District Director Integrated Care, Allied Health and Community Services Jill Wong, scholarship recipient Katie Mason, Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh, Yvonne Crestani, scholarship recipient Jacqueline Pacey and MNCLHD Governing Board Chair Peter Treseder AO.

Crestani scholarships help improve care for cancer patients

Aug 18, 2023

Three Mid North Coast radiation therapists are the latest recipients of the prestigious Crestani Scholarships, which help allied health professionals to advance their educational studies.

Jacqueline Pacey and Katie Mason from Coffs Harbour and Chase Hadenham from Port Macquarie were awarded the scholarships, which will provide them with the opportunity for higher education and research study.

Yvonne Crestani founded the Crestani Scholarships in 2007 in memory of her husband, Chris, the Chief Radiation Therapist at St Vincent’s Hospital, who unfortunately died of cancer.

Chris advocated for young professionals and encouraged them to further their learning throughout his career. He leaves a legacy of kindness, dedication, and commitment to cancer patients.

The foundation raises funds for education and research scholarships for medical personnel with the aim of enhancing care and health outcomes for patients with cancer.

At an event at the Coffs Harbour campus of the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI) last week, Yvonne and her daughter Belinda Crestani praised the work of allied health professionals who are integral in helping patients on their cancer journey.

“I would like to congratulate Jacqueline Pacey, Katie Mason and Chase Hadenham on receiving the scholarships this year. They join over 50 recipients, who have, over the past 16 years, advanced their skills and techniques in cancer treatment,” Ms Belinda Crestani said.

Speaking at the presentation, Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) Governing Board Chair Peter Treseder AO said it was an honour for staff to receive the Crestani Scholarships as part of Chris Crestani’s legacy.

“We are very proud of the work undertaken at MNCCI and the dedicated staff who go above and beyond to support cancer patients,” Mr Treseder said.

The scholarships will help the recipients attend the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT), bringing back additional skills and knowledge of technological advancements.