Petrina graduated from Curtin University, Perth, in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, and has worked in various clinical areas in both Australia and abroad. Upon turning 30, she asked her medical practitioners about her cancer risk due to the breast and ovarian cancers on her father’s side of the family, only to be diagnosed soon afterward at 31 with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Petrina discovered a year later that she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, also carried by her father, aunt, cousin and grandmother.

Having personally experienced the gap in allied health service provisions in oncology, Petrina established a comprehensive and innovative rehabilitation and wellness service called Breast, Gynae, and Lymph (BGAL) Physiotherapy in Perth, Western Australia, in 2009. Since it was established, Petrina and the team cared for over 4000 people with cancer. She also lectured sessionally in oncology for Curtin University post-graduate and Notre Dame undergraduate physiotherapy students. 

Although Petrina has stepped back from clinical work, she continues to use her skills and passions in cancer consumer advocacy for various government, research, and not-for-profit charities, including the Breast Cancer Network Australia, Breast Cancer Trials Australia, Cancer Australia and Medicare. She is also enjoying spending more time with her husband and fox terrier dogs at Perth’s glorious beaches and the Western Australian outdoors.