Page 2

All Stories

Quick Links:

Read stories of those affected by Brain Cancer

EVERY ONE OF THE 2000 BRAIN CANCER PATIENTS DIAGNOSED EACH YEAR and those connected to our cause have a STORY

Some are difficult to read, some hard to even imagine, some are uplifting and some tragic – but every one of them is inspiring.

Here are just some of those stories that we hope can shed some light on how life changes when suddenly you are faced with your own mortality or that of someone you love. It is heartbreaking but it is real. The people in these stories inspire us to keep fighting to find a cure.

Inspirational LJ

For Adam Johnson and his mates making up “Team LJ”, this year’s Big Three Trek carries a deeply personal meaning. Adam,

Read Story

Two Great Men, One Great Idea.

By Maddy Callander 10 years of the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. And nearly a decade since we lost my Dad,

Read Story

Coen’s Story

For most seven-year-olds, life is filled with school, sport, video games and endless adventures. For Coen, it’s all of those things

Read Story

Caregiver to Patient: Lauren’s Story of Strength and Community

For those who work in regional hospitals, the bonds formed between colleagues often run deeper than the workplace. Built on trust,

Read Story

Jaxson’s Journey

At just nine years old, Jaxson was diagnosed with a focal brainstem juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA), a rare paediatric brain tumour.

Read Story

Bonnie Hughes Shares her Story

Bonnie Hughes was only 18 months old when her dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Now 14, she knows a lot

Read Story

Erica’s Story

At the Mark Hughes Foundation, we are continually inspired by the courage, resilience and strength shown by those facing brain cancer.

Read Story

Defying the Diagnosis: Jess’s Story

Hi, my name is Jess. I am a wife and mother to two wonderful children, and like many people, I was

Read Story

Linda’s Story

Linda has had a multifaceted career since graduating with a degree in business from Waikato University. She is an award-winning health

Read Story

Noah’s Story

Beautiful Noah Kelly sadly passed away in April 2025, just after the Easter holiday long weekend. From 16 months old, he

Read Story

Zach Morrissey – Forever 26

Zach Morrissey was just 21 when brain cancer cruelly interrupted his life. He radiated kindness, humour, generosity, and ambition. A brilliant

Read Story

Doron’s Story

Life can change in an instant, and for Doron, what began as an exciting overseas adventure soon turned into an unexpected

Read Story

Would you like to
Share your story?

If you would like to share your story publicly with us, please submit your story on the form. We will endeavour to get back to you to acknowledge your submission but please be advised not all stories may appear on our website.

Share your Story

Would you like to
Share your story?

Share your Story

All Stories

Quick Links:

Read stories of those affected by Brain Cancer

EVERY ONE OF THE 2000 BRAIN CANCER PATIENTS DIAGNOSED EACH YEAR and those connected to our cause have a STORY

Inspirational LJ

Two Great Men, One Great Idea.

Coen’s Story

Caregiver to Patient: Lauren’s Story of Strength and Community

Jaxson’s Journey

Bonnie Hughes Shares her Story

Erica’s Story

Defying the Diagnosis: Jess’s Story

Linda’s Story

Noah’s Story

Zach Morrissey – Forever 26

Doron’s Story

Would you like to Share your story?

Would you like to Share your story?

You are now leaving the Mark Hughes Foundation website to go to The University of Newcastle website. Do you wish to proceed?

Would you like to
Share your story?

Would you like to
Share your story?