ADVOCACY & IMPACT
ADVOCACY & IMPACT
Advocacy has never been separate from Karen Humphries’ life.
It has grown naturally from lived experience - shaped by decades of navigating chronic illness, disability, cancer, survivorship and caregiving. What began as personal necessity has evolved into a sustained commitment to improving outcomes for others through awareness, research support and system-level change.
Karen’s advocacy is grounded, informed and deeply human. It centres on dignity, continuity of care and the recognition that survivorship is not a moment in time, but an ongoing reality for many.
A Nationally Recognised Advocate
Karen is a nationally recognised cancer advocate whose voice has been trusted across health, community and government settings.
She was the public face of the GI Cancer Trials 2024–2025 National Tax Appeal, supporting vital gastrointestinal cancer research across Australia.
Her advocacy work has also been acknowledged through parliamentary recognition at Parliament for contributions to cancer survivorship support programs and Cholangiocarcinoma awareness.
Community Recognition & Awards
Karen’s commitment to advocacy and survivorship has been recognised through multiple community and health sector honours, including:
Community Fundraiser of the Year (2025) - The NORTH Foundation Awards
Finalist - Westfield Local Heroes (Hornsby, 2025) for cancer survivorship work through CanSupport at Royal North Shore Hospital
Inaugural Gemma Crawley Memorial Award (2023) Relay for Life, Cancer Council
These acknowledgements reflect advocacy that is consistent, long-term and rooted in real-world impact.
Advocacy in Action
Karen’s advocacy work has included:
Raising awareness for rare and complex cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma
Supporting survivorship programs within hospital and community settings
Contributing patient voice and lived-experience insight to research and education initiatives
Amplifying stories that are often unheard or misunderstood
She is also the founder of Socks4Cancer, a committee member of Hornsby Relay For Life and a committee member or the Northern Sydney Local Health Districts Cancer Survivorship Steering Committee. Her experiences help shape the understanding of community-led fundraising and grassroots impact. These roles remain an important part of her advocacy history.
Amplifying Voices. Sharing Stories. Creating Change.
At the heart of Karen’s advocacy is a commitment to amplifying voices - particularly those of people living with chronic illness, disability and rare cancer.
She believes that real change begins when lived experience is not only acknowledged, but actively included in conversations about care, research and policy.
Karen’s advocacy continues alongside her work as an author, speaker and mentor - each informing the other, and all grounded in the same purpose: improving how we understand and support life beyond diagnosis.
Working With Karen
Karen collaborates with:
Health and research organisations
Community and advocacy groups
Media and education platforms
Conferences and forums seeking lived-experience insight
Her advocacy work is integrated into her speaking, workshops and writing, ensuring it remains sustainable, ethical and impactful.
SUPPORT ctDNA RESEARCH FOR CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA
Every breakthrough in rare cancer begins with research.
For people living with cholangiocarcinoma, disease monitoring has long relied on invasive procedures, delayed imaging, and limited tools. These gaps can lead to uncertainty and fewer treatment options.
ctDNA (circulating tumour DNA) research offers a new way forward.
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ctDNA research detects tiny fragments of tumour DNA in the bloodstream, with the potential to: Identify cancer recurrence earlier Monitor treatment response in real time
Reduce invasive procedures
Support more personalised care -
I live with incurable stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma and understand firsthand how critical early detection and precise monitoring can be.
This research is not just scientific. It is deeply human. -
Donations are administered through the NORTH Foundation, the official charity partner of Northern Sydney Local Health District, supporting ctDNA research led by Professor Nick Pavlakis for cholangiocarcinoma at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney Australia.
Funds raised through this page are directed specifically to ctDNA research and do not support general hospital services, unrelated programs or personal expenses.
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Scan the QR code or visit: north-foundation.raiselysite.com/karen-humphries
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia.
Every contribution helps move research forward – honouring the
Scan the QR code or visit: north-foundation.raiselysite.com/karen-humphriesDonations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia.
Every contribution helps move research forward – honouring the past, supporting the present, and protecting the future.past, supporting the present, and protecting the future.
