Meet Mihikore, a courageous brain cancer warrior from Queensland who is turning her personal battle into a mission to help others. After receiving an MHF patient pack following her diagnosis, Mihi felt an immediate connection to the Foundation and was inspired to get involved. Now, she’s preparing to take on an incredible challenge—trekking the rugged terrain of New Zealand’s Southern Alps as part of the third annual MHF Ladies trek raising vital funds for brain cancer research. With just three weeks to go, Mihi’s determination and resilience are shining through as she steps up to make a difference.
‘Hey, I’m Mihikore—a mum, partner, and survivor. Life threw me a curveball I didn’t expect in November 2023 when I started experiencing symptoms of vertigo and severe headaches. A visit to my local GP led to an x-ray that revealed a 5cm mass on my right temporal lobe. I was immediately sent to the emergency department to reduce the swelling and pain in my brain. After a 4-hour craniotomy (brain surgery) at Brisbane Mater Hospital, two weeks later, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 brain cancer. Since then, my recovery has been full of uncertainty, fear, and some hurdles—seizures, memory loss, cognitive impairments, vertigo, etc. But through it all, I’ve learned to take things one day at a time, leaning on the love and support of my whānau (family), friends, and the incredible community around me who help keep me grounded.
This April 2025, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to join 19 amazing women on a 6-day trek through New Zealand’s Southern Alps. This journey is a collective effort—a chance for us to raise awareness, support vital research, and bring hope to everyone touched by Brain Cancer. Your support means everything to me, and I hope our Trek inspires strength and resilience in others who are walking this difficult road. I am endlessly grateful to the Mark Hughes Foundation for their support and for helping others stay strong through this experience.
I first found the Mark Hughes Foundation when I applied for a free brain cancer patient pack that included the incredible ‘Survivorship Diary.’ As soon as I received my patient pack, I felt an immediate connection. The resources weren’t just helpful—they empowered me. The foundation’s mission to raise awareness, support patients, and drive change in the fight against brain cancer aligned with my own values. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be part of this incredible community.
Beyond my cancer journey, I’m also passionate about my family and footy! I first got involved playing club footy in 2010 and although I no longer play, I love supporting and lifting up women in rugby league. The growth of the NRLW and my own daughters’ love for the sport remind me that no matter the challenges we face, progress is always possible. Rugby league is our family’s community, just like the cancer community, we lean on each other for support and together, we keep pushing on.
Mihikore Nolan-Davis
Brain Cancer Warrior’
