Our
Team
Patient and Caregiver Led: Patient-Centric
Patient and Caregiver Led: Patient-Centric
Our Mission
LEADERSHIP
Steve Holmes
Founder – Chief Executive
Patient Navigator and Survivor
Gold Coast Queensland
Steve Holmes
Name: Steve Holmes
Role: Managing Director and Chief Executive
Organisation: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Professional Profile:
Steve is the Founder, Managing Director, & CEO of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia, he is also a late-stage, Stage 4 survivor.
He is driven to simplify the complexities of cancer and the health response to better equip and empower a patient’s capacity to more effectively respond and survive their diagnosis.
Drawing from his substantial lived experiences and extensive interactions with patients and caregivers, Steve possesses a profound understanding that, while healthcare and medical professionals are adept at diagnosing and treating cancer, a crucial gap exists in their capacity to fully equip and empower patients for the challenge ahead. Recognizing that a patient’s proficiency to effectively respond is pivotal to a successful cancer journey, he is laser-focused on addressing this critical gap.
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia: Pioneering Patient-Led Cancer Response
As patients, we must first understand cancer before we can begin to control and remove it.
As a patient-led initiative, we prioritise the disciplines of right and effective objectivity, perception, action, and willpower. These are the essential attributes needed to dismantle the diagnosis, break cancer apart, and wear down its defences until it is no more.
We must have the courage to know and act on what we can control and the wisdom to accept what we cannot.
Pillars of A Patient-Led Strategy:
- Empower The Patient – Increase Survival: Empower and align their supporters – exponentially increase survival.
- Educate, Equip, Empower: Better equip and empower the patient’s capacity to more effectively respond and survive a cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis.
- Today’s Science For Today’s Patient Survival: Ensure today’s scientific advancements are fully utilised for today’s patient toolkit and survival.
When Responding to Cancer we must embody the qualities of deliberation, boldness, and persistent creativity while maintaining open-mindedness and an unrestricted willingness.
Cancer arrives wrapped in reputation – we must pause and look through its reputational wrapping to see it as it is, not as we fear it is. It is then that we can perform a mental flip to see deep into its underside, its weaknesses, and our opportunities. We are now ready to act and respond on our terms.
As a patient, we must look to become part of the solution not just a passenger. We must help those who help us, we must lead them with our responsibility.
Personally
Married to Claire, with two children: Zach – London, Georgia – Gold Coast Australia.
Road Cycling Tragic
A passion that serves as my mega filter and introspective workshop on wheels, inspiring innovation and transformative thought. Originally from Waikanae, New Zealand, we moved to the Gold Coast in 2005.
Diagnosis
- Extrahepatic Distal
Surgeries (25 hours total)
Whipple Multi-Organ Removal
- Bile duct 95%
- Gallbladder 100% (Cholecystectomy)
- Stomach 80% (Gastrectomy)
- Pancreas 33% (Pancreatectomy)
- Duodenum 100% (Small Intestine )
- 2 local lymph nodes
Surgical Complications
- Substantial Wound Infections: 5 Weeks VacPac Pump
- Emergency Aneurysm 1-month post-op: Main Hepatic Artery terminated
Experimental Adjuvant Treatment
Clinical Trial: Attica
- 5.5 months – metastatic breakout: Badly tolerated
Experimental – Of Last Resort
Immunotherapy: Keynote 158 (Aug 2017)
- 3 weekly infusions
- Response – Day 3
- Severe Cytokine Release – CRS Level > 3+: Day 4 to Day 12
- Complete & Full & Response – 9 Week Scan
Biomarkers
- PDL1
- MSI-High
- dMMR MSH1 – PMS2
- TMB-High
Prior History
- Moderately overweight,
- Gallbladder Infection 2015
- Cyclist/Runner – Generally Active
- Younger Brother – Also Extrahepatic Distal (RIP2014),
- Sister – Crohn’s,
- Great Aunt – RIP Crohn’s
Contact Details
Personal
- Location: Main Beach, Qld, Australia
- Ph: +61 415 153 522
- Email: steve@teddermain.com
- Website: steveholmes.net.au
- linkedin.com/in/stephengambleholmes
- Strava /stevegambleholmes
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Claire Holmes
Founder – Chief Operations
Caregiver Navigator
Gold Coast Queensland
Claire Holmes
Name: Claire Holmes
Role: Chief of Operations
Organization: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Connection to Cholangiocarcinoma:
Claire, originally from the small seaside village of Waikanae in New Zealand’s North Island, moved to Australia with her husband Steve and their two young children in 2005.
The trajectory of Claire’s life dramatically shifted when Steve’s younger brother succumbed to Cholangiocarcinoma in 2014, followed by Steve’s own diagnosis in 2016. Suddenly, Claire found herself not just a wife and mother, but also Steve’s primary caregiver.
Objectivity and Perception:
Facing an uphill battle, Claire adeptly navigated the healthcare landscape, handling Steve’s escalating medical needs as his condition progressed to stage 4. Her meticulous record-keeping and diligent research became crucial pillars in Steve’s fight for survival, ultimately leading to his remarkable recovery. Their shared journey through this challenging experience sparked a passion in Claire and Steve, inspiring them to establish the Cholangiocarcinoma Australia Foundation and Cholangiocarcinoma New Zealand Foundation.
Action and Will:
Claire’s firsthand experience as a caregiver underscores her commitment to empowering and supporting others facing similar struggles, instilling a unique perspective and resolve in her role as Director of Operations.
What Empowers You:
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Professional/Personal Achievements:
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Fun Fact:
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Details
- Website: Claire & Steve
- Phone +61 431 180 783
- Email: Claire
- Linked in
INTERNATIONAL
Volunteers
Prof Steven West
USA Communications
Patient Navigator and Survivor
Oklahoma, USA
Steven West
Name: Steven West
Role: Director and Board Member
Organization: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Professional Profile:
Steven West brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role as a Director and Board Member of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia. As a Professor of Professional Practice at Oklahoma State University, he is deeply entrenched in academia and possesses a robust network of global contacts that he leverages to benefit the foundation and its mission.
Revenue Management Expert:
With a specialization in Revenue Management, Steven holds all appropriate designations and certifications in the field. His expertise goes beyond mere data analytics, delving into the intricacies of strategy development and implementation. Drawing from his extensive background in operations management at both property and corporate levels, Steven excels in refining revenue management into actionable strategies that yield significant bottom-line increases.
Consultation and Remote Work:
Steven is open to consultation and remote work opportunities, where he applies his skills in maximizing revenue and optimizing savings to deliver tangible results for clients.
Recruitment and International Programs:
In addition to his role as a professor, Steven actively engages in recruitment efforts for international students and oversees the J1 internship program at Oklahoma State University. His understanding of the J1 internship program and extensive network with international universities specializing in hospitality and culinary degrees have facilitated the recruitment and processing of over 300 international student interns. Steven offers valuable insights and support to property operators, assisting them in leveraging the benefits of international hospitality interns to enhance their operations.
Dual Citizenship and Global Mobility:
As a dual citizen of the United States and Australia, Steven possesses the unique advantage of freely living and working in both countries without sponsorship. Additionally, he holds EU work ability, further expanding his global mobility and professional reach.
Involvement in Cholangiocarcinoma Advocacy:
Steven is not only a professional in his field but also a cholangiocarcinoma patient himself. Despite his own battle with the disease, he remains actively involved in various roles and committees related to cholangiocarcinoma advocacy. His firsthand experience fuels his dedication to advancing research, raising awareness, and providing support to individuals affected by this disease.
With his diverse skill set, extensive network, and unwavering commitment to both professional excellence and cholangiocarcinoma advocacy, Steven West plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia and supporting individuals affected by cholangiocarcinoma.
Details
Mandy Wallace
NZ Communications
Patient Navigator and Survivor
Blenheim, New Zealand
Mandy West
Details
- Phone: (064) 21 222 5211
- Email Mandy
OPERATIONS
Volunteers
Dr Natalie Rickers
Director of Medical & Research
Adelaide, South Australia
Natalie Rickers
Name: Natalie Rickers
Role: Molecular Genomics, Advisor & Advocacy
Organization: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Connection to Cholangiocarcinoma:
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Objectivity and Perception:
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Action and Will:
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What Empowers You:
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Professional/Personal Achievements:
Natalie Rickers, with her robust background in biotechnology and molecular microbiology, serves as a volunteer Advisor for Molecular Genomics and Advocacy for Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia. Natalie holds a PhD from Manchester University and has completed postdoctoral research in Switzerland. Over the last 18 years, she has excelled in the genetics and microbiome industry, notably spearheading initiatives that drove substantial growth and facilitated access to genetic testing on a global scale.
At Invitae, Natalie led a global sales team to achieve $11 million in annual revenue, reflecting triple-digit growth annually. Her role expanded to developing comprehensive marketing strategies for diverse markets such as Canada, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC. These strategies significantly improved healthcare access, particularly in the fields of women’s health, cardiology, neurology, oncology, and consumer markets.
Natalie’s professional path also includes impactful contributions to biopharma programs, national genomics initiatives, and the expansion of international distributor models. Her involvement with patient advocacy groups played a pivotal role in the expansion of Ciiitizen in Australia, enhancing patient access to medical records and genomic data.
As of November 2023, she has been working with MTPConnect’s Adelaide Intermediary team as the Director of Commercialisation, where she focuses on developing the local ecosystem in South Australia.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Natalie is a passionate advocate for women in STEM, mentoring PhD students and supporting their transition into industry roles. She is an active member of the 2023 Women in Leadership Development Program and has successfully completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.
In her advisory role at Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia, Natalie leverages her extensive expertise to lead projects that aim to transform patient outcomes through advanced genetic and genomic solutions. Her voice guides our discussions and presentations, providing a clear and authoritative perspective on how current scientific developments can be harnessed to support our community effectively. Her unique combination of professional expertise and personal experience as a caregiver enriches her advocacy, making her a pivotal figure in our mission to empower patients and expand survival.
Fun Fact:
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Details
Ben Kikuchi
Director of Patient Integration & Advocacy
Brisbane, Queensland
Ben Kikuchi
Georgia Holmes
Director of Operations
Gold Coast, Queensland
Georgia Holmes
Georgia Bio and Profile – Coming Soon
SENIOR SUPPORT
Volunteers
Karen O’Hagan-Humphries
Ambassador Coordinator
Sydney, New South Wales
Karen O'Hagan-Humphries
Name: Karen Humphres
Role: Ambassador Coordinator
Organisation: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Your Connection to Cholangiocarcinoma: My connection to Cholangiocarcinoma began when I was diagnosed with Stage 3B in 2021, which progressed to Stage 4 metastatic cancer in 2024. I met Steve, Claire, and Ben, and their dedication to research and patient care for Cholangiocarcinoma inspired me to join the team in Australia.
Objectivity and Perception: Maintaining an objective and perceptive stance, I remain steadfast in fostering a positive impact and advocating for improved outcomes in Cholangiocarcinoma. A harmonious blend of regular exercise, nutritious eating, seeking assistance, practicing mindfulness, expressing gratitude, and assisting others serves as my guiding force, propelling me forward in navigating the treatment journey.
Action and Will: As a dedicated volunteer and fundraiser for cholangiocarcinoma and cancer alike, I have successfully led many recognised initiatives, raising over $19,000. These funds have supported essential organisations, including the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia and others. As a patient advocate at the Royal North Shore Hospital and for the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life, my commitment is deeply rooted in my personal journey of being diagnosed twice.
Currently, I am studying a Masters in Psychotherapy and Counselling at the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP), which, along with my education and volunteer experience in cancer and chronic health, and roles as a patient representative, further strengthens my dedication to this cause.
What Empowers You: I am empowered by the desire to help others and contribute to cancer research. My personal experience, including my own health challenges spanning nearly three decades and my journey – this fuels my commitment. I believe in inspiring resilience and providing support for individuals facing health adversities.
Professional/Personal Achievements: Winner of the Gemma Crawley Memorial 2023, Cancer Council-Relay for Life Hornsby. Twice nominated as a Westfield Local Hero and NSW Volunteer of the Year 2024 & 2022. Advocacy work acknowledged in Australian Parliament.
Fun Fact: I am an experienced motivational and keynote speaker, using the power of words to inspire and uplift audiences. I have been featured in media outlets like The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Post, 9Honey, Bush Telegraph, The NORTH Foundation and Australian Parliament. Dress lover, especially bright colours.
Jill Brown
Research Coordinator
Malua Bay, NSW
Jill Brown
Moose (Mary) Murphy
Assistant Ambassador
Melbourne, Victoria
Moose Murphy
Moose Bio and Profile – Coming Soon
The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia, a Patient-Led Solution: Empower the Patient- Increase Survival; Empower Their Supporter Community – Exponentially Increase Survivability. Is this to Simplistic?
