How Team Joanna Began
Helen first took part in Relay For Life in 2025, when her workplace, Latham Primary School, formed a team to support members of their school community affected by cancer. Helen and her family were navigating their own personal grief at this time, as her sister, Joanna, passed away from cancer just one month prior.
“Everything was still very raw” Helen shared. “But joining the team felt like a positive way to deal with the pain. I hoped it might be healing – and it was. Grief doesn’t stop at a Relay, but it can help a little.”
Relay For Life 2026 will mark just over one year since Joanna’s passing. For Helen, Tina (Joanna’s daughter, pictured) and other extended family, taking part is a way to wrap their arms around Joanna together and support each other.
Commemoration for Team Joanna
In 2024, Joanna was diagnosed with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, and sadly passed away five months later. During that time, she was cared for by her mum and family members, alongside hospital and hospice staff.
In Joanna’s final weeks, the care and compassion shown by those around her made an immeasurable difference. Their kindness, support and dedication ensured that Joanna and her grieving family were surrounded by comfort and dignity during an incredibly difficult time.
“Carers offer so much help and support. They’re towers of strength, all while dealing with their own emotions. We cheer them all on,” says Helen.
Here at Cancer Council ACT, we couldn't agree more. That's why so many of our support programs not only provide support to those diagnosed with cancer but also extend to family members and carers.
Prior to her diagnosis, Joanna was an accomplished runner, completing seven marathons and seven half marathons. Getting on track is a way that Joanna's family can honour her memory.
“I think Joanna would be thrilled – and probably tracking our every step! – even though most of us will be walking not running.”
The metaphorical hug that Relay For Life offers, unites strangers for a worthy cause, but this year will unite Joanna's family, as many of her relatives are traveling across Australia to get on track in her memory. “Last year’s Relay For Life was healing and cathartic. As a team, it is about healing and commemoration" said Helen
Team Joanna are happy to be supporting Cancer Council ACT through Relay For Life – a way they can give back and help provide support services to those impacted by cancer, including carers who stand beside them, and contribute to a future where better treatments, and ultimately a cure, is possible.
Finally, Helen has offered some great words of advice for those getting on track "Embrace the experience and all the emotions that may come with the day (the opening lap and the candlelight service are very poignant); come with a positive attitude to support and celebrate others; and don't forget to bring spare socks!".
Join Team Joanna on track, and support local life-saving cancer research, prevention and support programs right here in the ACT.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://www.relayforlife.org.au/event/canberra-2026/home
Together, it’s all of us against cancer.