Monica Perrett is on a mission to raise awareness of brain cancer
Monica Perrett is hoping to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer research this May, after her husband’s passing last year.
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Monica Perrett’s life changed forever in August 2024, when doctors discovered a tumour on her husband Nathan’s brain stem.
One day he was getting up for work as normal and then the next, he just knew something felt off but there were no other visible symptoms.
“We just thought we’ll get him in operation, remove it and get on with life,” Ms Perrett said.
They would soon find out the tumour was inoperable.
There wasn’t much more they could do but bide and cherish time together with family.
Ms Perrett left her workplace to become a full-time worker for her husband, being with him each and every day, which included daily trips to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for appointments.
“Not at any stage during this did I think ‘my husband's going to die’, because he’s right there in front of you, and even though he’s deteriorating you’re doing everything you can and still putting a smile on his face,” she said.
“Nathan only lasted four months and he passed on December 6 … it just happened so quickly.”
Challenging brain cancer
Throughout the month of May, Ms Perrett will be completing the 2025 Challenge Brain Cancer initiative by the Peace of Mind Foundation to help with the research of brain cancer.
When it came to brain cancer, Ms Perrett was at a bit of a loss with information regarding the rare disease: “You just don’t hear about brain cancer,” she said.
The Peace of Mind Foundation was a great source of information and support for her family, constantly checking in on Nathan and herself, even after his passing.
The challenge involves walking, riding, running or even swimming to a distance which is set by you; Ms Perrett is aiming to walk 10 kilometres over the month.
A lot of the community was struggling with the rising cost of living but a little went a long way, and any donation big or small would be greatly appreciated, she said.
Ms Perrett also encouraged the community, businesses and workplaces to go grey in May – an annual campaign held to raise awareness and funds for brain tumour research and support.
Nathan Perrett had an amazing passion and talent for painting. Photos: Liana Webster
Nathan was also a talented artist: "he loved to paint and painted a lot when he knew he was sick."
He often painted his own interpretation of his brain, creating a memory for his family to remember him by.
Ms Perrett hopes to keep raising awareness and funds for brain cancer each year in honour of Nathan.
"I told Nathan that I would fight for him, that I'd be the voice for him and so that's what I'll continue to do," she said.
- Donate: challengebraincancer.gofundraise.com.au.
- Get help: Visit Peace of Mind Foundation; talk to your GP; find a local service that suits you at murraymallee.servicesdirectory.org.au; call Lifeline on 13 11 14; or, in an emergency, call 000.
