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.
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
Prue and Chase
Chase's story highlights the limited access to healthcare professionals and services forcing blood cancer patients from regional Australia to travel long distances for treatment and care.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
Talking Blood Cancer: Overcoming leukaemia during COVID
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff speaks with Eve Cossette about her experience with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Diagnosed during the height of COVID-19 while living far from her family in Canada, Eve's journey offers insights into both the physical and emotional challenges of facing blood cancer.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
Talking Blood Cancer: festive season wrap-up 2024
In this special episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, hosts Kate Arkadieff and Maryanne Skarparis wrap up the season and reflect on an incredible year filled with impactful stories. They discuss the various conversations they've had throughout the year.
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
Bridging the gap for young and middle-aged adults with blood cancer
The Leukaemia Foundation recently shared the successful trial and implementation of a dedicated peer support group for young-middle aged adults aged 20-49 living with blood cancer at the 16th Oncology Social Work Australia & New Zealand (OSWANZ) Conference. This innovative initiative addresses a critical gap in support services for this often-overlooked demographic.
- Advocacy and policy
My voice matters
In 2017, Yani Zhao was on an incredible high after competing in the national powerlifting championships. The next day, she was diagnosed with blood cancer.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- Advocacy and policy
Talking Blood Cancer: A Family’s Battle with leukaemia
Bhaskar Majumdar and his daughter, Urvi Majumdar, share their experience with blood cancer and the profound impact it had on their lives.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
The Leukaemia Foundation welcomes Australian Government decision to ban using adverse genetic testing results in life insurance
The Leukaemia Foundation welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to ban the use of adverse genetic testing results in life insurance.
- Advocacy and policy
World Marrow Donor Day 2024
Leukaemia Foundation staff come together to raise awareness for the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR), and the need for more Australians to register
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Advocacy and policy
- Treatments and side-effects
‘Made me the person I am today’
After living with the disease for almost the entirety of her teenage and adult life, 23-year-old Siobhan Hoy is no stranger to the long-term side effects of blood cancer.
- Treatments and side-effects
Talking Blood Cancer: Regional Resilience
Michael Burridge candidly shares his experience living with blood cancer and the emotional and physical journey following his diagnosis with myeloma.
- Myeloma
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
From nurse to patient
Rosie Proctor had just moved in with her partner and was living out her dream career as a nurse on the Gold Coast. Then a shock blood cancer diagnosis turned her from caregiver to patient at the very hospital where she worked.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- Treatments and side-effects
Talking Blood Cancer: From Leukaemia Diagnosis to Finding Hope and Humor
Siobhan Hoy discusses her experiences living with blood cancer and the aftermath of her treatment, including the challenges she faced, such as the development of graft versus host disease.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
Talking Blood Cancer: From Patient to Nurse
Rosie Proctor recounts her journey with acute myeloid leukaemia, including pain in her hip and a high fever, leading to her diagnosis, on the Talking Blood Cancer podcast by the Leukaemia Foundation.
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- Support services
- Treatments and side-effects
Research news – August 2024
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a revolutionary new type of treatment that ‘trains’ a patient’s own immune cells to seek out and kill cancer.
- Research
“Keep smiling”
After nearly seven years in remission, Sage Wilder reflects on the power of positivity, finding love, and becoming a father.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Treatments and side-effects
Talking Blood Cancer: Compassion, Humour, and Care
Dr Ralph McConaghy discusses the important topic of having early conversations about serious illness and end-of-life decisions on the Talking Blood Cancer podcast by the Leukaemia Foundation.
- Support services
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.