Nicole Trunfio says she is searching Australia trying to find a cancer treatment that will keep her father alive.

The Perth-born supermodel flew home to Western Australia on the weekend to surprise her dad Joe for his 60th birthday, saying she’ll do anything to “at least lengthen his life”.

Three years ago Joe was given 11 months to live when tests showed he had cancer of the appendix which had spread to other parts of his body.

In an interview with Perth’s The Sunday Times, Trunfio said her father underwent chemotherapy and had parts of his bowel removed to stop the disease.

But when the cancer remained, she flew him to her base in New York for a clinical trial.

“He was given 11 months to live and from the clinical trial in New York he has survived almost three years,” Trunfio said over the weekend.

“But he doesn’t want to go overseas again and be away from the rest of the family. So we have started looking for a really good clinical trial in Australia.

“Of course you search for a cure, but I want to at least lengthen his life.”

Trunfio, who is a mentor on The Face Australia, described her father as her rock.

“I feel as if it’s now my duty to show him all of the options he has and support him, like he has supported me in my modelling,” she said.

“It’s my time to look after him.”

Last week the 28-year-old posted a touching photo of her father on Instagram for his birthday.

“God must have been in the best mood when he created you. I am so blessed to be a part of you, and so grateful to know you,” she wrote.

“Thank you for teaching me about life and sharing your wisdom and humor.”(sic)

Trunfio, who is based in New York with her US Grammy-winning musician boyfriend Gary Clark Jr, arrived in Australia a couple of weeks ago for Myer’s spring/summer collections launch.

She walked exclusively for Gail Elliott’s brand Little Joe Woman.

Last week she also modelled for the new Pleasure State lingerie campaign.