Research has shown that cancer patients living in rural and remote areas often have limited access to health and support services.
After receiving her breast cancer diagnosis in 1969, Olive McMahon was faced with the harsh reality of what it was like to have cancer.
Whilst Olive was fortunate enough to receive treatment in Brisbane, growing up in rural Queensland allowed her to reflect on the difficulties faced by cancer patients living in those communities.
It was this diagnosis that led Olive to become a volunteer for Cancer Council Queensland, where she used her experience of overcoming breast cancer to help others going through a similar journey.
Olive’s nephew, Gary Donaldson reflects on his aunt's passion, “It was as though a fire was ignited within her. She was so determined to give back to Cancer Council Queensland that she ended up volunteering for many years in her later adult life.”
Olive’s generosity did not end there. In preparing her Will, Olive entrusted over $1 million from her estate to Cancer Council Queensland, as an acknowledgement and thank you for the role the organisation and staff had made in improving her lived cancer experience, as well as the experiences of many regional Queenslanders travelling for cancer treatment.
“My family and I wanted this bequest to make a tangible impact, and after discussions with Cancer Council Queensland, it was agreed to use her sizeable gift to establish an accommodation lodge in Toowoomba for people going through treatment,” Mr Donaldson said.
“The concept of helping rural families impacted by cancer really resonated with my family and we knew this is what Olive would have wanted.”
“Anything that will make the lives of rural Queenslanders easier in their time of need is extremely important,” he said.
The facility was opened in 2011 and dubbed the Olive McMahon lodge, in honour of the bequestor herself. For 11 years, the Olive McMahon lodge has been and continues to be, an important contribution to improving cancer survival for south-west Queenslanders.
The lodge isn’t the only way that Olive’s memory lives on, with her descendants and family keeping the tradition alive.
“To this day, friends and family are continuing her legacy by making generous donations to the lodge - it's really nice to see,” Mr Donaldson said.
“Olive, her sister Fran and their mother Jean, were all terribly proud of their rural heritage and would be delighted to know that the McMahon name lives on in Toowoomba.”
Cancer Council Queensland Cancer Support Manager, Alyce Morris explains how the lodge has been a pillar of support for regional cancer patients.
“Cancer Council Queensland’s accommodation support lodges are independent living facilities that provide a home away from home for those who need to travel to access cancer treatment,” Ms Morris said.
“I could speak for hours and share countless stories of strength and resilience, however, what comes to mind most, is the community built from adversity and shared experiences.”
“In my time with Cancer Council Queensland, we’ve come to refer to it as the ‘Olive Family’ and the privilege we have been afforded to support patients and their families in some of their most challenging times is not lost on us,” she said.
“Between its opening in 2011 and 2021, the Olive McMahon Lodge has assisted over 3400 patients with more than 25,000 nights of accommodation at no cost.”
Cancer Council Queensland Senior Manager of Philanthropy and Supporter Experience, Helen Astbury says that “leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Council Queensland is a wonderful thing to be remembered for.”
“We are extremely grateful to be the beneficiary of the Olive McMahon estate, there are not enough words to describe the impact her bequest has made,” Ms Astbury said.
“We continue to maintain a close relationship with the family and are proud to honour the McMahon legacy.”
“Olive and her family’s generosity will forever make a lasting contribution to the Toowoomba community and south-west Queenslanders living with cancer.”
Mr Donaldson expressed, “Organisations like Cancer Council Queensland continue to exist through the generosity of bequestors and fundraisers.”
Research: https://cancerqld.org.au/research-snapshot-survivorship-care-information-for rural-survivors-rowe-2022/
