When Travis’s wife, Emily, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, their world fell apart. Their children were just 5 and 7 years old, and life as they knew it changed in an instant.
“I looked at my beautiful wife and I couldn’t believe it. How could I possibly lose her? How would we tell the kids? It was emotional turmoil — it felt like the world was caving in around me.”
Through the pain and uncertainty, Travis did everything he could to hold his family together. But behind the brave face, he was struggling.
“At my lowest point, I felt incredibly alone. That’s when I reached out to Lung Foundation Australia.”
Finding strength through connection
Travis was connected with Lilanie, one of our specialist social workers, through our Lung Health Helpline – a free, nationwide service providing nurse and social-work support to anyone impacted by lung disease or lung cancer.
“She’s been a rock of support for me, no questions are off limits. I’ve been able to talk through so many things – from how to support Emily through her treatment, to how to prepare for whatever the future might bring.” – Travis
Lilanie helped Travis navigate practical matters like care planning and family communication, while also providing a safe space to talk about the emotions that come with loving someone through lung disease.
“I can’t imagine navigating these past 12 months without the telephone support service.” – Travis
Expert care at the end of the line
The Lung Health Helpline is staffed by an experienced team of specialist lung cancer and respiratory care nurses, along with a social worker. Together they provide personalised, evidence-based guidance, emotional support and practical advise – completely free of charge.
In the past year alone:
- 4,262 Australians contacted our Information and Support Centre for help
- 1,868 telephone appointments were delivered by our nurses and social worker
- More than 6,000 occasions of support were provided through our telehealth nurse and social-work service
- Calls came from every state and territory, with a large proportion from regional and remote communities where access to specialist care is limited
Each conversation helps someone understand their diagnosis, manage symptoms, and cope emotionally – ensuring no one faces lung disease alone.
A lifeline made possible by your generosity
“Emily and I are so incredibly grateful to Lung Foundation Australia for their support,” Travis says. “And we’re equally grateful to everyone who makes this possible. You really are a lifeline.”
The Lung Health Helpline exists thanks to the generosity of our community. Every donation helps keep our nurses and social worker on the line for families like Travis and Emily’s – and thousands more people every year who need understanding, expert care and hope.
If you or someone you love need support, call 1800 654 301 or contact our Information and Support Centre team.
And if you’d like to help keep this vital lifeline open, please consider making a donation.
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