Healthcare hero helping cancer kids let their hair down

Nearly half (45%) of Australian teenagers have low self-esteem when it comes to the way they look,¹ and for young people fighting cancer, this statistic only increases.²

From changes in appearance to the emotional and physical implications of treatment, positive self-image can be particularly challenging for cancer patients. Yet, one teen oncology patient says her hospital hero, clinical nurse consultant Philippa Fielden, is changing that – one wig at a time.

By putting herself in the shoes of her patients and championing positivity, Philippa’s kindness at the Queensland Children’s Hospital has seen her nominated for Juiced TV’s Super Hero Award, proudly supported by QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust.

Nominated by 17-year-old Kissy, the story of Philippa’s selflessness started with a simple introduction in an oncology ward and has grown into a relationship that saw the pair modelling wigs on television news.

“Knowing that we have someone in the hospital like Philippa, who we can rely on and who will back our treatment plan, is such a reassurance,” Kissy’s mother, Winnie, said.

“From helping to explain treatments to really investing her time in getting to know us, we feel she is an incredible practitioner.”

Helping young kids as a role model

After losing her almost waist-length hair during chemotherapy, Kissy was coming to terms with her new bald appearance when Philippa came to her with a proposition.

“Kissy is beautiful with or without her hair, but I feel Philippa approached her because she could be a role model to the other kids on the ward having a tough time,” Winnie said.

Outside of going above and beyond for her patients every day, Philippa volunteers her time to the hospital’s ‘Wig Library’ – an initiative that provides wigs to young people battling cancer to help them feel confident in their skin.

To promote the library, Philippa requested that Kissy take part in modelling the wigs for a hospital promotion – an opportunity that Winnie said Kissy couldn’t refuse.

“Kissy wouldn’t have said yes for just anyone, though. Philippa had been an integral pillar of support for both Kissy and myself through this process, so we wanted to give back,” she said.

This simple gesture saw the pair featured on local TV news channels, where Kissy supported Philippa through her stage fright – a vulnerable moment between Kissy and her hero. According to Kissy, this was a turning point in their relationship.

Words of comfort and reassurance

Kissy knew Philippa was more than just a regular nurse when she would go above and beyond for not only her patients, but their families too, taking the time to explain medical jargon and how to properly care for them between chemotherapy sessions.

“As great as the oncologists were at explaining what was happening, it was also really overwhelming to hear as a mother,” Winnie said.

“Philippa went one step further, guiding both Kissy and I through the next steps, really taking the time to explain what everything meant and answer all my questions.

“She really made it easier for me to support my daughter through the toughest time of her young life.”

We’re proud to support a great program

Australian Retirement Trust CEO Bern Reilly said that as one of Australia's largest super funds, we are proud to help celebrate healthcare practitioners like Philippa who make a positive impact on young patients.

Learn more

For more information visit qsuper.qld.gov.au or juicedtv.com.au

1. Butterfly Foundation, Media Release, 29 May 2023, accessed 1 November 2023
2. Cancercentre.com blog, 27 April 2021, accessed 1 November 2023.