the people we look after. Flinders has been part of my life from day one — I was born here and so were two of my kids. I love the supportive, team-first culture we have, and by doing the Plunge to support Flinders Foundation, I’m doing my bit to give back and help make sure we keep making a difference for patients and families into the future. 

Shanae Whittingham - Business Support Specialist, Flinders Foundation 

I am taking the plunge to support Flinders Foundation because for me, Flinders is not just a hospital – it’s home. I was born at Flinders, my kids were born at Flinders, and like so many of us who grew up in the southern suburbs, it's where our biggest moments begin and where we find care when we need it most.  

My grandmother was cared for with love and dignity through her battle with cancer, and it's where she spent her final days surrounded family. A beautiful nurse even helped us sneak in her little dog to cuddle during her final days. These bittersweet memories will stay with me forever and Flinders is at the heart of it all, the happy moments and the hard moments - and this makes me want to give back.  

So here I go - taking the leap to support Flinders Foundation and all of the work they do and for everyone who calls this special place home.  

Amy Sampson - Manager, Administrative Services, Division of Surgery and Perioperative Medicine 

I lost Mum to cancer in 2017 – since then, I have supported various fundraisers to help support improvements for others. Flinders Foundation supports the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network and this is important for me to help our community.