Stories
From real patient stories to tips on living well, hear firsthand from people who have faced blood cancer.
We’ve also got the latest research and advocacy news, as well as stories from our wonderful fundraisers and donors. You can subscribe to our e-newsletters and event news here.
Physiotherapist and lymphoma survivor Julie Allen on cancer related fatigue
Discover how physiotherapist Julie Allen tackles cancer fatigue and lymphoma, enhancing the quality of life and survival for blood cancer patients.
- Interviews with experts
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Unlocking the Mysteries of Blood Cancer
In the ever-evolving landscape of blood cancer research, the quest to combat blood cancer continues to push boundaries. The New Directions in Leukaemia Research (NDLR) event in Adelaide last month brought together leading minds in the field to discuss breakthroughs, challenges, and the future of leukaemia treatment. From cutting-edge advancements in therapies to the promise of personalised medicine, the conference, sponsored by the Leukaemia Foundation, shed light on the latest discoveries and strategies shaping the fight against leukaemia.
- Research
Theresa Webb: ‘I’ve always been a survivor’
Blood cancer casts a long shadow over many Australian families, but for Theresa Webb and her family, its shadow has been longer than most. Theresa was first diagnosed with blood cancer in 2002 after discovering a small hard lump near her collarbone. A biopsy revealed the then 30-year-old had a type of blood cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Carers
- Lifestyle and living well
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Talking Blood Cancer: Resilience and Triumph with Perry Judd
Perry Judd shares his journey with Acute Myeloid leukaemia (leukemia), from treatments to winning sports medals. Discover resistance and hope on the Talking Blood Cancer Podcast.
Talking Blood Cancer: Motherhood and Resilience
In this episode of Talking Blood Cancer, host Kate Arkadieff welcomes Tahli Batkilin, who bravely shares her personal battle and subsequent victory over blood cancer. Tahli takes us through the moment she first received her lymphoma diagnosis amidst the chaos of lockdown and running her home baking business. The confusion of initial misdiagnoses escalating to the eventual life-changing news is recounted with raw honesty. Tahli's determination and resilience shine through as she explains how she continued to push for answers when treatments didn't seem to be working, embodying the critical message of being your own health advocate.
Beauty and the Geek, and his Will
In 2022 Lachy joined the World’s Greatest Shave community, buzzing off his locks to raise funds and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation’s work. But what started out as an act of support for people living with blood cancer turned into something far more personal.
- Our supporters
Talking Blood Cancer: Life Beyond the Diagnosis
In this inaugural episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, our distinguished host Kate Arkadieff welcomes Peter Geary, a resolute myeloma patient and advocate, to share his profound journey since being diagnosed with asymptomatic myeloma in 2018. The episode begins with Peter recounting the moment of diagnosis and the subsequent "watch and wait" approach that marked the early days of his experience with blood cancer.
Noel’s gift in will is a tribute to his family
When it came to writing his Will, Noel chose to leave a lasting legacy to the Leukaemia Foundation. With the naming of The Hurd Family Unit, the Leukaemia Foundation is delighted to recognise Noel’s kind-hearted bequest.
- Our supporters
How Sophie Gray found new meaning through blood cancer
After having a routine blood test, Sophie's GP told her that there was something “a bit off” in her results. With a plan to have another blood test in a month, Sophie flew back to the UK to spend time with family and friends, not giving it much more thought.
Best and brightest researchers taking on leukaemia
Two leading blood cancer researchers hope to change the future of blood cancer treatment.
Talking Blood Cancer: 2023 festive wrap-up
In this special Christmas wrap-up episode of Talking Blood Cancer, hosts Kate and Maryanne reflect on the stories and conversations shared in Season 3 of the podcast. We touch on various topics including feelings of happiness, managing fatigue, coping with infections, and pondering the essence of time. The festive season is a significant time, one that it can be both a time of celebration and reflection. We offer you wishes of love, health, and happiness for the upcoming year.
Talking Blood Cancer: Glenys Davidson’s Journey
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Vanessa is joined by guest Glenys Davidson to share her journey with acute myeloid leukaemia candidly. Vanessa reflects on the observation of people navigating through treatment at the facility where she is based, setting the stage for a real, raw conversation about the impact of blood cancer on patients and their support networks.
Philanthropist Tom Shearer extends a helping hand
Tom Shearer grew up in Mannum, South Australia, a country town not far from Adelaide. Tom enjoyed a happy childhood, raised by parents who held strong values, including a responsibility for helping people in need. The values instilled by Tom’s parents translated to his generous spirit, with Tom becoming a loyal supporter of the Leukaemia Foundation.
- Our supporters
There was never a moment anyone told me, “You are now disabled”
Christie Yu was 18 years old and studying pharmacy when she became run down, attributing it to balancing university and her other commitments.
Simone Thomason on the need for further support for regional blood cancer patients
With 1/3 of blood cancer patients in our support program living in regional areas, the Leukaemia Foundation is working to provide additional support services to patients outside of metropolitan areas.
Replacing ‘blunt-edged’ chemotherapy with targeted treatment
To save more lives from AML, we urgently need to look past standard chemotherapy toward new, more effective approaches to treatment. Supported by Tour de Cure, one of our inaugural Breakthrough Fellowship recipients, Dr Ashwin Unnikrishnan, is doing just that.
- Research
Uncovering the secrets behind leukaemia treatment resistance
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer, which sees the body produce dangerous numbers of immature white blood cells. Supported by Tour de Cure, one of our inaugural Breakthrough Fellowship recipients, Dr Ashley Ng, is leading advanced research to improve our understanding of treatment-resistant ALL and develop new ways of beating it.
- Research
A positive mindset and returning to work helped Harry!
Giles Purbrick was diagnosed with blood cancer, days after becoming a father
>In January 2020, Giles and wife Jacqui welcomed their baby daughter into the world. But just days later, Giles was hit with a shock blood cancer diagnosis that turned everything on its head.
- Lifestyle and living well
- Research
AML survivor Sophie Gray shares the role yoga and mindfulness played in her recovery
Sophie was diagnosed with AML in 2019, aged 29. She had a stem cell transplant later the same year from an unrelated donor and has been in remission ever since. After leaning on her yoga and mindfulness practice heavily through her recovery, Sophie underwent her yoga teacher training and teaches in Adelaide. In this article the Leukaemia Foundation asked Sophie some questions about her experience with complementary therapies.
- Lifestyle and living well
- Research
