Sanctuary by the Sea

About Sanctuary by the Sea

A International Centre for Cancer Patients & those with Chronic Illness.

Nestled on Tasmania’s east coast, Sanctuary by the Sea is a place of gentle refuge where nature, animals, and people find healing together.

Drawing on five plus decades of experience and an ever-expanding global network of leading cancer specialists, Grace guides patients through complex treatment choices wherever they are.

From this quiet place by the sea, her knowledge and compassion ripple out across continents; helping people navigate their toughest journey with clarity, confidence, and renewed hope.

Lizzie's doctor believed he would never see her again

In June 2023, when Lizzie first approached me for help, she was in a wheelchair. Apparently her GP had told her he did not expect to see her again; her prognosis was so dim.

Lizzie had a retained breast tumour with spread to axillary nodes and bone metastases – all at diagnosis time. Lizzie’s survive and thrive story is remarkable and in August 20267 – no wheelchair required!

Her determination and will to heal alongside a series of hi-tech medical treatments, targeted radiotherapies, targeted oral meds, and complementary medicine, plus cell-based treatments in Japan; have yielded significant contributions to her health restoration. Lizzie has diligently applied all the principles recommended by me, Grace Gawler and my network of colleagues.

She followed her Survivorship Action Plan “Road to Recovery Map” There can be many more patients who like Lizzie, can size the opportunity to embrace life again after a dire prognosis.

My Institute’s new project – Sanctuary by The Sea, a globally unique centre of excellence reflects 51 years of showing patients how to more effectively Navigate the Cancer Maze.
Lizzie and her sister have kindly shared their stories in support of the establishment of Sanctuary by The Sea!

Lizzie: Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosed 2023

Thank you feels far too small for what you do, but it comes from the deepest place in my heart. Walking this cancer journey has been a series of incredible highs and lows, yet your steady presence, encouragement, and unwavering belief in me have made an immeasurable difference. When I stumble, make imperfect choices, or feel overwhelmed, you never give up on me.

You patiently stay beside me, gently and tirelessly guiding, advocating and connecting me with the professionals I need, while also giving the reassuring psychological support to hang in there.

Your generosity of spirit this truly inspirational.

The way you freely share your knowledge, give your time so selflessly (often unpaid I am sure), and support so many people facing all kinds of health challenges, speaks volumes about who you are. You don’t just help people navigate systems; you help them feel seen, heard and hopeful, even when facing your own personal tragedies, you still show up for others.

I am profoundly grateful for your compassion, persistence, and belief in my capacity to keep going. You make a difference in ways that ripple far beyond what you may ever see.

Lizzie. December 2025

Charlotte’s Proactive Carer Role – 2026

I strongly support Grace in receiving sponsorship and recognition for her Sanctuary by the Sea Initiative. I am writing to offer my wholehearted support for Grace and to express how profoundly her work has impacted my family during one of the most challenging periods of our lives.

In early 2023, my sister Lizzie was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer with bone metastasis. Like many families facing such devastating news, we were overwhelmed and frightened. Our first appointment with a highly regarded hospital oncologist left us feeling utterly defeated.

Despite Lizzie appearing otherwise healthy, we were told in a matter-of-fact way that stage 4 meant she was considered palliative. Medication was prescribed with little discussion of alternatives, while the potential side effects were strongly emphasised. We left that appointment devastated.

The drive home was sombre. After reflecting on the consultation, Lizzie felt unable to accept the palliative prognosis as her only path forward, and she was deeply reluctant to commence treatment without exploring every possible option.

That was when we found Grace.

From the very beginning, Grace brought something we had been desperately missing: hope, clarity, and possibility. Her depth of knowledge is extraordinary. She tirelessly researches and uncovers the most relevant evidence-based and cutting-edge therapies, drawing from both established medical treatments and emerging options from leading clinics around the world.

What sets Grace apart is not only her exceptional knowledge, but her unwavering commitment to each person she supports. She approaches every situation with compassion, diligence, and determination. She has consistently empowered us with information, helped us navigate complex treatment decisions, and given us confidence to pursue therapies that have offered Anne the very best chance—not only for survival, but for remission.

We are now nearly three years on from Lizzie’s diagnosis, and Grace continues to support us every step of the way. Time and again, when we are uncertain, discouraged, or facing difficult decisions, our immediate response is, “We’ll ask Grace.”

Her insight, research, and guidance have been invaluable to us. Beyond her professional expertise, she is simply a deeply caring and remarkable human being whose kindness and dedication shine through in everything she does.

I cannot overstate the difference Grace has made to our journey. I genuinely do not know what we would have done without her.

I strongly support Grace in receiving sponsorship and recognition for her work. The level of excellence, innovation, and compassionate care she provides is extraordinary, and I have no doubt that supporting her will enable more individuals and families to benefit from the life-changing guidance she offers.

Charlotte May 2026