Stories - Leukaemia Foundation

Talking Blood Cancer: festive season wrap-up 2024

In this special episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, hosts Kate Arkadieff and Maryanne Skarparis wrap up the season and reflect on an incredible year filled with impactful stories. They discuss the various conversations they've had throughout the year.

Support services
Treatments and side-effects

Bridging the gap for young and middle-aged adults with blood cancer

The Leukaemia Foundation recently shared the successful trial and implementation of a dedicated peer support group for young-middle aged adults aged 20-49 living with blood cancer at the 16th Oncology Social Work Australia & New Zealand (OSWANZ) Conference. This innovative initiative addresses a critical gap in support services for this often-overlooked demographic.

Advocacy and policy

My voice matters

In 2017, Yani Zhao was on an incredible high after competing in the national powerlifting championships. The next day, she was diagnosed with blood cancer.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Advocacy and policy

Talking Blood Cancer: A Family’s Battle with leukaemia

Bhaskar Majumdar and his daughter, Urvi Majumdar, share their experience with blood cancer and the profound impact it had on their lives.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Support services
Treatments and side-effects

The Leukaemia Foundation welcomes Australian Government decision to ban using adverse genetic testing results in life insurance

The Leukaemia Foundation welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to ban the use of adverse genetic testing results in life insurance.

Advocacy and policy

World Marrow Donor Day 2024

Leukaemia Foundation staff come together to raise awareness for the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR), and the need for more Australians to register

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Advocacy and policy
Treatments and side-effects

‘Made me the person I am today’

After living with the disease for almost the entirety of her teenage and adult life, 23-year-old Siobhan Hoy is no stranger to the long-term side effects of blood cancer.

Treatments and side-effects

Talking Blood Cancer: Regional Resilience

Michael Burridge candidly shares his experience living with blood cancer and the emotional and physical journey following his diagnosis with myeloma.

Myeloma
Support services
Treatments and side-effects

From nurse to patient

Rosie Proctor had just moved in with her partner and was living out her dream career as a nurse on the Gold Coast. Then a shock blood cancer diagnosis turned her from caregiver to patient at the very hospital where she worked.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Treatments and side-effects

Talking Blood Cancer: From Leukaemia Diagnosis to Finding Hope and Humor

Siobhan Hoy discusses her experiences living with blood cancer and the aftermath of her treatment, including the challenges she faced, such as the development of graft versus host disease.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Support services
Treatments and side-effects

Talking Blood Cancer: From Patient to Nurse

Rosie Proctor recounts her journey with acute myeloid leukaemia, including pain in her hip and a high fever, leading to her diagnosis, on the Talking Blood Cancer podcast by the Leukaemia Foundation.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Support services
Treatments and side-effects

Research news – August 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a revolutionary new type of treatment that ‘trains’ a patient’s own immune cells to seek out and kill cancer.

Research

“Keep smiling”

After nearly seven years in remission, Sage Wilder reflects on the power of positivity, finding love, and becoming a father.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Treatments and side-effects

Talking Blood Cancer: Compassion, Humour, and Care

Dr Ralph McConaghy discusses the important topic of having early conversations about serious illness and end-of-life decisions on the Talking Blood Cancer podcast by the Leukaemia Foundation.

Support services

It took six months to diagnose Kerry’s blood cancer – sadly, she’s not alone

Kerry Boyenga was diagnosed with Australia’s most common type of blood cancer. But she said it wasn’t even on her GP’s radar.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Treatments and side-effects

Shock diagnosis, newfound willpower

Kish Modi is facing the momentous task of managing a blood cancer diagnosis. But even with so much on his plate, he’s somehow finding every way in his power to raise awareness.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Our supporters
Treatments and side-effects

Carlia Van Den Hoek is living proof of the barriers that many face when diagnosed with blood cancer

Despite advancements in care, there remains a troubling cancer health divide affecting many different communities across the country. A divide that 32-year-old Carlia Van Den Hoek knows all too well.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Treatments and side-effects

Talking Blood Cancer: Overcoming ALL

Rugby player Sage shares his ALL diagnosis, treatment journey, and recovery mindset on the Talking Blood Cancer podcast by the Leukaemia Foundation.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Support services
Treatments and side-effects

“Live life to the fullest”: Josh Gourlay opens up about returning to work and new beginnings after blood cancer

While a shock blood cancer diagnosis put 34-year-old Josh Gourlay’s life temporarily on hold, it also presented him with a new mindset, and new opportunities.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Treatments and side-effects

Talking Blood Cancer: Estate planning and medical directives

Discover estate planning essentials for blood cancer patients with Eleanor Davis on the Talking Blood Cancer podcast by the Leukaemia Foundation.

Support services