From Diagnosis to Determination

Joanne’s Journey of Hope

When Joanne Madden, a lifelong teacher from Bendigo, began having stomach pains, she never imagined the road ahead. She and her husband had just relocated to Darwin to teach and embrace new experiences. “We were fit, happy, and active,” Joanne recalls. A routine doctor’s visit before returning north revealed something more serious: low iron levels, a stomach ulcer, and eventually, gastric cancer.

What followed was a whirlwind: referrals, tests, and an operation that was meant to be minor—but instead revealed widespread disease. Facing the decision of whether to remove part or all of her stomach, her daughter gave her the clarity she needed: “Get your whole stomach, Mum. We want you here.” That moment, as emotional as it was, marked the beginning of Joanne’s fight to survive.

On June 14, just two days before her 60th birthday, Joanne underwent a total gastrectomy. In hospital, she became part of the HIIT Cancer research trial — a program supported by the HOPE Fund that combines high-intensity interval training with cancer recovery. “That was a lifesaver,” she says. “I looked forward to the visits. It gave me something to focus on when I couldn’t eat or move much. It helped me mentally and physically — I can’t recommend it highly enough.”

The road to recovery was anything but easy. Joanne required over 22 oesophageal dilatations to help her eat again and lost 28 kilograms. But she kept moving forward, driven by the goal of returning to remote East Arnhem Land and her passion for working with Indigenous youth. Today, she’s tutoring high school students and loving every minute of it.

Joanne credits her recovery to the unwavering support of her family, and the entire St Vincent’s Hospital team — from the admissions staff to the research coordinators and nurse funded by the HOPE Fund. “Nurse Paula, my care counsellor, was a godsend,” she says. “I could call her on my worst days. She was always there.”

Joanne’s resilience, humour, and honesty shine through every word. “Say yes to everything,” she advises. “Wear bright colours. Let yourself cry. Surround yourself with positive people. There is life after diagnosis — you just have to keep on keeping on.”

In honour of her journey, Joanne and Paula are planning a triathlon to raise money for the HOPE Fund. “I’ll swim,” she laughs. “Paula will run or ride. And we’ll find another survivor to join us.”