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.
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
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
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.