How a Christmas that wasn’t meant to be became the beginning of a legacy of hope…
In September 1983, Petrea King received news no one is ever prepared to hear — she was told she would not live to see Christmas. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and still reeling from the devastating loss of her brother Brenden to suicide, her family was shattered by grief and disbelief.
What followed was an unexpected remission — a medical reprieve that doctors warned would be short-lived. Yet, instead of months, the weeks turned into years. And in that time, something remarkable began to take shape. 🌿
A nudge towards life
As Petrea waited for the disease to return, her mother Rae asked a gentle and life-changing question: “Have you thought of working, dear?”
The idea seemed impossible. How could she start living again when she was still preparing to die? But fate intervened through an old acquaintance — Marcus Blackmore (formerly Executive Director of the vitamin and herbal products company Blackmores) — who, after hearing her story, offered a different kind of prescription:
“Forget what the doctors said. Just go into practice as a naturopath.” Marcus introduced her to a GP in Mosman who was looking to share his practice with a naturopath.
Reluctant yet willing, Petrea began her practice in early 1985. Within the first two weeks, she met Sue and John, who were both told they would not see Christmas — Sue with breast cancer, John with AIDS. In them, Petrea recognised her people: those living on the edge of mortality, powerlessness, hopelessness, despair, all searching for meaning, courage, healing and peace.
LEFT: Petrea with long-time friend and Quest for Life benefactor Marcus Blackmore.
RIGHT: Petrea and her daughter, Kate , not long after the opening of the Quest for Life Centre in Bundanoon.
Finding her tribe
“I’d met my tribe — people living at the edge of their mortality, yet profoundly alive.”
Listening to Sue and John’s stories of resilience and love awakened a deep calling in Petrea. It wasn’t just about helping people survive; it was about helping them truly live — even in the face of death.
Though her prognosis was given as a matter of months, Sue lived eight more years, which was long enough to see her children grow into adulthood. John's prognosis was similar, and yet he found peace before his passing, five years later. Their strength mirrored Petrea’s own — proof that even when we cannot change our circumstances, we can transform our relationship with them.
LEFT: The Quest for Life Centre opening ceremony in Bundanoon in 1999.
RIGHT: The grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony with Petrea, Diane Cirincione and Dr. Jerry Jampolsky.
From healing to helping
In 1985, Petrea began her first cancer support group, where she met two women who would become an integral part of Quest’s story: Kay Moechtar and Wendie Batho. Though Kay was told she would be lucky to have two years to live, she lived seven — surrounded by love, family, and Wendie, who later joined Quest as a volunteer and has been by Petrea’s side ever since.
A few years later, a client named Pamela Denoon gave Petrea the final push toward what would become her life’s work.”
“When I die, I’m going to leave you some money. Take a holiday, hire a secretary — or start that bloody charity you’re always talking about.”
Pamela’s generosity made the Quest for Life Foundation possible. It became a sanctuary for people searching for peace, just as Petrea once found hers in a quiet monastery outside Assisi during her own healing journey. 💖
Forty years of restoring hope
“The Quest for Life Foundation has helped thousands find their way back from the edge — to healing, hope, and peace.”
For 40 years, Petrea and the Quest for Life Foundation have provided safe, compassionate spaces for people facing life’s toughest challenges — trauma, grief, illness, tragedy or despair. With the continued support of wonderful donors and volunteers, Quest’s impact reaches communities across Australia.
LEFT: Wendie Batho getting the Centre ready to welcome participants to Quest programs in 1999.
RIGHT: The entrance sign is officially up for the Quest for Life Centre in Bundanoon in 2000!
This Christmas, you can help someone find hope again
At Christmas, we’re reminded that life’s greatest gifts often emerge from the hardest times. Your donation to the Quest for Life Foundation helps people heal from trauma — from natural disasters to personal loss, from mental health struggles to burnout among first responders and carers.
“We can’t always control what happens in life, but we can choose to bring light where there is darkness.”
The Quest for Life Foundation is a registered charity with the ACNC. Donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Please join us in giving the gift of hope, strength, and healing:
- 📞 Call us on 1300 941 488
- 💸 Direct Deposit: National Australia Bank Ltd (NAB)
BSB: 082476 Account: 573751856 Account name: Quest for Life Foundation
* Please include your name as reference and contact us so we can issue a tax-deductible receipt - 🌐 Online here.
Every dollar helps restore hope, healing, and peace to those who need it most.
Warmest regards and gratitude,
Petrea King
CEO & Founder
