Reflections met Debra in 2022 where we provided one-to-one specialist nursing support to her, and support to her husband Anthony, and the two girls.
“Reflections were incredible,” she says. “They were a constant support for mum, regularly checking in and genuinely caring about her wellbeing. They extended that kindness to my family as well. That kind of support makes a world of difference when you’re facing something like this.”
Wanting to give back and help raise awareness so other families don’t have to go through what hers did. Mackenzie organised a fundraiser for Reflections in 2022 while her mum was still alive.
“At the time, I felt powerless. Fundraising gave me a way to channel that energy, to honour Mum and raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos.”
That fundraiser raised over $20,000—a remarkable effort that truly made a huge difference to who Reflections can support other WA families affected by mesothelioma.
A year later, in 2023, Debra passed away. It was just shy of the two year prognosis she had been given, and just before Mackenzie’s 21st birthday.
“At my 21st, obviously mum couldn’t give a speech, but when I was in Year 12 we went on a retreat together and the parents had to write letters to their kids. I read that out – it was really nice that I had that opportunity to have her speak.”
After Debra passed away, Mackenzie made the tough decision to move to part-time study, extending her degree to give herself space to heal.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew I needed that time to look after myself and stay connected to the people and thing that kept me grounded.”
In 2024, she graduated from The University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, majoring in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. Her next step? A research project that hits close to home.
Mackenzie is now undertaking Honours research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, under the guidance of Dr Alistair Cook and the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD).
With support from the Cancer Council WA Vacation Scholarship, she’s exploring how radiation influences the tumour immune microenvironment—work that could contribute to more effective cancer immunotherapies in the future.
“I don’t know exactly where this path will take me, but I do know that I’ll carry this experience with me, using it to make a difference where I can.”
– Mackenzie
