Bronte’s Story

22-year-old Bronte Russell was only three years old when she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer that is found in the adrenal glands.

The treatment journey for Bronte was very tough for both her and her family as they endured lengthy stays in hospital in Geelong and regular trips to Melbourne.

However, Bronte’s journey and the wonderful care she received during her treatment inspired her to pursue a career in health with the hope of giving back and supporting other cancer patients like herself. As a child patient, Bronte is excited to see how the Barwon Women’s and Children’s project will support families like hers in the future.

Here is Bronte’s story:

My name is Bronte Russell, I’m 22-years-old, and I currently work as a nurse here in Geelong. I am fortunate to have been placed in the oncology and palliative care sector which are fields that I am particularly interested in.

When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer that is found in the adrenal glands. My journey through treatment was tough, but my family were always by my side, and that support was everything to me.

Over the years, I have come to see how those early experiences have shaped the person that I am today. Although I have endured many physical and emotional challenges, I am stronger and more determined as a result. I want to make a difference, especially in the healthcare field.

I am really excited to see the Barwon Women’s and Children’s project come to life. I think it’s important to advocate for services that care for both women and children and their specific needs.

For me personally, as a nurse, it feels incredibly important that this facility should offer not just the medical but emotional care and support for families who are going through difficult times. As a woman, I find it comforting to know that there will be a dedicated space for us to receive the best care for our health-related needs.

I am passionate about children’s healthcare, from my own journey and lived experience. As a child I watched my parents tirelessly fundraise to establish a room at University Hospital Geelong to enable both support and treatment to cancer patients, saving the trip to RCH on many occasions. They did this via a gala ball called ‘Bronte’s Ball’, the money from this helped establish “Bronte’s room” on the Children’s Ward at University Hospital Geelong.

These galas led to my eventual passion of becoming a nurse and helping others go through what I’ve been through in my past. I believe I have a unique lens on nursing as I can better empathise and understand what it’s like to be the patient.

Working in Oncology has already fulfilled a big dream of mine although I see myself working more specifically with children in the future. I believe having this new facility will create a safe space for women and children. I’m excited to see what new things this will bring to our healthcare system.

From being the patient to now being a nurse is a surreal experience. I remember how important the nurses were to me as a child, they were not just caregivers but also sources of comfort during a very scary time. Now that I’m on the other side, I get to offer that same care and empathy towards others. It’s a full-circle moment that motivates me every day at work.