Stories - Leukaemia Foundation

Kish Modi’s AML journey and GoFundMe fundraiser

My name is Kish, I’m a 35-year-old who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in October last year. There were no warning signs – things just hit, very suddenly.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
bone marrow transplant
chemotherapy
Our supporters
Treatments and side-effects

Christie Yu had the world at her feet

After numerous setbacks, Christie had to slowly transition back to her studies not once but twice. This forced her to make a tough decision that would shape the rest of her career.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
fatigue
Treatments and side-effects

Talking Blood Cancer: Finding Strength

Join Nerys Welch's journey through acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) / acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) loss and parenting 3 kids. Discover her solace in the Leukaemia Foundation's supportive online community.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Acute myeloid leukaemia

Blood cancer ride proves Perry’s toughest race

As Perry Judd slowly pedalled over the finishing line at the prestigious Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic in 2013, supposedly in the form of his life but somehow lagging far behind the competition, he knew something wasn’t right. Physically exhausted, Perry feared he had glandular fever, but a blood test revealed something much more dangerous. The then 37-year-old explained: “I had a call from the GP: ‘Please come and see me, we need to talk urgently. You need to come in right away’.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Treatments and side-effects

Fertility, family and blood cancer

Sage and Sophie had to quickly make decisions about fertility and whether to start their respective families in the future – all within days of receiving a blood cancer diagnosis.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Acute myeloid leukaemia
Lifestyle and living well

From a cattle farmer and mother of three to an AML diagnosis: Regina’s story

Last updated on May 17th, 2024Developed 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 […]

Acute myeloid leukaemia

‘It’s about life around the disease’: Tim’s story

To kick off Season Two, we chat to Tim Keen who was 34 years old when he was diagnosed with a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML). Tim shares his story through diagnosis, relapse, and treatment, where he underwent two autologous transplants and arsnic treatment.

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Regina’s new life is about making memories with her girls

The week before Regina Batten’s wedding, in August 2017, she was diagnosed with AML. She had just celebrated her 30th birthday and was about to marry the father of her three children.

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Expert Series: Dr Cameron Curley on transplantation and CAR-T therapy

Dr Cameron Curley describes CAR T-cell therapy as “arguably the biggest breakthrough in the treatment of many blood cancers in the last decade”.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Interviews with experts

Lauren faced two bone marrow transplants by age 23

Perth-based Lauren Menegola was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at age 21. After a number of gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, Lauren underwent an unrelated bone marrow transplant. Just as life was getting back on track for Lauren, she was told that she had relapsed - just 11 months after her bone marrow transplant. Lauren was angry and was scared for the challenge that lay ahead of her. The challenge was to search across the world for a bone marrow match, and they had to search high and low. Lauren's story is a remarkable one which really shows the power of the human spirit - and having a supportive network rallying behind you.

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Clinton and the power of the mind

Clinton Parmenter was living life in the fast lane — socialising with friends, spending time with his family and working hard in his job. He "barely ever came up for a breath of air". When one day, his life was turned on its head when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. In this interview, Clinton discusses his experience in choosing to go ahead with an allogeneic stem cell transplant. He also shares how he harnessed a positive mindset throughout his journey.

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Diagnosed at 29 years old

29-year-old Sophie Patnicroft-Gray had recently moved from the UK to Adelaide, where she was working and planning to travel, when a routine blood test showed that there was something "a bit off". Then, out of left-field, Sophie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Sophie shares the emotional struggles she faced as a young adult diagnosed with a blood cancer. Sophie also discusses her challenges with fatigue, and how she embraced exercise to improve her health and wellbeing.

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Jane’s had three different cancer diagnoses in two years

Last updated on July 20th, 2022 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, […]

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Treatments and side-effects

From wife to carer

When Roxanne's husband Brendan was diagnosed with, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), Roxanne had no idea that when she packed an overnight bag for Brendan that he would be in hospital for months having treatment. Our host, and one of the Leukaemia Foundation's Blood Cancer Support Coordinators Kate Arkadieff speaks with Roxanne about what it was like to live in regional Queensland and care for someone with a blood cancer, and how she supported her family through the journey and beyond.

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Carers

How a motorbike accident led to a blood cancer diagnosis

Brendan Hodda had just embarked on the trip of a lifetime for his 40th birthday. He was to ride his motorbike from Rockhampton to Cape York, when he fell off his bike on the first day of the trip. It wasn't until after three surgeries on a broken arm and further tests that Brendan received the news – he had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Kirsty Everett defied the odds and survived blood cancer – twice

Kirsty Everett was just nine years old when she was diagnosed with childhood acute myeloid leukaemia. Then, seven years later, at just 16 years old, Kirsty relapsed again. Kirsty discusses what it was like to be diagnosed with childhood leukaemia, how she got through chemotherapy, and how she has harnessed this experience to inspire her purpose.

Acute myeloid leukaemia

The scary reality: blood cancer can affect anyone at any time

When Hayley Bugno was diagnosed with blood cancer only a year after having her third baby, she was confronted with the ‘scary reality’ that the disease does not discriminate and can strike when least expected.

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Venetoclax received PBAC recommendation for AML

The 'miracle drug' was among eight blood cancer treatments recommended by the PBAC at its July 2021 meeting.

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Revised AML, DLBCL and HL Optimal Care Pathways released

Newly revised optimal care pathways (OCPs) provide best practice information for the treatment and care of people living with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).

Acute myeloid leukaemia
Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Hodgkin lymphoma

Diane didn’t know leukaemia was a blood cancer – “I thought it’s what little kids get”

In this honest, humourous, and heartfelt first-person narrative, Diane Autio shares her experiences of being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Acute myeloid leukaemia