Who we are
Established in Queensland in 1975, the Leukaemia Foundation is the only national organisation dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders. The disorders include myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferate disorders (PRV, ET, MF), waldenstroms, amyloidosis and aplastic anaemia.
Our Mission is to Care. Our Vision is to Cure.
Mission to Care
Leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma can develop in anyone, of any age, at any time. Often with little warning and in acute cases, may require treatment within 24 hours of diagnosis. It turns lives upside down overnight.
Families from rural or regional Australia often need to quickly relocate to major cities to be closer to treatment centres. This is usually for extended periods of time.
Relocation is particularly traumatic as it often occurs after diagnosis, resulting in patients and families adjusting to their new circumstances without the benefit of established local support networks.
Combined with costly medical bills and loss of income, many families find themselves in financially crippling circumstances whilst coping with the shock and emotional turmoil associated with the diagnosis.
On average, treatment of haematological cancers lasts for eight months but can continue for years.
This is where we step in, providing personalised support and care for patients and families right throughout their journey – from diagnosis, treatment to recovery. This support is provided by an extensive team of trained cancer nurses and allied health professionals and reaches every town and community across Australia .
Support services include:
- counselling and support
- disease-specific information materials
- education programs and support groups
- access to 'home away from home' accommodation close to major treatment centres
- transport to and from treatment
- practical assistance
All services are provided free of charge to patients and families.
Vision to Cure
We are committed to ongoing funding for vital research into the causes, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment, psychosocial impact and ultimately cures for leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.
Through our National Research Program, we have established the PwC Foundation Leukaemia and Lymphoma Tissue Bank and the Leukaemia Foundation Research Laboratory at the Queensland Institute for Medical Research.
We also fund research grants, scholarships and fellowships for talented researchers.
In 2006, the Leukaemia Foundation has committed more than $2 million in research funding.
Funding
We receive no ongoing government funding and rely on the generous support of our corporate supporters and the community.
Governance
The Leukaemia Foundation is committed to ensuring the funds donated by the public are used in the most effective possible way.
Our Board is responsible for corporate governance. The Board guides and monitors business affairs, including approval for the distribution of funds.
Read our complete Governance statement
Leukaemia Foundation of Australia Board Members
Robert Yeo
Chairman/Victoria
Lucio Di Giallonardo
Treasurer/Western Australia
Partner, HLB Mann Judd Chartered Accountants
Phillip Bradley
Secretary/New South Wales
Adrian Collins
Queensland
Brenda McGahan
Victoria
Darren Laarhoven
Queensland
Tim Ridgway
South Australia
Warren Lippiatt
New South Wales
Professor Ken Bradstock
Medical Advisor
Head of Blood & Marrow Transplant Services, Westmead Hospital
Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland Board
Mrs Beverley Mirolo
President
Adj. Assoc. Prof. Maryanne Hargraves
Vice President
Ms Susan Malone
Secretary
Mr Darren Laarhoven
Treasurer
Assoc. Prof. Paula Marlton
Medical Consultant
Mrs Elaine Gamer
Director
Mr Graeme Walker
Director
Mr Keith Ledger
Director
Mrs Deborah Kachel
Director
Mrs Joanne Keen
Director
Ms Dianne Pinder
Director
Mr Nicholas Ryan
Director
National Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee
The National Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (NMSAC) was established in 2000 to provide strategic advice to the Leukaemia Foundation on medical, scientific, research and clinical matters. Members of the NMSAC are drawn from the Australian scientific and medical research community and are each highly regarded in their fields of expertise. The Chair of the NMSAC, Professor Ken Bradstock, is also the National Medical Advisor to the Foundation and is a member of the Leukaemia Foundation Board.
- Read about the National Research Program for further details on our research funding and NMSAC members.
