June 2, 2025On Saturday, 17 May 2025, the Northern Health Foundation transformed the Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s Savoy Ballroom into a beacon of hope. Over 430 guests gathered for the annual Gala Ball—not just to dine, dance, and bid on dazzling prizes, but to stand united in support of cancer services in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Amid the elegance and celebration, the video below was played. It told the story of Montse. A story of defiance in the face of stage 4 cancer. Yet, finally, a story of hope. It ended with yet another patient’s plea: “Couldn’t you have held at least one of my hands?”
A question at the heart of the WellAhead program. A program created not just to treat, but to truly care. Because healing isn’t just about surviving. It’s about thriving. It’s about holding hands—literally and figuratively—through every step of the journey.
Through Qigong and yoga, voices lifted in the Northern Health Community Choir, and tailored programs for seniors, WellAhead offers wholeness.
It’s not about the disease. It’s about the person. It’s about living fully, joyfully, and with purpose.
Backed by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia’s vision for holistic care, WellAhead empowers individuals to reclaim their lives—not defined by cancer, but by courage, connection, and possibility.
And if this program helps just one person feel seen, supported, and strong again—it matters.
