I’m Rebecca Long—a nurse, yoga and meditation teacher, counsellor, writer, mother, and widow of Australian actor Tom Long. I am currently in the final stages of completing a book about our love story, which unfolded alongside Tom’s terminal blood cancer diagnosis. Together, we explored both radically alternative and cutting-edge medical treatments, including travelling abroad to participate in a clinical trial. We approached each step with hope, openness, and courage. Tom’s passing, though deeply painful, was also filled with love, joy, and humour. We believed in embracing death as a natural part of life—challenging the stigmas often imposed by Western culture.
About Me
With over 30 years of clinical nursing experience, my background spans a broad spectrum of specialties, including theatre nursing, oncology, emergency care, remote area indigenous health, charity work, and integrative medicine. Currently, I work at the National Institute ofIntegrative Medicine (NIIM), where I develop patient care plans and administer intravenous therapy. This diverse experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of healthcare from both conventional and holistic perspectives. It has enriched my approach as an advocate, helping others navigate complex medical journeys with compassion, clarity, and confidence. Whether addressing life-changing diagnoses, exploring alternative treatments, managing ongoing care, or offering advice on healthy lifestyle choices, I am committed to supporting individuals and families with expertise, empathy, and a genuine desire to empower. My journey with illness and loss didn’t end there. When my mother was just 55, she was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. As her primary caregiver during that profoundly challenging time, I became intimately familiar with the realities of the illness and its deep impact on families. These experiences ignited a deep compassion in me and a heartfelt desire to help others navigate similar paths.