In memory of Joanne & Tom
Ann and Tom Barry lost their only daughter, Joanne Mian, to a rare cancer on 11 May 2020. Joanne was the centre of their world, and her passing left a profound ache in the hearts of all who loved her.
In the months before she died, Joanne spent countless weeks, days and precious hours with her father, helping him finalise the manuscript for his life story, A Prodigious Leap. It was a project that brought them even closer—an act of love, legacy, and devotion between a father and his daughter.
Tom published the book in the year of his 100th birthday, a remarkable milestone that Joanne sadly did not live to see. Tom himself passed away just months before his 102nd birthday, leaving behind a life filled with rich memories, resilience, and an unwavering love for his family.
Before he died, Tom expressed he wanted to do anything he could to help others affected by rare and less common cancers, in honour of Joanne and the journey their family had walked together.
To continue that wish, all proceeds from the sale of A Prodigious Leap will be donated to Rare Cancers Australia, supporting vital programs for patients and families facing their own rare cancer battles.
