About Us

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The Patient Approach: Empowering Peer Support for individuals navigating acute health events or sudden loss.

Every great health initiative has a story behind it, and The Patient Approach is no different.

Founded by Katie—a wife, mother, sister, daughter, pregnancy loss mom to two angels, blood cancer survivor, and now a warrior fighting a new, rare cancer—The Patient Approach was born from a deeply personal journey through loss, illness, and survival. Katie’s experiences navigating these life-altering events have shaped not only her own path but also her vision for a healthcare system that better supports those facing similar struggles.

Her story is one of strength, resilience, and transformation. As a mother who has experienced the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, a cancer survivor who has battled blood cancer, and now a new cancer warrior fighting a rare diagnosis, she knows firsthand how it feels to be lost in the system, to feel unsupported, and to struggle to find guidance in times of crisis.

It was through these experiences that the idea for The Patient Approach was born—a peer support initiative that puts the patient at the center and provides real, human connection when it matters most.

The Expansion of Support:

Once The Patient Approach is fully established and functioning across Queensland, the model will expand to support other groups who face significant health challenges. Employees with peer support experience in other areas of healthcare will assist in identifying additional gaps where support is required, further expanding our impact on the community.

The Heart Behind the Initiative:

Katie’s journey has fueled the passion and determination behind The Patient Approach. After facing loss, fighting through cancer, and experiencing the voids in the healthcare system, she vowed to make a change. The initiative exists not just to provide support but to ensure that no one ever has to feel as lost, isolated, or uncertain as she once did.

By sharing her story and creating this peer support network, Katie hopes to provide the kind of comfort, connection, and guidance that everyone deserves when faced with life’s hardest moments. The Patient Approach is a testament to the power of lived experience, a commitment to change, and the belief that, together, we can face anything.

Surveys:

To ensure that this is not an isolated experience, and that my personal journey is not a one-off case, I conducted a survey targeting mothers who have experienced pregnancy loss and cancer patients from South East Queensland.

Upon reviewing the survey results, the consensus was clear:

• 97% of women who experienced pregnancy loss reported that they were not followed up with or offered any support after their loss.
• Similarly, 95% of cancer patients indicated they were not provided with adequate support or guidance after their diagnosis.

These findings highlight a significant gap in post-care services for both groups, underscoring the urgent need for systematic support following such life-altering experiences.