Hande was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, five months after moving to Australia with her young family. She says this experience, which included multiple surgeries and treatments, has given her profound insights into the healthcare system, particularly from the perspective of a patient and their carers. It has shaped her understanding of what cancer patients truly need and value during their care.
Before relocating to Australia, Hande served as a Board Member for COKSEV, one of Turkey’s largest associations for children with cancer. During her time there, she worked hands-on with children facing cancer and their carers, organising fundraising events and providing support to those in need. She says her life’s purpose has always been centred around helping others and offering support in any way she can.
Professionally, Hande has an engineering background with a degree in applied mathematics, and has worked as an executive in various industries for over 20 years. Over the past five years, she has transitioned into the healthcare sector and is currently the Managing Director of a large maxillofacial surgery practice. She also founded and manages a women’s support group on Facebook, which has grown to 57,000 members, making it one of the largest in Turkey.
Hande says she is deeply committed to the Community Advisory Committee because she wants to use her experiences to advocate for patients and ensure their voices are heard. She is passionate about making a difference in patient care and outcomes.