We are proud to introduce four new Community Advisory Panel (CAP) members: Gemma Farquhar, Katrina Kendall, Melissa Bodenham and Nicole Kroesche.
Established in 2008, the CAP is a voluntary group that plays a key role in improving outcomes for people with gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer. It brings together people with direct lived experience of GI cancer – including survivors, patients and carers – to provide advice on research direction and priorities, as well as identify unmet needs within the community. Members also support the GI Cancer Institute with fundraising appeals and the Gutsy Challenge.
Gemma, Katrina, Melissa and Nicole bring a wealth of professional insight and meaningful personal experience that will help improve our research and make a lasting impact for patients and their families. We’re incredibly grateful to them for generously giving their time and look forward to the vital contributions we know they will make to the already strong and well-established panel.
Read on to learn about our new members.
Gemma Farquhar
Sydney-based Gemma is an accomplished MBA-qualified HR leader with experience across a diverse range of industries, including corporate environments and the not-for-profit sector. In 2020, at just 35 and with two young children, Gemma was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. Following her diagnosis, she underwent extensive treatment and major surgeries – including a bowel resection, a peritonectomy and lung resections – and was involved in clinical trials exploring biomarker testing.
A passionate advocate, Gemma is particularly focused on advancing research and improving outcomes for others, who – like herself – are affected by BRAF V600E mutations. This is a specific gene mutation that occurs in around 8–12% of metastatic colorectal cancers.
“I’m looking forward to deepening the impact I can have on GI cancer research and supporting those who are truly making a difference in patient outcomes,” says Gemma.
Katrina Kendall
Hailing from Northland, Aotearoa New Zealand, Katrina is a commercial lawyer and mother to two young children. Her career has included spending two years working for the Health Service Ombudsman in the United Kingdom, investigating National Health Service complaints.
In 2023, at the age of 36, Katrina was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer. Her children were just one and two at the time. In the months that followed, she underwent two surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy. Recognising the relevance of her professional and personal experience, Katrina says she hopes to help improve outcomes for others whose lives – like hers – have been affected by GI cancer.
“I joined the CAP to contribute to the clinical trial process – and hopefully, improve outcomes for people affected by GI cancer in the future,” says Katrina.
Melissa Bodenham
Living in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, Melissa has experience both caring for a loved one with cancer and with her own cancer diagnosis. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer which was later found to harbour a rare BRAF D594G mutation. Since then, her treatment has included multiple surgeries to remove primary and secondary tumours, chemotherapy, radiation and liver ablation. Her husband, who is currently in remission, has also had bowel cancer, including a recurrence in his lung.
Currently working as a Service Architect, Melissa has extensive experience as a successful IT and telecommunications professional. Outside work, Melissa, her husband and their 13-year-old son enjoy travelling and sharing new experiences together.
“Following my diagnosis, I’ve been eager to make a meaningful contribution but wasn’t certain how. Leveraging both my professional expertise and personal experience with cancer, joining the CAP felt like a valuable way to give back,” says Melissa.
Nicole Kroesche
During the early stages of COVID-19, Nicole’s father – then 69 – was diagnosed with metastatic ampullary cancer. It was something that came as a huge shock to the family. She describes the time during his illness and following his passing as the most challenging period of her life.
Based in Sydney, Nicole is an admitted lawyer who has spent most of her career working in health law and insurance, including several years leading teams providing medico-legal services to medical practitioners and health organisations. More recently, she has worked in sessional academic and research roles spanning COVID-19 responses, medical ethics, privacy, trusts and legal capacity. She also sits on a number of panels and committees and has a strong interest in professional ethics and standards, diversity and inclusion, and mental health.
“My father was passionate about scientific research. I wanted to contribute my skills and time to a cause close to my heart,” says Nicole.