Mummy’s Wish is an initiative of Rare Cancers Australia that provides tailored and practical support for mums diagnosed with cancer who have young children.
We help to manage the distressing burden of cancer on mums and their families by offering information and resources including care packs, recordable comfort bears, educational books, counselling sessions, and financial support where needed.
This support gives the gift of time to mums with cancer so they can focus on what’s most important – being a mum.
Our vision
Every mum diagnosed with cancer in Australia feels seen, supported and is provided with the gift of time with their families.
Our mission
To provide tailored and practical support for mums diagnosed with cancer who have young children.
Where it all began
Mummy’s Wish was founded in 2007, when mums Bernadette and Gayle crossed paths while undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. As they chatted over chemotherapy, the pair identified the critical need for support for mums during cancer treatment. They began a small, local support group in Brisbane, which has since grown to become a nationally recognised charity.
Read the stories of Bernadette and Gayle
Where we are today
Mummy’s Wish has continued to develop and expand to meet needs of mums across Australia, and now actively supports over 1,000 mums at any one time living with cancer.
In early 2024, it became a program of Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) to further increase its reach and service offerings to families in need. Like Bernadette and Gayle, RCA CEO Christine Cockburn was diagnosed with cancer while caring for young children and understands the enormous challenge of being a mother while undergoing treatment. Read Christine’s promise to the Mummy’s Wish community.
The RCA Patient Support Team, which includes Mummy’s Wish Coordinators, are dedicated to ensuring that every mum diagnosed with cancer in Australia feels supported so they can be there for their family.
Our values
Person-focused
We have an unwavering focus on the mums we support. We value and learn from the lived experience and prioritise the needs and voice of mums and their family's in all that we do.
Ambitious
We are ambitious in our approach to make a positive difference for mums with cancer. We are adaptable and persistent in meeting their needs.
Empathetic
We listen, take the time to understand and are respectful and compassionate in our approach to each individual's unique circumstances and preferences.
Trustworthy
We build trusted relationships through respect, fairness and taking responsibility. We deliver on what we promise and are honest in our approach.
