Thirty Years of Purpose
Celebrating Andrea Alexander’s extraordinary contribution to Child Cancer Research Foundation
By Michele Dalton
1 July 2026
Some careers are measured in years.
Others are measured in the lives they help change.
Today, Child Cancer Research Foundation (CCRF) celebrates an extraordinary milestone as Chief Executive Officer Andrea Alexander marks 30 years with the Foundation.
For three decades, Andrea has dedicated her professional life to improving the lives of children, adolescents and young people affected by cancer. Since joining CCRF in 1996, she has helped shape an organisation that has invested more than $45 million into childhood cancer research while continually evolving to meet the changing needs of children and families.
Over those 30 years, childhood cancer research has changed dramatically. Survival rates have improved for many cancers. Treatments have become more effective. Research that once seemed impossible has become reality. Thousands of children who once faced an uncertain future are now living longer, healthier lives because researchers refused to stop asking difficult questions.
Andrea has had the privilege of witnessing that progress every step of the way. She has celebrated research breakthroughs alongside scientists. She has stood beside families during unimaginable heartbreak. She has worked with volunteers, thanked donors, supported clinicians, and watched generations of children grow into adults.
She has also witnessed another important change. As research has helped more children survive, it has become increasingly clear that surviving cancer is only part of the journey. Many children, adolescents and young adults continue to face lifelong physical, emotional, educational and social challenges long after treatment ends.
Recognising that need has helped shape the Foundation’s next chapter. While remaining committed to funding world-class childhood cancer research, Andrea has also helped guide CCRF’s expansion into survivorship, recognising that helping children thrive beyond cancer is just as important as helping them survive it.
Yet despite everything that has changed, one thing never has. Children and families have always remained at the heart of every decision.
Reflecting on her 30-year journey, Andrea says she has never lost sight of why the Foundation exists.
“I’m most proud that we’ve never lost sight of why we’re here. Over the past 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping grow CCRF from a small charity into an organisation that has funded millions of dollars in childhood cancer research and, more recently, expanded our work to support young survivors beyond treatment.
Knowing we’ve played a part in improving outcomes for children and families across Western Australia is something I’ll always be proud of. But more than anything, I’m proud of the incredible people I’ve worked with — our volunteers, donors, researchers, Board members, staff and families — who have made every achievement possible.”
For three decades, Andrea has quietly become one of the constants in the lives of countless families, researchers, volunteers and supporters. While childhood cancer research has evolved, treatments have advanced and the Foundation itself has grown, Andrea has remained a steady presence, building relationships, preserving the Foundation’s history and ensuring children and families have always remained at the heart of every decision.
Andrea would never write those words about herself. Which is exactly why they deserve to be written.
The custodian of a Foundation
For CCRF Chair Tracy Hollington, Andrea’s contribution reaches far beyond her role as Chief Executive Officer.
“Over the past 30 years, Andrea has become far more than the CEO of Child Cancer Research Foundation. She is the custodian of our history, our relationships and our purpose. Her knowledge of the Foundation is unmatched, but it is her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with cancer and their families that has truly defined her career.
Andrea has helped guide CCRF through decades of growth and change, always keeping our mission at the heart of everything we do. On behalf of the Board, I thank Andrea for three decades of exceptional service, leadership and dedication. Her contribution to this Foundation and to the countless children and families we have supported over the years is immeasurable, and we look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the years ahead.”
For Tracy, Andrea has become the thread connecting the Foundation’s past with its future. The person who has quietly carried its knowledge, protected its values and ensured that, through every challenge and every opportunity, the focus has remained exactly where it belongs. On children and their families.
“It’s about the kids.”
Andrea’s journey with CCRF began in 1996. Having recently returned to Perth from Melbourne, she was encouraged to apply for the role of Executive Officer after a chance conversation with then Board member Kim Williamson.
She remembers walking into the interview with long-serving Chair Geoff Cattach AM, Kim Williamson and John Myers. When asked what she could bring to the role, Andrea drew on her years of experience working at Princess Margaret Hospital.
“I said, ‘Well, I have a history with the Foundation and with the hospital. I started working there back in 1979 in Medical Records. I know the people, and I know how the Foundation works.’ They said, ‘You’ve got the job.'”
Nearly 30 years later, reflecting on that interview together during her anniversary celebration, Andrea laughed as she asked Geoff a question she had always wondered.
“Were there any other interviews for the job?”
Geoff smiled. “Just you.”
As the conversation continued, Geoff reflected on what had always mattered most when choosing the people who would help lead the Foundation. “The most important word in life is attitude,” he said.
For Geoff, the role was never about titles, status or personal ambition. He wanted people who understood why the Foundation existed and who would always put its mission before themselves.
Reflecting on those early years, he recalled being frustrated by applicants who made the role about themselves rather than the children the Foundation existed to help. Then, in a sentence that has quietly shaped CCRF’s culture for decades, he summed up the Foundation’s purpose.
“It’s about the kids. We’re here to raise money to save kids’ lives.”
Looking back over Andrea’s 30 years with CCRF, it’s easy to see why Geoff believed she was the right person for the role. She brought exactly the attitude he believed mattered most: humility, compassion and an unwavering commitment to putting children and families first.
A survivor’s perspective
Few voices capture Andrea’s impact more powerfully than those of the children whose lives have been shaped by childhood cancer. For childhood cancer survivor and CCRF Ambassador Georgia Lowry, Andrea’s contribution is impossible to separate from her own journey.
As Georgia reflected on Andrea’s milestone, emotion quickly took over. When asked what Andrea has meant to her personally, she struggled to find the words.
“As a childhood cancer survivor, I honestly can’t put into words what Andrea means to me. I don’t think I ever could. People like Andrea and the incredible team at CCRF are the reason I’m here today. Knowing there are people who have quietly dedicated their lives to helping children and families like mine is incredibly comforting. It’s not just a job for Andrea. It’s her passion, and you feel that in everything she does.”
For Georgia, what stands out most is not what Andrea has achieved, but how she has achieved it.
“What I admire most is that Andrea never makes it about herself. She quietly steps out of the spotlight and works tirelessly behind the scenes, making things happen and creating opportunities that change lives.”
When asked what she would say to Andrea directly, Georgia’s voice once again reflected the gratitude of so many families.
“When I think of CCRF, I think of Andrea. Her dedication, consistency and heart have shaped the Foundation for 30 years. Congratulations, Andrea. Every day, every effort and every sacrifice has been noticed. You should be incredibly proud because we certainly are.”
Listening to Georgia speak, it became clear that Andrea’s legacy cannot be measured only in research grants funded or fundraising milestones achieved.
It is measured in trust, and in hope, and in knowing that, through some of life’s darkest moments, there has always been someone quietly working behind the scenes to help make tomorrow a little better than today.
More than a colleague
Few people have worked alongside Andrea for as long or as closely as Kylie Dalton. Over more than 13 years, Kylie has watched Andrea lead through periods of growth, challenge and change, seeing first-hand the quiet determination, resilience and consistency that have become hallmarks of her leadership.
When asked what has always stood out to her, Kylie didn’t mention a single campaign, event or fundraising milestone. She talked about consistency.
“I’ve worked alongside Andrea for more than a decade and what has always struck me most isn’t any single achievement. It’s the consistency. Organisations like CCRF experience incredible highs when research breakthroughs happen or a family’s story reminds us why we do this work, but they also face incredibly difficult moments where the outcomes aren’t guaranteed. Andrea has been the constant through all of it. She doesn’t waver when things get hard, and she never seeks the spotlight when things go well. That quiet steadiness is rare, and it’s exactly what an organisation supporting children and families affected by cancer needs at its heart.
People probably don’t realise what 30 years of service really represents. More than $45 million has now been invested into childhood cancer research, but that kind of impact isn’t built through one campaign or one successful year. It’s built by someone who simply keeps showing up, year after year, always putting children and families first. Even now, Andrea is helping lead CCRF into its next chapter through the AYA Cancer Survivorship Program, ensuring the Foundation continues to evolve as the needs of children and young people change. That willingness to keep growing after 30 years says everything about who she is.”
After speaking with so many people for this story, one word surfaced again and again.
Consistency.
Not because anyone had compared answers. But because everyone had experienced the same thing. Over three decades, Andrea has simply kept showing up.
A perspective only he could offer
Few people have known Andrea for as long as Justin Bruce. A childhood cancer survivor, Board Director and Treasurer, Justin’s connection with Child Cancer Research Foundation spans almost his entire life. His family’s involvement with the Foundation stretches back more than four decades, with his father, Phil Bruce, first joining the Board in 1982 before serving as Vice Chair from 2012. Justin continued that legacy, serving as a Board proxy from 2008, becoming a Director in 2012 and Treasurer in 2020.
Asked to reflect on Andrea’s 30 years, Justin’s words were simple, heartfelt and deeply personal.
“Well done, Andrea, on your 30-year anniversary with CCRF. You truly are a remarkable person. Your compassion, dedication, empathy and resilience are second to none.
Hundreds of children owe their livelihood to the work you’ve contributed over the past three decades. I have to help kids in need, because of my connection to childhood cancer. You don’t have to, and that’s a credit to who you are. Thank you.”
There are many reasons people dedicate themselves to helping children affected by cancer. For Justin, it comes from lived experience. For Andrea, it came from a decision she made almost 30 years ago. One that has quietly changed countless lives ever since.
“Just saying your name makes me smile.”
As Patron of Child Cancer Research Foundation, Justin Langer AM has stood proudly beside Andrea for many years, helping champion the Foundation’s work and encourage the Western Australian community to support children with cancer.
Rather than sending written thoughts, Justin recorded a heartfelt video message. It began with a sentence that instantly captured the affection so many people feel for Andrea.
“Andrea Alexander. Just saying your name makes me smile. I’ve always believed you judge champions in life by their longevity, and when it comes to 30 years with Child Cancer Research Foundation, you are an absolute champion. A legend.
What has always stood out to me is your kindness and your selflessness. For three decades, you’ve dedicated your life to helping others, and the impact you’ve had on so many children, families and the Foundation itself is truly inspirational.
As Patron of CCRF, I’m incredibly proud to have worked alongside you. I’m constantly blown away by everything you’ve done for the Foundation and by the quiet way you’ve gone about it.
Congratulations on an extraordinary 30 years, Andrea. Thank you for everything you’ve given to CCRF. And remember this… there are some people in life whose name alone makes you smile. You’re one of those people. You’re a legend.”
Others spoke about Andrea’s leadership. Her compassion. Her consistency. Justin reminded us of something equally important. The joy she brings to the people around her.
A life well spent
When asked what has kept her inspired for three decades, Andrea’s answer once again turned the spotlight away from herself. It wasn’t a fundraising milestone, or a research breakthrough. It was hope.
“Hope. Every breakthrough, every child who reaches another birthday, every family who tells us they felt supported, every researcher who shares exciting progress, it all reminds me that what we do makes a difference.”
Looking back, Andrea says it has never been about working for people. It has always been about working with them. As she reflected with Geoff during her small 30th anniversary impromptu office celebration, she smiled and said: “I don’t work for them, I work with them.”
She then looked around the room at the people who had gathered to celebrate with her: staff, board members, volunteers, survivors, friends. People who had shared different chapters of the same journey.
“I feel very privileged to work with the people that I work with… We’ve all got the same interest. We want kids to have better lives.”
When asked what she hopes people remember about her time at CCRF, her answer reflected exactly the woman everyone else had described.
“I hope they’ll remember that I always put children and families first. I hope they’ll remember someone who cared deeply, who listened, who brought people together and who never stopped believing that we could do better. If I’ve helped leave CCRF stronger, more compassionate and better equipped to improve the lives of children and young people affected by cancer, then I’ll consider that a life well spent.”
Over the past 12 years of working with Andrea, one thing has become abundantly clear to me. Andrea would probably be the most uncomfortable person reading an article like this.
She has spent three decades quietly celebrating everyone else’s achievements, rarely stopping to acknowledge her own. She’s far more interested in talking about the children, the families, the researchers, the volunteers and the supporters who make CCRF’s work possible.
That’s exactly why this story deserved to be written.
Over the past few days, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with people whose lives Andrea has touched over three decades.
– A past Chairman who entrusted her with the future of the Foundation.
– A Chair who describes her as the custodian of its history, relationships and purpose.
– A childhood cancer survivor who couldn’t find the words to explain how much Andrea means to her.
– A Patron whose face lights up simply by saying her name.
– A Board Director and survivor who reminded us that while he helps because childhood cancer became part of his own story, Andrea simply chose to.
– A colleague who has watched her quietly lead with consistency for more than a decade.
Not one of them spoke first about Andrea’s title. Not one spoke first about fundraising. Or awards. Or achievements.
Every one of them spoke first about her heart.
Andrea, my greatest hope is that through these reflections, perhaps for the first time, you’re able to see yourself through the eyes of the people whose lives you’ve touched.
I hope you see what we all see. Because after 30 years of quietly celebrating everyone else…
It’s finally your turn.
Thank you for an extraordinary 30 years.
Perhaps no words capture Andrea’s journey better than her own.
“Thirty years ago, I joined CCRF hoping to make a difference. Looking back, I’ve realised that it’s the children, families, supporters and colleagues I’ve met along the way who have made the greatest difference to me.” — Andrea Alexander
Child Cancer Research Foundation Chair, Tracy Hollington, contributed to this national conversation as part of her role on the Children’s Cancer CoLab Patient and Family Advisory Committee. Tracy brings both professional expertise and lived experience. Her son was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma at age 11 and later developed secondary Acute Myeloid Leukaemia as a result of treatment. While now cancer-free, he continues to live with the long-term effects of that treatment.
