Our achievements
Since 1975, the Leukaemia Foundation has set an international benchmark in patient support and care. Established in Queensland, the Foundation now has offices in every state and territory across Australia and supports patients and families in metropolitan, regional and rural communities.
We have also invested millions of dollars into research for better treatments and cures.
1975 |
The Leukaemia Foundation is formed as the Lions Leukaemia Foundation under the umbrella of the Holland Park Lions Club in Brisbane. |
1976 |
The Foundation's first fundraising effort buys a cell separator blood processor for the Mater Hospital so patients don't have to endure so many blood transfusions. |
1977 |
The Foundation pioneers the provision of patient accommodation with the purchase of 'Hollydene', three residential units in Brisbane. |
1980 |
The Foundation funds its first research project at the Royal Brisbane Hospital (RBH). Video microscope purchased for diagnosis and training at RBH. |
1985 |
Publication of the first Leukaemia Foundation information booklet – Understanding Leukaemia |
1987 |
The $1.7 million Bone Marrow Transplant and Leukaemia Treatment Unit opens at the Royal Brisbane Hospital . Establishment of the first Leukaemia Foundation support course for patients and families. |
1989 |
Official opening of the Foundation's second patient accommodation unit in Herston, Brisbane. |
1991 |
The Foundation provides a grant of $500,000 to establish a bone marrow transplant unit in the Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane. |
1992 |
Opening of the Leukaemia Foundation Research Unit at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane. |
1993 |
The Leukaemia Foundation opens in Western Australia . Official opening of the Leukaemia Foundation Children's Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the RCH, Brisbane. Appointment of Australia 's first Professor of Experimental Haematology to head the Foundation's research program. |
1994 |
Official opening of a 21 unit patient accommodation village in South Brisbane – ESA Village . Drug to assist in the treatment of CML patients, Interferon, listed on the PBS thanks to advocacy work by the Foundation. |
1995 |
Establishment of the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia. |
1996 |
The Foundation provides $100,000 to establish the Queensland Cord Blood Bank at the Mater Hospital , Brisbane. |
1997 |
World's Greatest Shave to Care and Cure starts, raising over $90,000. |
1998 |
The Leukaemia Foundation, New South Wales and Leukaemia Foundation, South Australia open their doors. The Foundation pledges $5 million to a new Comprehensive Cancer Research Centre. |
1999 |
World's Greatest Shave raises over $1.4 million Australia-wide |
2000 |
World's Greatest Shave raises more than $3.6 million and becomes the national signature fundraising event for the Foundation. Leukaemia Quest is held nationally for the first time and raises $1.4 million. Four patient accommodation units are acquired in South Australia. Queensland celebrates 25 years of service and begins a grief counselling program. Holden donates a fleet of cars towards the Foundation's patient transport Program. |
2001 |
A new $2.2 million patient accommodation and support centre is opened in Townsville. Patient accommodation units are purchased in New South Wales and in Victoria , taking the total to 16 accommodation centres nationally. |
2002 |
The Foundation's fleet of patient transport cars reaches 25 nationally. |
2004 |
The Foundation launches its second biggest annual fundraising event, World's Largest Lunch. |
2005 |
World's Greatest Shave raises $8.6 million and more than 100,000 Australians participate. |
