Be the difference: Support brain cancer research and innovative treatments

In memory of Shireen Sandhu

Supporting research that brings hope to people living with brain cancer

Shireen dedicated her life and over 30-year career to humanitarian work, improving the quality of life for people in countries less fortunate than Australia. She was happiest when working alongside local people in countries such as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

Shireen faced her glioblastoma (GBM) diagnosis with extraordinary strength, grace and resilience. While GBM is an aggressive and challenging cancer, she navigated her journey with courage and an unwavering commitment to living fully. Those close to her witnessed how she continued to engage in the world around her — staying connected to friends and family, enjoying time in nature, travelling when she could, and focusing on the moments that brought joy and meaning.

Throughout the years following her diagnosis, Shireen embraced a holistic approach to her care. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Janet Schloss, Clinical Research Fellow at the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM), she received naturopathic support that helped her maintain strength, manage side effects, and preserve her quality of life for far longer than originally expected. As part of her care, medicinal cannabis (CBD) provided benefits such as easing nausea, supporting more restful sleep, and offering a sense of calm during an incredibly difficult time. Her experience deepened her belief in the importance of giving people with GBM access to gentler, more supportive therapeutic options.

Shireen and her wife, Kristen, expressed a heartfelt wish that the work Janet is leading — work that provided Shireen with comfort, support, and a sense of agency — would continue to grow and help others facing this difficult diagnosis.

"Research is about how we can help make a difference to the individual. Even if it works for just a percentage of people, I've made a difference—and that's the best feeling." Associate Professor Janet Schloss

Advancing care through innovation: The MicroPatch research project

One of the projects Shireen and Kristen have felt strongly about is Janet’s research into a new micropatch delivery system for medicinal cannabis. Medicinal cannabis has shown potential in supporting wellbeing and easing symptoms for people living with GBM. However, the most common delivery method — liquid oil administered with a dropper — can be challenging for patients and caregivers, particularly when coordination or mobility is impaired.

The micropatch aims to change this.

This tiny 1 x 1 cm patch contains dissolvable micro-needles infused with medicinal cannabis. When gently pressed onto the skin, the patch creates only a slight sensation while the micro-needles dissolve, allowing the medicine to enter the bloodstream slowly and steadily. It offers an easier, more dignified and more independent method for people to manage their treatment.

The first phase of this research will examine the safety of the patch and how long the medicine remains in the system, followed by pharmacokinetic and early-phase clinical trials. This work has the potential to provide people with GBM greater control over their care and improved support during an extremely challenging time.

Honouring Shireen’s legacy

Shireen and Kristen believed, and continue to believe, deeply in Janet’s work and the difference it made in the last years of Shireen’s life. They hope that others might one day benefit from the same care and sense of empowerment that supported Shireen throughout her journey.

In honour of Shireen’s life, her courage, and her wish to strengthen this research, her family invites you to support Janet’s ongoing work at NCNM. Your contribution will help advance innovative research that has the potential to improve quality of life and offer greater hope to people facing GBM.

Perhaps when you are thinking of Shireen — around a special time such as her birthday, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas, the 26th of November when she took her last breath, or a memorable trip you shared — you may wish to mark that moment by contributing to this important work that Shireen appreciated and held in such high regard.