Key Takeaways: Community Healthcare Champions
- Philanthropy Awards: The NORTH Foundation held its inaugural Philanthropy & Thankyou Awards to honor donors, clinicians, and community partners across Northern Sydney.
- Top Honours: Karen Humphries was named Community Fundraiser of the Year for her work with "Costumes for Cancer" and the "What Now" survivorship program.
- Facility Recognition: Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital was awarded NSLHD Facility of the Year, while the RNSH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit took home Unit of the Year.
- Rare Cancer Advocacy: Efforts continue to raise awareness for cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), a difficult-to-diagnose disease often represented by the color green.
- Global Awareness: World Cholangiocarcinoma Day will be observed on February 19, 2026, with global landmarks lighting up green to support education and early diagnosis.
In Australia, cancer and wellbeing advocates like Karen Humphries have been sounding the alarm on cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer.
Cholangiocarcinoma is difficult to diagnose early, as its symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. As a result, awareness, education, and advocacy play a crucial role in improving outcomes for those affected.
World Cholangiocarcinoma Day falls on the third Thursday of February. In 2026, this date is the February 19, and across the globe cities will light their landmarks green to spread awareness.
Over the last few years in the North Shore community, Karen Humphries was a leading voice in lighting green Mount Colah Uniting Church, Royal North Shore Private Hospital, Waitara Public School, and the Hornsby Fountain and Mall.
Karen was recently recognised by the NORTH Foundation and its inaugural Philanthropy & Thankyou Awards, where donors, clinicians, community champions, and partners across the northern Sydney Health District were honoured for helping deliver better healthcare to the region.
Community Fundraiser of the Year was presented to Karen for leading initiatives such as Costumes for Cancer and championing
CanSupport’s “What Now” survivorship program to support people on their journey to rebuild emotionally and physically after cancer treatment.
Clinician Philanthropy Champion of the Year to Maura Farrell, Nurse Manager at the Cardiac Rehabilitation unit at NSLHD.
NSLHD Unit of the Year weas presented to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Royal North Shore Hospital. NSLHD Facility of the Year was awarded to Hornsby Ku ring gai Hospital.
‘Our district is full of people who care deeply about health and about each other. These awards are our way of saying thank you, and of inviting even more people to be part of the next chapter of impact,’ said NORTH Foundation CEO Gil Lorquet.
