Port Macquarie Disability & Nursing Services launched the Casey Miller Memorial Nursing Scholarship in memory of the 30-year-old nurse and patient who lost her battle with brain cancer on March 16, 2021.

Casey was a much-loved patient at Port Macquarie Disability & Nursing Services.

The business, owned by Melissa Freeman and Jeff Innes, provides nursing and disability support as far south as Taree and north to Macksville.

Melissa asked Casey in her last month if there was anything she could do to keep Casey's dream alive.

Casey's request was to make a space within the business where young or junior nurses were mentored and guided during their studies.

"The scholarship carries on Casey's wishes and Casey did so much for so many people," Melissa said.

"We are in a very lucky position, as owners of the business, we are financially able to pass something along.

"It's a small contribution to help a younger nurse on her way and that is something Casey would be very proud of."

The $6000 scholarship, split over the three-year nursing degree, helps with expenses such as textbooks, materials and clinical placements.

Jorja started two years ago at Port Macquarie Disability & Nursing Services as a school-based trainee.

The 17-year-old was the frontrunner in her scholarship application and references. The application addressed the value of rural nursing.

"I love helping people and people who are disadvantaged, even in rural communities, they need the same support as people who live in the cities," Jorja told the Port News.

The scholarship honour capped off a memorable 2021 for Jorja as she also graduated from Newman Senior Technical College, was offered a support worker position at Port Macquarie Disability & Nursing Services and gained early entry to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt Port Macquarie Campus.

Jorja said she was honoured to receive the Casey Miller Memorial Nursing Scholarship.

"I am going to do my very best to honour Casey's memory," she said.

Casey's parents Warwick and Lin remember their daughter as very loving with strong morals and valued friends. She was fiercely independent and a supporter of the underdog.

Casey was working as a paediatric nurse at John Hunter Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit when she was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013. Her long battle with brain cancer included surgery and radiation treatment.

Lin said the scholarship in Casey's memory was a massive honour.

"It is such a credit to Casey and the person she was to know she was held in such high esteem," Lin said.

"It's keeping Casey's memory and her spirit alive in people's minds - that is what means so much to me."

Warwick said a part of Casey would live on through the scholarship.

Casey appreciated the value of scholarships after being granted a substantial amount in scholarships during her nursing degree.

The scholarships relieved the financial pressure and gave Casey more time to focus on her thirst for knowledge and love of nursing.

Casey raised close to $20,000 in two fundraising efforts for the Mark Hughes Foundation.

The foundation's mission is to raise much-needed funds for research, create awareness and support brain cancer patients and their families.

Port Macquarie Disability & Nursing Services received mentorship, education support and emotional support from the Mark Hughes Foundation during Casey's care.

Casey donated her brain to cancer research in what Lin described as the ultimate gift to help others.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

Bookmark our website

Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters

You can support us with a subscription

Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews

Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews

Follow us on Google News