Brisbane Artist Jackie Marshall Reveals Cancer Return

Brisbane artist Jackie Marshall is a survivor of multiple cancers, with the local music community sending her support throughout 2016-2017.

Unfortunately, Marshall has once again been diagnosed with cancer – Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer – and she’s seeking support so she can share another brilliant story.

Two weeks after her diagnosis (and on the night of her birthday), which she received six weeks ago, Marshall was invited to fly to Amsterdam as she’s been nominated for the Best Actress award at the prestigious Septimius Awards. She’s representing Australia alongside John Jarratt.

Marshall has been nominated for the award after making her acting debut as Angie Cowper in Three Chords & The Truth, an independent Australian film written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Claire Pasvolsky. In addition to playing the lead, Marshall wrote all the songs featured in the film, which are from her latest album, You Are Not Too Much, And You Are Enough.

“I was stunned and thrilled when I was invited to attend the Septimius,” Marshall said in a press release. “It has come at a very challenging time for me as I recover from another cancer operation and navigate what’s next with this diagnosis.

“This nomination was the best birthday present I could have received. I am so eager to travel to Amsterdam and be among many artistic and genuinely talented people.”

Her good friend, Deb Suckling, who set up a GoFundMe page for those who can help Marshall make the trip to Amsterdam, added, “This award nomination came out of the blue and we just want to give Jackie peace of mind, take away any money hurdles so that she can shine on the red carpet on the 20 August in Amsterdam.

“The support already from the music community has been extraordinary. Three Chords & The Truth is also such an incredible film and to see Jackie’s stunning performance being recognised internationally is such a beautiful thing at such a difficult time.”

In an oncology appointment, Marshall asked her doctors what they thought about her flying to Amsterdam for the awards. The response?

“You’re going to have to shop hard for travel insurance. But I don’t see why you shouldn’t. You’ll need to fly in a business class sleeper in your state of course, but yes, as long as you’re well enough, as long as we can manage your pain. Try not to get Covid.”

Revealing that it’s been a while since she last flew in business class, Marshall wrote towards the end of the GoFundMe page, “Please help me do this. I need one more great story in the bag to keep me going. I want you all to be proud of me. Look at that idiot go. She’ll be giving Keith Richards a run for his money, look out coconut trees of the world.”

Over $11,500 has been raised for Jackie Marshall’s Amsterdam Or Bust fundraising campaign. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here.

The Septimus Awards take place on 19-20 August in Amsterdam.

In other Jackie Marshall news, the Aussie artist was recently named the Creative-in-Residence for a one-year stint at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology.

“I am very attracted to people doing things that are NEW, creative and thought provoking - incredible things can happen when we merge science with the arts,” Marshall commented in a statement.

“I'm intrigued by the creative ways synthetic biology can work in areas like the circular economy, bioeconomy, and decarbonisation – and how the arts, storytelling in various forms can change and improve our lives.”

The Music wishes Jackie Marshall well in her recovery and trip to Amsterdam.