Our Dedicated Committee
Amy Graham - Co-Founder
When Sara and I established the idea of a fundraiser in Robs memory, we knew it would be unforgettable. We wanted to create a platform that sparked conversations about bowel cancer and bring attention to the second deadliest cancer killer. Little did we know that our passion for community fundraising and; the support we desired for Bowel Cancer Australia would lead us to the development of Time is Precious.
With a Masters degree in Management, I’m always eager to take on a challenging project. My strong passion for events, people and community relationships has provided me a drive to pursue the goals of Time is Precious and other past charitable experiences. My passion for the not-for-profit sector has guided a commitment to raising funds and awareness for Bowel Cancer Australia, and I’m grateful I can utilise my goal-oriented diligence, attention to detail and organisational skills to benefit the greater Bowel Cancer community.
With high personal skills from a young age I have been involved in many initiatives. I am the current Vice-President of the Pymble Ladies’ College Ex-students union and have diverse experience in board positions, strategic consulting and advisory, events and leadership.
Sara Jones - Co-Founder
Hi! I’m Sara. I am Wills & Estates / Commercial Lawyer from the Central Coast.
Unfortunately, my experience with bowel cancer was very close to home. My step-dad Rob was diagnosed with bowel cancer and sadly passed away in 2019 after a lengthy and courageous battle. He was a strong role model and an absolute legend. Rob’s commitment to helping others be the best version of themselves and taking a no-bullshit attitude to life has inspired my own attitude on life. He was our inspiration for creating Time is Precious and the loss of such a beautiful soul sparked the beginning of our charitable journey.
After my experience of losing a loved one to bowel cancer, a sense of dedication and determination to help prevent this from happening to others evolved. By utilising the skills and knowledge I have learned through my studies and career, it has assisted us in growingTime is Precious. As a lawyer, I can utilise interpersonal skills, problem solving, stress management and attention to detail to our fundraising efforts. Through our continued advocacy with Bowel Cancer Australia, I have now met so many other bowel cancer warriors who continue to inspire me to do more.
Watching someone you love deteriorate over time has to be one of life’s hardest challenges. Even the bravest and strongest people can lose their battle to bowel cancer and that’s why it is so important to raise awareness about a preventable disease, if only it is caught early. I am highly committed to help raise funds and awareness for Bowel Cancer Australia.
Kris Graham - Secretary
Hi, I’m Kris Graham (Amy’s mum).
Personally, and professionally; I have years of expertise in education, alongside extensive board experience across a range of industries. Over many years, I have watched a devastating amount of people be impacted by bowel cancer; either as a patient or loved one. I have seen first-hand the impact this disease can have on people’s lives. Eager to be involved in creating a difference, I am passionate about the desperate need for awareness, and aim to advocate for Bowel Cancer Australia and their efforts. Being immensely proud of what Amy and Sara have achieved so far, I’m grateful I’m able to support their passion alongside the continued growth and success of Time is Precious. With a strong sense of community involvement, I am grateful for the generosity and support many have shown and hope to continue developing the mutual relationships between Time is Precious and the community.
Rebecca Carrall - Manager of Accounts and Finances
I studied Accounting and Management at Wollongong University, and have worked in Accounting, Business Operations and Financial Planning and Analysis. I love what I do, and being able to use it to help Sara and Amy raise funds for such a great cause is something I feel incredibly honoured to do.
I was lucky enough to meet Rob a number of years ago at a neighbourhood Christmas party. He was loud and opinionated, and impossible not to love…. Over the years we built up a wonderful friendship, unfortunately a large part of it lived in the shadow of his cancer. The way that he handled his diagnosis and subsequent fight was inspirational to all who knew him. No doubt he would have been so proud of Sara and Amy and what they’ve already achieved, and what they continue to work towards in his memory… I’m so excited for the next “Time is Precious Ball”!
Hollie Owens - Events Assistant
I'm Hollie, I'm a mum, wellness and nature lover and a bowel cancer survivor.
At 24 I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and secondary liver cancer and given a 5% chance to survive. Almost 12 years on sharing my story is something I'm very passionate about.
I'm a big believer in advocacy, empowering others to listen to their bodies and raising awareness for bowel cancer. I feel very grateful to be here sharing my story to inspire and help others while they navigate the cancer journey and the life beyond cancer.
For too long I was told I was too young for bowel cancer making the journey more isolating then it needed to be which is why I'm so excited to be a part of Time as Precious committee so together we can continue to raise awareness and remove the stigma that bowel cancer is an old persons disease.
Vanessa Mendico - Support Mentor and Guest Experience
My name is Vanessa. At the age of 28, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Bowel Cancer.
I have always been passionate about fitness, volunteering, and enjoying the outdoors and spending time with my loved ones. Life, for me, is a precious gift and I plan on living it to the fullest and shining my light brightly.
Since my diagnosis, I've dedicated myself to raising awareness about early-onset bowel cancer. I use my voice to highlight the alarming rise in cases among young people. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my story and honour the friends I've lost along this journey. I strive to offer support and be a shoulder to lean on for others facing similar challenges as I have faced.
Joining the Time is Precious committee fills me with excitement. I wholeheartedly support their mission and values, advocating for change as both a survivor and a believer in their cause. Together, we can make a difference, and I am thrilled to contribute to the team's efforts at Time is Precious.
Katrina Jones - General Council
My name is Katrina Jones and I hope to bring my background in management as well as my people skills and connections to this committee and organisation.
I have a very special daughter who lost her step-dad, my husband Robin Bosch. Sara and Rob had a very strong connection and she meant the world to him. When he was diagnosed it was a huge shock to all of us as he was so young. However, he never gave up and his fighting spirit was incredible. He was an inspiration to so many people and he will always be remembered for his fun loving character and his wit.
His motto was ‘Time is Precious’ and in his honour Sara and Amy now organise fundraising events with this title. These initiatives have grown much greater than we ever imagined.
I am so honoured to have been asked to join this committee as it is so close to home and I know Rob would be so proud. We are striving for ‘bigger and better’ every year and I can’t wait to watch how our organisation will grow over the years and raise awareness for bowel cancer.