Our story
Built from lived experience — for the people walking it now.
LiveWorkCancer exists because the gap between what people need and what is available — when cancer and work collide — is real, and it leaves too many navigating it alone.
A note from our founder
I started LiveWorkCancer because I’d been there.
Diagnosed with breast cancer at the height of my career, I experienced firsthand what happens when the medical system and the workplace system don’t talk to each other. Treatment was hard. The invisible side effects — the brain fog, the fatigue, the loss of confidence — were harder. And finding my way back to work? Nearly impossible.
I knew I wasn’t alone. The research confirmed it. And yet the support simply didn’t exist.
So I built it.
LiveWorkCancer was founded in 2023 to do what I wished had existed for me — to give people affected by cancer the practical support, coaching and community they need to stay connected to meaningful work. And to help workplaces become the compassionate, prepared environments their people deserve.
This is personal. And it’s purposeful.
Sue’s Spot Talk · 8 minutes
Hear it in Sue’s own words.
Purpose, vision & mission
Bridging the gap between health and work.
What drives us
To improve work, career and income outcomes for people affected by cancer — while helping workplaces provide practical, compassionate and informed support.
Because a cancer diagnosis should never cost you your career, your confidence or your sense of self.
Where we’re headed
A future where the gap between health and work no longer exists — where every person affected by cancer is supported, every employer is equipped, and cancer at work is met with compassion, not uncertainty.
Every career should survive cancer.
What support looks like
LiveWorkCancer bridges the gap between health and work. We empower people affected by cancer to navigate work and career decisions with confidence — through personalised coaching, peer support, practical tools and workplace training.
Grounded in lived experience and driven by research and advocacy, we work to create workplaces that are compassionate, inclusive and prepared.
What we believe
Practical. Personalised. Purposeful.
Three commitments that shape every conversation and every program we run.
Every experience is unique
There is no “standard” cancer journey — and no standard work journey. We meet people where they are, in the situation they’re in, and tailor support from there.
Work is more than income
Work provides stability, dignity, identity, routine and social connection during a time of significant disruption. Protecting that matters — for the person, and for the workplace.
Workplaces make a difference
Supporting employees affected by cancer is a workplace, leadership and business responsibility. When workplaces respond well, the benefits are real and lasting.
How we got here
A short history of LiveWorkCancer.
2022
Imagining what’s possible.
Still in recovery, but thinking ahead. Drawing on lived experience, research and decades of leadership, the idea begins to take shape — born from the simple belief that something better was possible.
2023
LiveWorkCancer is founded.
- Launched to bridge the gap between cancer and workplace support.
- Certified as a Social Enterprise.
- One-on-one coaching and peer network groups launch in NSW and QLD.
- First presentation delivered to healthcare specialists.
2024
Growing impact.
- Six-part CancerKind webinar series designed and delivered for employers.
- Peer network groups expand — Women, Men, Inclusive, Metastatic and Carers.
- Expanded into Western Australia.
2025
CancerKind takes shape.
- CancerKind self-assessment tool developed and launched.
- Foundation laid for CancerKind Workplace Accreditation.
- National reach expands into VIC, QLD, SA and regional communities.
2026
Scaling national reach.
- Becomes a registered charity.
- 100+ people supported across Australia.
Board & governance
The people behind LiveWorkCancer.
LiveWorkCancer is led by a Our Board and supported by a Our Strategic Advisory Group and a network of Champions, who bring together expertise across business, health, HR, leadership and lived experience.
Our Board
Sue Woodall
Founder & Director
Tim Roche
Director
Maria Newport
Director
Our Strategic Advisory Group
Phil Gardner
Strategic Advisor
Kim Hobbs AM
Strategic Advisor
Sue Cook
Strategic Advisor
Anushka Methananda
Strategic Advisor
Elysia Thornton-Benko
Strategic Advisor
Felicity Ford
Strategic Advisor
Dr Darren Haywood
Strategic Advisor
Our Champions
Bridget Barrett
Champion
Faith Entwisle
Champion
Alison Jones
Champion
Liz Trajkovska
Champion
Monique Ward
Champion
Fiona McKenzie
Champion
Acknowledgements
I am deeply grateful for the support and guidance provided by the following individuals, whose encouragement and expertise have been instrumental in shaping LiveWorkCancer.
I look forward to continuing this journey with their support, and the support of many others who share our vision for positive change. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by cancer in the workplace.
With gratitude,
My Advisory Group
Our Strategic Advisory Group
An extraordinary group of people who not only guide me but also energise and remind me of the importance of my own self-care as I establish LiveWorkCancer to support the needs of those experiencing the challenges of cancer and work.
Professor John Boyages AM
Champion
Your ongoing encouragement and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer have been both inspiring and invaluable.
Dr Katharine Hodgkinson
Champion
Your dedication to this cause and your unwavering support have been a driving force behind our mission to improve the lives of individuals facing the challenges of cancer.
Clinical Professor Gavin Marx
Champion
Your expertise and commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of those navigating work and cancer have been a constant source of inspiration.
Mr Philip Gardner
Strategic Advisor
Your visionary leadership, invaluable insights and relentless encouragement have played a pivotal role in establishing LiveWorkCancer, which aims to empower both employers and employees to achieve enduring work participation while navigating the complexities of cancer.
Kelley Mirabello
Contributor
Your insight, leadership, practical support and encouragement have made a meaningful contribution to the development of LiveWorkCancer. From shaping our vision and strategy to establishing the Our Strategic Advisory Group and HR Roundtables, your contribution has helped strengthen the organisation and support our transition to becoming a registered charity.
Work provides more than income. It offers stability, dignity, identity, routine and social connection during a time of significant disruption.
Our founding belief
Get in touch
Have a question, or want to chat about your situation?
