Driven by her values of compassion, care and community, Susan plans to leave a gift in her will to Cancer Council NSW - a decision she believes will support the next generation.
"I have children and grandchildren, I hope they never tell me they have cancer. It is such a tough journey and we don't know the outcome," Susan says. "I want the work to continue on, forget me and look after the next lot."
Susan's early life and nursing career
Born and raised in Tamworth, Susan was raised with a strong sense of community.
In 1955, she began her nursing career in Sydney, dedicating five years to caring for children and babies.
"Nursing really brought out the charitable side in me. I was so aware of other people," she says.
That deep sense of empathy and care has followed her through life.
After raising three children and experiencing significant life changes including a divorce in 1997, Susan eventually met Michael, a kind, caring man that she planned to travel the world with.
The cancer diagnoses that stopped them in their tracks
In February 2004 as they were planning a trip to Russia, Susan had a routine medical check-up.
Shockingly, soon after, she was told she had breast cancer and would need a radical mastectomy and four rounds of chemotherapy.
"It was tough," she admits. "My hair fell out after the second dose. I had a wig, but I was so happy to get rid of it once treatment was done."
Unfortunately, just a few months later, her partner Michael was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Tragically, Michael passed away in February 2005, less than a year after being diagnosed.
"Michael was so caring, we looked after each other. He never complained," Susan remembers. "I only found out after he passed that he had multiple other cancers too. It was tough on his children, and my children loved him too."
What Susan went through deepened her understanding of how important support, care and medical advancements are.
Turning grief into action
After moving back to Sydney in 2007, Susan was inspired to give back.
She began volunteering with Cancer Council at events like Daffodil Day and Relay For Life. Then came Australia's Biggest Morning Tea - and Susan found her calling.
"I have hosted the Biggest Morning Tea for the past 13 years. I just love it," she says.
In 2023, Susan's event raised more than $16,800. Her secret to success? "Amazing speakers, great food and a lot of raffle baskets," says Susan.
Susan's neighbours, friends and church group pitch in each year to make the day special.
But it's not just about the funds raised.
"After chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy - I have survived but Michael passed away. I came to realise the need for volunteering.
"I've seen more refined treatments and higher success rates. Things have improved so much. That's why I continue to support - because you can see the improvements. It's just amazing."
Leaving a legacy of hope
For Susan, planning to include a gift in her will is deeply personal.
"Cancer Council NSW is such a worthwhile organisation doing wonderful work for a disease no one wants to be diagnosed with - the Big C. It is ghastly," she says.
"My legacy won't be a big one, but I still wanted to give what I can for such a worthy cause."
Her decision is driven by hope - for her children, her six grandchildren and all the families she's never met.
"I wake up every day and think, 'I am so grateful.' When Michael and I had our treatment, we had use of machines and treatment that were only available here in Australia."
By planning to leave a gift in her will to Cancer Council NSW, Susan is ensuring that her compassion lives on, funding research, support services and future breakthroughs for years to come.
You too can create a legacy that makes a difference.
