Community Action Team

Meet MSCAN’s Community Action Team

Melissa Sheldon

A survivor of stage IV melanoma, first diagnosed at age 29 in 2009. She has lived with melanoma for over a decade, fortunate to ride the wave of new treatments including targeted cell therapy and immunotherapy. She has been in palliative care and learnt to walk and talk again. She has witnessed the power and side-effects of treatment and seen the devastation when patients don’t respond. She believes in the power of science, research, education, and the multidisciplinary approach needed to treat cancer.

Melissa was active in media, helping Ipilimumab and Pembrolizumab gain PBS listing. She campaigned to have solariums banned from Victoria, carrying on Clare Oliver’s heroic stance. Other advocacy activity included SBS Insight “Cancer Breakthroughs”.

Passionate about equitable healthcare for all, Melissa shares her story hoping to pay it forward to improve outcomes for patients and carers.

Phoebe Wilcox

Phoebe watched the decline in health from her dear mum, Nicky, who devastatingly lost the battle to stage IV melanoma in 2022 after only 26 days from diagnosis.

Being an Emergency and Intensive care nurse in the Northern territory and Emergency nurse in WA, Phoebe knew only too well the hospital system, and is now more passionate than ever about ensuring melanoma patients receive the best holistic care throughout their diagnosis and treatment.

Tom Leworthy

Tom was first diagnosed with Stage III metastatic melanoma in 2015. He was living his best life in Abu Dhabi with his young family and pregnant wife before his world was turned upside down when he found 3 big lumps under his arm while out cycling.

He returned to Queensland for treatment and began immunotherapy. After 10 months, he developed severe rheumatoid arthritis and Type 1 diabetes and ceased treatment. However, three months later the cancer had progressed to Stage IV. Tom trialed a new treatment that saw amazing results after two months. His recent five year clear PET scan was a successful outcome for the second treatment. 

Tom is a strong advocate for men’s health, and through his love of fitness is able to share his journey of survivorship with many that cross his path.

Doug Phayer

Doug Phayer, lifelong fisherman, was was first diagnosed with skin cancer at age 50, and since then he has been through 23 invasive and difficult surgeries, and radiation therapy to remove squamous cell carcinomas (SCC’s) from his body.

Doug is passionate about advocating for the prevention of skin cancer and to help raise awareness of the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers.

Listen to Doug on the Spot On Podcast here.

Pauline Ryan

Pauline Ryan is a passionate consumer advocate with lived experience of cancer, committed to driving change in the healthcare system through collaboration and inclusion. Pauline combines her clinical background as a nurse, her project management experience with her personal cancer journey to champion a consumer-led approach to healthcare. She believes that individuals with lived expertise bring vital insights that can shape a more responsive, compassionate, and effective health ecosystem. 

Diagnosed with melanoma while 37 weeks pregnant with her second daughter, Pauline’s experience navigating surgery, immunotherapy and recovery highlighted the urgent need for better mental health and psychosocial support for people affected by cancer. Now cancer-free, she uses her voice to advocate for transformational change, particularly in how the system engages with and supports consumers. Her goal is to ensure that patients are active partners in their care and in shaping the services that support them.

Listen to Pauline and husband Carl on the Spot On Podcast and read more about Pauline’s story here.

Ellie Bowley

After her mum was diagnosed with Mucosal Melanoma in August 2023, Ellie—alongside her auntie—became her devoted carer. Tragically, just ten months later, her mum lost her battle with this rare and aggressive form of melanoma.

Throughout this heartbreaking journey, Ellie came to understand how little awareness, research, and treatment exists for Mucosal Melanoma. Determined to make a difference, she is now committed to raising awareness and advocating for better research and support—so that others won’t have to face the same devastating experience.

Bernadette

Bernadette’s profound interest in body image and the mental health impacts of cancer stems directly from her personal journey. Ten years ago, she was diagnosed with melanoma, which led to three invasive, life-changing surgeries along with skin chemotherapy to treat SCCs and BCCs, and cryotherapy. Within the last five years, she has had another two melanomas requiring extra surgeries.

Having experienced firsthand how cancer treatment affects one’s self-perception and psychological wellbeing, she’s observed that while physical treatments receive significant attention, the equally crucial psychological aspects of cancer care are often overlooked.

Bernadette’s advocacy focuses on cancer prevention, comprehensive patient support, and promoting overall wellbeing. She works to influence healthcare policies, expand resource access, and empower individuals through collaborative approaches, effective communication strategies, and innovative funding solutions.

Sara McLaughlin-Barrett

Sara has worked with cancer patients for over a decade in her oncology nurse consultant role. She knows too well the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a person and their family.

Sara was diagnosed with a large basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on her forehead at the age of 33, and due to extensive sun exposure in her early 20’s, now has strict 12 monthly skin checks. She is incredibly passionate about increasing sun smart awareness and regular skin checks, particularly in the children, adolescence and younger adult population.