Beating Blood Cancers Blog
“A marathon doesn’t compare to the challenges of blood cancer”
When Kristy Williams found out her close friend Erin was diagnosed with a rare and acute form of blood cancer, she literally hit the ground running. Since 2014, Kristy has dedicated her long distance running efforts to her best friend Erin, raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation to support all Australians living with blood […]
I needed two transfusions to make my daughter’s wedding
Des Paddon says he owes his life to a clinical trial for the drug venetoclax – an experimental therapy that Leukaemia Foundation supporters helped to kick start. Des will spend this Father’s Day reflecting on family, including how much his two daughters supported him during his blood cancer treatment. “Jessica and Naomy don’t live […]
Anthony’s grateful family honours his memory with gift
The family of a courageous father who lost his battle with blood cancer have made a generous gift to the Leukaemia Foundation to honour his memory and help other families facing blood cancer. Cris Leon, the Leukaemia Foundation’s General Manager in Queensland, has thanked the Mammino and Puglisi families for their incredibly generous $10,000 […]
Lighting Alex’s way
Four-year-old Alex was like any other boy his age: full of energy with a cheeky nature and infectious smile; a little ray of sunshine to his parents, Natasha and Nathan, and big sister. He was enjoying starting school earlier this year when Natasha and Nathan spotted bruises on his legs. They put it down […]
Improving the “wait and see” approach to treatment for high-risk blood cancer
Australian researchers utilising valuable samples from an initial clinical trial funded with the help of Leukaemia Foundation supporters have discovered why half of patients with a type of high-risk blood cancer will not respond to a common treatment. The discovery could form the basis for a world-first clinical test to identify early whether or […]
First-time dad’s inconceivable battle
It should have been one of the happiest days of Ryan Murray’s life. The soon-to-be dad was filled with joy and relief alongside his wife Nikki during her 12-week pregnancy scan. But that same day, Ryan’s doctor called to tell him he had blood cancer. Jubilation to devastation – in an instant. Ryan and […]
New PBS drug will mean better outcomes for families
A drug used to treat a rare form of Hodgkin lymphoma is now widely available through the national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), saving families thousands of dollars. The PBS listing of brentuximab vedotin gives Australians access to a potentially life-saving treatment that previously cost up to $16,100 for a single course. The Leukaemia Foundation presented […]
I’m going to live life to the fullest!
A lack of energy and feeling a bit â€?out of sorts’ were the first indications Caeleigh Hancock wasn’t at her best Register for 55 for 5 She imagined she might be low in iron or something minor which could easily be remedied by a visit to her GP. Caeleigh had never heard of Polycythemia Rubra Vera (PV) […]
Helping those with blood cancer thrive
An independent research report has shown the Leukaemia Foundation’s free 12-week exercise program, Fit to Thrive, is helping blood cancer patients of all ages cope better with treatment and return to their normal lives more quickly. The program, only made possible by your support, has challenged the previous theory that rest and relaxation is […]
Working out a better way to beat blood cancer
Linda Hennessy was only 23 years old when she was diagnosed with lymphoma, a dangerous blood cancer that develops in the body’s lymphatic system. She spent weeks lying in hospital – at one point in an induced coma – facing the prospect that she wouldn’t survive. “They found tumours around my heart, left lung […]