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.
Tahli’s long road to remission
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.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
How Daniela reclaimed intimacy and sexuality after her blood cancer diagnosis
Daniela’s diagnosis in 2008 changed many aspects of her life, including her romantic life. She shares how she navigated her sexuality and intimacy with her partner following her diagnosis, and how to regain a sense of normality both inside and outside the bedroom.
- Myeloma
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
Talking Blood Cancer: Navigating transplants in blood cancer
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis sits down with Associate Professor Dr James Morton to provide an in-depth look at blood and bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of leukaemia and related blood cancers.
- bone marrow transplant
- Treatments and side-effects
Taking back control after childhood cancer
More than two decades after experiencing acute lymphoblastic leuakaemia, Ash draws on her personal experiences to help people of all ages navigate their blood cancer journey.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
Marnies journey to diagnosis took 18 months
Marnie faced 18 months of distressing symptoms before receiving a diagnosis that would change her life. Thanks to the generosity of people who donate to the Leukaemia Foundation, Australians like Marnie don’t have to face blood cancer alone.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- regional
- Support services
Young Ollie’s postcode made managing blood cancer harder
Right now, where you live can affect a huge part of your blood cancer journey. A tax-deductible donation before June 30 will help give regional families like Ollie’s the additional support they need to face the challenges of blood cancer.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- regional
- Support services
EOFY Giving: Claim Tax Deductions & Help Beat Blood Cancer
Donate to the Leukaemia Foundation before June 30 to claim a tax deduction and support Australians facing blood cancer. Give hope this EOFY.
- accommodation
- regional
Genetic screening offers hope for people with aggressive blood cancers
Genomic screening for blood cancer offers Australians with aggressive cancers access to personalised treatments and clinical trials.
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Leukaemia
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Research
- Treatments and side-effects
Michael found great support and new friends while receiving cancer treatment far from home
After decades working on farms and in the mining industry, 69-year-old Michael Burridge assumed his painful back issues were from a lifetime of hard physical labour.
- accommodation
- Myeloma
- regional
Talking Blood Cancer: Overcoming needle phobia and acute myeloid leukaemia
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff speaks with Cathy Koning about her experience living with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
- Grief and loss
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
Vulnerability is a strength
Discover Jennifer's inspiring story of confronting a myeloma diagnosis at 27. Explore her journey through treatment, emotional challenges, and the support that guided her path to resilience.
A completely different language
Angela Daly is a Senior Social Worker at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and she reveals how to navigate the complexities of the Australian healthcare system.
Talking Blood Cancer: Facing young loss
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lauren Smith about her experiences surrounding blood cancer. Unlike the usual patient stories shared on the podcast, Lauren recounts her journey accompanying her late husband, Jake, through his battle with stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma when both were just 21 years old.
- Grief and loss
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
From transplants to triathlons
At 21, Lauren faced AML and two bone marrow transplants. Hear her story of strength, survival, and the physical and mental toll of bone marrow transplant recovery.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- bone marrow transplant
Five things to know about the Clinical Guidelines for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
The first-ever Australian Clinical Guidelines for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) were released in April and we sat down with Bill Stavreski, Head of Research at the Leukaemia Foundation, to find out what this means for patients.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- Leukaemia
Talking Blood Cancer: From child cancer survivor to advocate
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff sits down with Ash Bell, who shares her journey with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at the age of 11 and the challenges she faced throughout her treatment and recovery.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Advocacy and policy
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
From diagnosis to newfound strength
In 2008, Sandra Evans was told the crushing news that would be every mother’s worst nightmare. Her four-year-old child had blood cancer.
- Leukaemia
- Support services
You helped Meg connect with others when she felt isolated
Finding out you have a serious disease can be an isolating time. But thanks to your heartfelt generosity, Meg’s blood cancer experience has been full of support from people who understand.
- aplastic anaemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Support services
Talking Blood Cancer: Empowering patients
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis welcomes Angela Daly, a Senior Social Worker at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and they discuss the challenges faced by patients diagnosed with blood cancer. Giving insights into her role in helping patients and their families navigate the complex healthcare system.
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
Talking Blood Cancer: Journey through two diagnoses
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis invites Alex Wilson to share his journey navigating the healthcare system following a diagnosis of blood cancer. Alex candidly discusses his experiences, offering insights into the practical challenges and emotional responses at the time of his diagnosis, especially as a young adult.
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
Last updated on February 9th, 2023
Developed by the Leukaemia Foundation in consultation with people living with a blood cancer, Leukaemia Foundation support staff, haematology nursing staff and/or Australian clinical haematologists. This content is provided for information purposes only and we urge you to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis, treatment and answers to your medical questions, including the suitability of a particular therapy, service, product or treatment in your circumstances. The Leukaemia Foundation shall not bear any liability for any person relying on the materials contained on this website.