Join us for an inspiring evening of celebration and networking as we applaud the outstanding achievements of the Victorian cancer workforce.
Prof Russell Harrison, CEO Western Health and Honorary Enterprise Professor, Melbourne School of Health Sciences.
Genevieve Overell AM, VCCC Alliance Board Director
The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Minister for Health, Victorian Government
Caitlin Delaney, patient advocate
Featuring performances by The Royal Melbourne Hospital Scrub Choir led by Dr Emma O'Brien OAM
Now in its third year, the Leading for Impact awards are an initiative of the VCCC Alliance Leadership Academy. This year will feature an inaugural award for those with lived experience of cancer, the Les Leckie Award for Lived Experience Leadership.
An IVF Scientist, lab manager and healthcare leader, Caitlin became the patient herself in 2017 when diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer; stage 4 clear cell ovarian cancer. After witnessing firsthand the impact of compassionate person-centred care, Caitlin turned her focus to patient advocacy. She also founded CareFully - which empowers and supports healthcare professionals to deliver compassionate care via workshops, webinars and keynote addresses.
Whilst living with incurable disease, Caitlin continues to advocate for equity in cancer care for all patients, especially those living with rare, complex or advanced/metastatic cancer. She is particularly passionate about timely access to genomics, best-in-class treatments and supportive care.
Caitlin consults with patient organisations and sits on numerous committees and boards, including the Patient Advisory Boards of the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and Rare Cancers Australia. She was the chair of the VCCC Alliance National Patient Advisory Committee and is currently contributing to the first Optimal Care Pathway for rare cancers. Caitlin is also involved with numerous media campaigns, podcasts and patient advocacy projects. She is a regular keynote speaker at conferences and events, including at Parliament House where she has addressed the current and former Prime Ministers and spoken at CanForum.
