Why Grace Gawler deserves the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) by Pip Cornall

Posted on July 8, 2008
Filed Under Articles

I’m taking a liberty to write this post on Grace’s site that she would never do herself. I do it because I’m adamant her work is recognised. Please read on…..

Ian Gawler was awarded the OAM in 1987 for services to the community. His tenacity and courage in overcoming cancer are legendary; his part in co-founding the Gawler Foundation and his subsequent books are well known.

What is not so well known but of equal maginitude, is the life saving role played by his then girlfriend, later to become wife, Grace Gawler. Hers is a story of loyalty, unselfish service and unshakable faith in the face of overpowering adversity. Hers is the story of a great Australian woman.

Ian Gawler has an iron will; that is clear. He worked hard and tirelessly to find a way to conquer cancer; his story is one that inspires and is widely admired. His books and work have touched thousands.

However; the untold story of an similarly iron willed woman behind his successes is worthy of equal prominence. This is a story of a saint and healer, a woman who gave and gave and would not give up. Here is a brief synopsis.

Back in the 70’s, after a full leg amputation and diagnosed end-stage cancer, when doctors gave Ian only two weeks to live, when family and friends were certain of his impending death, Grace dragged him, a dying and pain riddled man, off to the Philippines.

In fact just some weeks prior, Grace had accepted Ian’s proposal and they were married, a testimony to her great love and positive nature; you would need that to marry a dying boyfriend who had one leg and a prognosis of two weeks to live.

Remarkably when they returned to Australia, a month later, Ian had put on weight and was pain free. Doctors, friends and family were amazed. Ian’s spirit had been nourished, the pain had mostly gone but the cancer was still growing.

What followed is an amazing story; a story of great will on Ian’s behalf and incredible giving by Grace. A woman of tremendous energy and ‘never say die spirit,’ her efforts to help Ian survive, included years of hands-on healing and massage - up to three hours daily, the massages continued for twenty years or more. It included 12 fresh juices a day, initially done on a hand grinder, a process that took at least half an hour to make each juice.

There is much more to the story of Ian and Grace and their world wide seach for a lasting cure to Ian’s cancer. But the story is incomplete without acknowledging the great gifts and sacrifices given by this amazing woman, a woman who, as a result of this work, has become one of the world’s leading healers, key note speakers, and authors on cancer healing and wellness issues.

When the story of Grace Gawler is widely known, I’m sure she will be nominated for an OAM.

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