Real stories
Stories from people living with blood cancer, their family, carers, and friends; plus research and advocacy news.
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Helen’s steps to a gift in Will
Helen has no idea how many kilometres she walked with her beloved pooch Prinnie for over 15 years collecting for the Leukaemia Foundation Doorknock campaign. But she does know every step was worth it to help save the lives of children with blood cancer – like her young friend, Rachel, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1991.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Gift in Will
Will’s first Father’s Day after beating blood cancer
After beating blood cancer and becoming a first-time dad, Will decided to take care of his mental health.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
The scary reality: blood cancer can affect anyone at any time
When Hayley Bugno was diagnosed with blood cancer only a year after having her third baby, she was confronted with the ‘scary reality’ that the disease does not discriminate and can strike when least expected.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
Rare blood cancer claims the life of ‘Island Child’ Benji
Living a peaceful and idyllic life on tropical Christmas Island, the Kentwell family could never have anticipated the pain blood cancer could bring to their lives.
- Other blood cancers
Venetoclax received PBAC recommendation for AML
The 'miracle drug' was among eight blood cancer treatments recommended by the PBAC at its July 2021 meeting.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
Expert Series: Dr Ilaria Pagani talks treatment-free remission in CML
Dr Pagani has a vision for a personalised approach to treatment-free remission in CML
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Heather’s in treatment-free remission
Heather Jenkins was one of the first Australians to go on a clinical trial for the first targeted therapy for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Revised AML, DLBCL and HL Optimal Care Pathways released
Newly revised optimal care pathways (OCPs) provide best practice information for the treatment and care of people living with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia
- Hodgkin lymphoma
Diane didn’t know leukaemia was a blood cancer – “I thought it’s what little kids get”
In this honest, humourous, and heartfelt first-person narrative, Diane Autio shares her experiences of being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
Expert Series: Dr Chun Fong on finding the keys to unlock AML
Dr Chun Fong believes that testing for measurable residual disease (MRD) is part of the answer.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
New trial aimed at keeping people with AML in remission
A new platform trial, a world first, could have transformative implications for people with resistant AML.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
Nick’s double blood cancer diagnosis and regaining hope
Diagnosed with two blood cancers, Nick's world changed instantly. Then transplant complications challenged him in ways he didn't expect.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Edward’s legacy secured with gift in Will
Edward Rhoades and his mum, Jan, knew they wanted to give others impacted by blood cancer a brighter future after he suffered from the debilitating side-effects of a stem cell transplant, to which he eventually lost his life.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Gift in Will
“CAR-T could be my cure,” says Deborah
Delighted, really relieved, and excited was Deborah Sims’ response to her nine-month review following CAR T-cell therapy last year.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Yael’s 20 years with CLL have been “as good as it could be”
Yael Morris was very young – only 34 years old, 28 weeks pregnant, and living in Darwin – when she was diagnosed with CLL 20 years ago.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Expert Series: Dr Piers Blombery on genomic testing
Dr Piers Blombery explains the basics of molecular testing which informs the treatment of blood cancer.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia
- Research
Genomic testing for mutations critical for CLL patients pre-treatment
Dr Piers Blombery specialises in genomic testing and heads Australia’s largest haematology laboratory.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
- Research
Review: three books on grief and loss
There are three books which Pauline Vedelago found helpful with her grief following the loss of her husband four years ago.
- Grief and loss
Not having his dad here colours Hugh’s life: “it’s a little bit of everything”
There are times when Hugh McClure feels like screaming from the rooftop, so that everyone can know about the wonderful person that his dad was, and how much he misses him.
- Grief and loss
Dating after the loss of your wife, husband or partner
Leukaemia Foundation Blood Cancer Support Coordinator Shirley Cunningham shares some insight for those who are ready to start dating after loss.
- Grief and loss
