Christie Ah-Fa suggests some practical actions to create a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for patients in GI cancer clinical trials.
Christie Ah-Fa is a member of the GI Cancer Institute’s Community Advisory Panel. She believes that when people share honestly about their reasons being involved in organisations like the GI Cancer Institute, it bridges a gap that is sometimes felt by families between navigating overwhelming medical information and the reality of supporting someone on a cancer journey. Time means everything until it runs out, so seeing the survival rates increased due to further care, support offerings and treatment options gives so many people hope.
Each research statistic represents a real person like her husband Lei, who is so loved and missed each day. That is what drives her passion and involvement with the GI Cancer Institute.
Julie McCrossin gets people talking. After 20 years as a presenter with ABC Radio National, ABC TV and Network Ten, she is now a freelance broadcaster, podcaster and MC.
Julie was treated for stage four, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer (tonsils, tongue and throat) in 2013. Julie is an Ambassador for Targeting Cancer and TROG Cancer Research. She is a member of the advocacy group, Cancer Voices SA. Julie hosts the podcast series, The Thing About Cancer and The Thing About Advanced Cancer for Cancer Council NSW.
In 2019, Julie was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community, particularly through LGBTIQ advocacy roles and to the broadcast media.