Patient stories
Leukaemia: It left our family in pieces
On the day Nidhi Raj were set to celebrate the birth of their son, their three-year-old, Kiaan was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Lymphoma: Amy opens door to a cure
Mum-of-three Amy found out on Christmas Eve she had a tumour in her chest.
Lymphoma: Rare blood cancer keeps Kyle from his beloved soccer
Kyle went to hospital with a swollen knee, but his family never suspected the cause of the swelling could be cancer.
Leukaemia: It was like going through the four seasons
Brendan was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia just three days before his 40th birthday.
Lymphoma: I'm thankful for a 'new normal' after my needle in haystack match
Tommy was diagnosed with a rare type of lymphoma after suffering an epileptic seizure.
Lymphoma: Shock diagnosis three days before wedding
Mick Zuvelek was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma only three days before his wedding.
Aplastic anaemia: No easy ride
Instead of finishing high school and hanging out with her friends, 16-year-old Jessie was fighting a life-threatening blood disorder.
Lymphoma: new drug gave Chris another chance
“My wife was heavily pregnant when I had my second transplant.”
Waldenstrom's: Peter's promising clinical trial results
When Victorian vet Peter Younis relapsed, he opted to try a clinical trial for a targeted therapy rather than having more chemo.
Leukaemia: "I was diagnosed with CML then found out I was pregnant"
“We made the decision to go through with having the baby, and then we reached out to the Leukaemia Foundation.”
Leukaemia: Little Lucia a precious gift
After a bone marrow transplant Tegan’s dream of having a baby were realised when her sister donated her eggs.
AML: "It was a real rollercoaster"
“I just want as much time as possible with my family and be able to be there for my kids.”
Myeloma: My 100 day journal kept me sane
Renowned Tasmanian illustrator and animator Tony Thorne put his artistic skills to good use during treatment, creating a 100 day visual journal about his experience.
Leukaemia: With strength, support, and love we got through it
Jeremy had never had a health scare in his life before being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia.
AML: "I didn't know how we were going to manage"
In addition to her blood cancer diagnosis, Aleigha was faced with the daunting task of relocating her family from Darkan to Perth.
Amyloidosis and myeloma: Diagnosed day before 66th birthday
Janette Elson was living a happy life in a sleepy beachside haven near Bundaberg when life took an unexpected turn.
A family's worst fears confirmed on Christmas Day
No 4-year-old should spend Christmas Day in an emergency ward.
After leukaemia: I look at life through different eyes
While on a quiet camping holiday, Richard received a surprise phone call from his GP that would change his life forever.
Leukaemia: diagnosed four days before Christmas
Ashley’s three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with ALL just days before Christmas.
Caring for my 40-year-old son with blood cancer
Lynn can offer a unique perspective on blood cancer that most carers don’t experience.
Leukaemia: Mackenzie's story
Mackenzie began a brave struggle with blood cancer aged just five.
Myeloma: My life became more precious to me
“I knew nothing about myeloma – I had no idea what it was.”
Myeloma: I am ready to enjoy each day more
In a bizarre twist of fate, one of Australia’s leading stem cell researchers had to have a transplant of his own.
From stuntman to stem cells
Nigel was working as a stuntman on the set of “The Matrix” when a routine blood test turned his action-packed life upside down.
I've beaten a heart attack and CML
Since Chris’ CML diagnosis, he’s had three different treatments, endured debilitating side-effects, and has taken part in an international clinical trial.
Leukaemia: It changed everything
For Earlene and her family, it felt like, “A punch in the face. It came from nowhere”.
From blood cancer to Blood Buddy
At 28, Amy was a healthy and outdoor-loving girl; a volunteer fire fighter who also competed in her local dressage championships.
Leukaemia: Superhero Bayley is beating the blood cancer bad guy
In 2014, the McKinnon’s lives took a dramatic turn with the news their six-year-old son, Bayley, had leukaemia.
Growing stronger but taking nothing for granted
Lyn Chiozzini’s leukaemia diagnosis meant leaving behind loved ones for months of treatment.
MPN: I wouldn’t change life for quids
Lesley Royle has been dealing with an MPN diagnosis for 22 years.
Hakuna Matata: Will’s philosophy
Christmas Day: while most people were opening presents and relaxing with family, five-year-old Will was about to undergo a stem cell transplant.
Leukaemia: I was a 15-year-old fighting for my life
Jess was halfway through Year 11 and enjoying life as a teenager when she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
I wanted to let my story help others
Brisbane dad Perry Judd jumped at the chance “to play a part in making someone’s journey a little bit easier”, and became a Blood Buddy.
Leukaemia: From clinical trial to remission
Dr John Rogers is one of the first Australians with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) to successfully stop treatment on a venetoclax clinical trial.
Chloe & family say "Thank you"
A massive thank you to everyone who so generously supported rural and regional families staying in Leukaemia Foundation accommodation this Christmas.
Lymphoma: My worst and best experience
“Cancer has been a journey I’ll never forget. The shortest and yet the longest year of my life. The worst and best experience.”
Myeloma: I had a wig made for my son's wedding
Denyse’s sore back was the first real hint that something wasn’t right.
GVHD: Our life is just another version of normal
Blood cancer was a devastating blow for Martin Leicht, but what he’s achieved since is testament to his determination.
Leukaemia: Two transfusions to make daughter's wedding
Three days before Jessica’s wedding, her dad was hospitalised. But Des was determined to walk his daughter down the aisle.
Myeloma: I thought I'd never see Dad again
Doctors told Michael to ‘get his affairs in order’ and prepare for the possibility of not making it to Christmas.
Lymphoma: Shock at cancer covering windpipe
It has been a difficult journey for Jessica Harbridge, who was diagnosed with T lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare blood cancer.
Leukaemia: Josh 'hit cancer on the head' to get family home
Three years after starting treatment for leukaemia, Josh Sullivan is back to working the family farm.
HLH: Kai's courageous battle with rare disorder
At only two years old, Kai was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
Childhood leukaemia: Lizzie’s still laughing despite battle
Lizzie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia a month before her second birthday.
Leukaemia: The doctor rang me and said, "I'm sorry"
Brendan didn’t know anything about blood cancer when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Leukaemia: My world was turned upside down
“I was a fit 23-year-old working in the mines when I was told I had acute promyelocytic leukaemia.”
Waldenstrom’s: I've learned as much as possible about my illness
Peter is very involved with WMozzies, an online support group for patients with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia.
Leukaemia: I felt like I was having a bad dream
Jack’s parents found out four days before Christmas that he had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Leukaemia: She was only six hours old
“We found out Maggie had acute myeloid leukaemia six hours after she was born.”
Lymphoma: I am now a happier, more fulfilled person
After completing her Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, Marnie dealt with many issues that are common among survivors.
Leukaemia: Our world came to a grinding halt
Father of three Clynton was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and needed a stem cell transplant.
Leukaemia: I am a survivor
Hours after she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, Bronte was flown to Brisbane to begin treatment.
Myeloma: There is a light at the end of the tunnel
After tests shows that Mark’s kidneys were failing, he was diagnosed with myeloma.
Lymphoma: Challenges bring moments for growth and learning
After experiencing many typical symptoms, Julie was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Amyloidosis: I wondered whether I would die
“Further tests and a renal biopsy finally identified AL amyloidosis affecting my heart and kidneys.”
Leukaemia: Set mini goals every day
A visit to the doctor for a routine appointment led Sharon to be diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Leukaemia: Family and my doctor's support got me through it
Dean’s acute myeloid leukaemia was found after he had a bone marrow aspirate test.