Who We Are
Meet the people behind the life-saving work we do
At the TLR Foundation, we’re on a mission to give hope to people being treated for blood cancers and disorders. We recruit young, diverse stem cell donors, fund scholarships for specialist cancer nurses, and raise awareness about the need for more life-saving matches. What started as one man’s promise has grown into a passionate community creating real change – one donor, one nurse, one life at a time.
All For Trace
Trace Richey was diagnosed with MDS – myelodysplasia – a serious blood disease that stops the body from producing healthy blood cells and often develops into leukaemia. He faced it all with courage, humour, and incredible strength.
Like many people with blood cancer, Trace needed a stem cell transplant. But the first matching donor backed out. A second donor was eventually found, but sadly, the match wasn’t what the medical team had hoped for. After an epic fight, surrounded by his sister Brenda, his best friend since the age of four, John, and the love of his life, Neil, Trace took his final breath.
His story is a powerful reminder of just how urgent it is to grow the stem cell donor registry, especially with more young and diverse donors.
Trace’s experience inspired Neil and a close-knit group of Trace’s friends to take action. What began as a grassroots fundraising effort – lovingly called “All for Trace” – quickly gained momentum. With head shaves, a charity skydive, and many City2Surf runs, the group raised $300,000 in under two years to fund a specialised room in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Ward at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney in Trace’s name.
But having a beautiful, state-of-the-art room was just the beginning. The team soon realised – what’s the point of a great room if there aren’t enough specialist nurses to care for the people who need it?
That insight became the inspiration behind the TLR Foundation’s nursing scholarship program. In partnership with the University of Sydney, the Foundation funds scholarships for nurses studying a Master of Cancer and Haematology Nursing – helping to ensure every patient has the expert care they need when it matters most.
Today, the TLR Foundation continues to honour Trace’s legacy – recruiting new stem cell donors, empowering cancer nurses, and giving hope to people across Australia being treated for blood cancers and serious blood disorders.
Meet Our People
Neil Pennock, Co-Founder and Chair
After losing his partner Trace following a stem cell transplant, Neil co-founded The TLR Foundation to honour his legacy and ensure more patients get the care and support they need. By day, Neil works in financial program management – but his true passion is helping others. He leads the Foundation’s stem cell donor recruitment efforts and nursing scholarship programs with tireless dedication and heart.
Kathryn Viegas, Co-Founder and Vice Chair
Kathryn brings a unique blend of compassion, legal expertise and lived experience to the Foundation. A long-time friend of Trace, she co-founded TLR to turn grief into action. As an immigration lawyer and advocate, Kathryn is deeply committed to equity and inclusion – values that shape everything she does to support TLR’s mission.
Gloria Vincent, Director
Gloria is a seasoned communications and fundraising professional who spent more than 16 years at the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation. As a Communications Manager, she plays a key role in shaping TLR’s messaging and helps us clearly tell our story to the world. Gloria brings a wealth of knowledge, a heart for service, and invaluable insight into supporting patients and their families through transplant and treatment. Her experience helps guide TLR’s strategy and long-term impact.
Louise Sheehy, Director
Louise is a respected educator and Clinical Education Specialist at the University of Sydney's Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery. Passionate about nursing excellence, Louise plays a key role in shaping the future of cancer care. Her input ensures our nursing scholarships genuinely support the next generation of specialists in cancer and haematology nursing.
Stan Tartakovski, Community Engagement (Volunteer)
Stan is a much-loved member of the TLR team and generously volunteers his time, skills and energy. As our Community Liaison Officer, Stan helps connect us with new supporters, shares our mission far and wide, and is always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. His dedication, warmth and quiet determination make a huge difference – and we’re incredibly lucky to have him.
Dr Sam Milliken, Patron
Dr Sam Milliken is one of Australia’s most respected haematologists and the Head of Haematology at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. As the doctor who treated Trace, Sam’s connection to the Foundation is deeply personal. His support as TLR’s Patron reflects both his belief in our mission and his ongoing dedication to improving outcomes for people living with blood cancers.
Professor Kate White, Ambassador
Professor Kate White is a leading voice in cancer nursing and the Professor of Cancer Nursing at the University of Sydney. A passionate advocate for patient-centred care, Kate supports TLR’s work to grow the next generation of cancer and haematology nurses. Her guidance and advocacy help us ensure our nursing scholarships make a lasting, real-world impact.
Annabel Horne, Ambassador
Annabel is the Nurse Manager – Cancer Stream at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre and was Trace’s transplant coordinator – a role she carried out with incredible care and compassion. A strong advocate for patients and a respected leader in nursing, Annabel is passionate about empowering nurses to deliver the highest standard of care. Since TLR began, she hasn’t missed a single City2Surf, walking every year in support of our mission. Her dedication, both on and off the track, continues to inspire us.
TLR Foundation Values
Be Generous
With your time, energy, knowledge, kindness and ideas.
Think Big
We’re here to change lives and make the world a better place.
Work Smart
Keep learning, collaborating and supporting each other.
Get Stuff Done
Team up, knuckle down and make good things happen.
Have Fun Doing It
Make the most of every moment together.
Help Us Make a Difference
We’ve only come this far because of the incredible support we’ve received. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved – and eternally grateful to everyone who’s helped along the way. With your help, we know we can do even more. Join us, and be part of something that changes lives.