Ms Spencer’s father, John, was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2004, when she was nine.

After graduating from the University of Tasmania in 2016 with an arts degree she took a “gap year” and is now in her first year of her Masters degree, studying by distance so she can be close to her family.

“Dad’s proud of my studies,” Ms Spencer said.

“For me, it’s my motivation to be able to keep going – for dad.

“He was at my graduation. It was a real magic moment to have dad there - something for me that’s a massive milestone.

“It’s one of those milestones that’s up there with getting married and having kids. It’s one of those milestones that I didn’t think dad would make.

“I guess every parent’s proud, but I was proud to have dad there. He has always supported me 100 per cent.”

Ms Spencer will be presented with a Seize the Day Awards Scholarship from the Cancer Council Tasmania next week to help with her studies.

“I chose to do my Masters online to stay here. Right now, I need to be at home.

“Dad doesn’t feel great some days – he only takes it day by day. You don’t ever know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”

Mr Spencer was diagnosed with incurable mantle Cell-Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma about 15 years ago.

Cancer Council Tasmania chief executive Penny Egan said he’d had extensive treatment over the years for multiple relapses and suffered a further relapse again this year.

“Kate has been dealing with her father’s cancer for 15 years, which has had a huge impact on her life emotionally and socially,” she said.

“Cancer does not just affect the person with the diagnosis but many, and help and support has been truly important over the years.”

The Seize the Day Awards Scholarship is for young Tasmanians aged 16 to 25 who have been impacted by cancer either directly or indirectly through an immediate family member.

It helps them with post-secondary education and apprenticeship costs.

This year’s scholarship has awarded $30,000 to 28 students from across the state. 

“I think everyone knows someone affected by cancer, and we’re not alone – there are great support networks like the Cancer Council, which has been so incredible for our family,” Ms Spencer said.

“It’s been a long road, but it’s one that’s shared a lot of moments of resilience.”