Tora Murphy, a 24-year-old who left her job to travel, had her adventures abruptly ended just seven weeks in when she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. Initially appearing visibly pregnant, Murphy received the shocking news after flying back to Brisbane, where doctors confirmed the cancer and performed surgery to remove an 18-centimetre tumour and carry out a full hysterectomy. Reflecting on her diagnosis, she expressed disbelief that someone her age could face such a serious illness.
Ovarian cancer claims the lives of over 1,000 Australian women annually, and the five-year survival rate stands at only 49%. Murphy now faces the enduring anxiety of potential recurrence. Meanwhile, researchers at Mater Research are making strides in developing a vaccine aimed at targeting immune system-triggering cells known as dendritic cells, which could help combat and prevent the disease’s return. This promising research is supported by $670,000 raised by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation as part of a broader $2.4 million funding initiative. Friends and family of Murphy are also contributing, with her partner and friends walking 100 kilometres in May to raise funds in her honour, a gesture she deeply appreciates.