CARER
In this issue
Steve, Terri, Bindi and baby Bob Irwin had a ripper
of a time for World’s Greatest Shave!
National Research
Program
News about the latest
Page 3
round of grants.
World’s Greatest Shave
Find out who took it off and
who kept it on! Page 5-8
IT ALL CAME OFF IN MARCH!
A day in the life
Read about a typical day for
Support Services Coordinator,
Page 11
Tania Cushion.
Celebrities, politicians, families, children,
doctors, nurses, bosses, employees and
even entire towns came together to take
it all off for the Leukaemia Foundation’s
national fundraising event, World’s
Greatest Shave.
Steve ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin and
his family all tried out a new look to
encourage even more Australians to sign
up and shave or colour their hair. It was
enough to make your hair stand on end!
Steve Irwin said, “Anything we can do
as a human race to help combat these
devastating diseases is worth while. Let’s
all get behind the Leukaemia Foundation
and support the World’s Greatest Shave.”
From 10 - 12 March, an amazing 93,000
Australians pledged to shave or colour
their hair to raise money for the care and
cure of people living with leukaemias,
lymphomas, myeloma and related blood
disorders.
GPO Box 9954
in your capital city
1800 620 420
www.leukaemia.com
Of those registered approximately:
18,000 braved it alone or with family
or friends
•
•8,500 participated as part of a club
or association
•37,000 were school children,
teachers, parents or friends
•29,000 were staff and bosses of big
and small companies across Australia.
Women and men took it all off at
thousands of events held in pubs,
clubs, associations, schools, small
and large company offices, shopping
centres and public malls in cities and
towns across the country. In doing so
they showed their support for the 40
- 50,000 Australians currently living with
leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and
related blood disorders.
The Foundation is also hoping to set a
world record for the most heads shaved
over a 24-hour period. Keep an eye on
the website for up to date information on
the world record attempt and total funds
raised!
www.worldsgreatestshave.com
PAGE 1 The Carer - Issue One 2005
ISSUE ONE 2005
the
www.leukaemia.com
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO….
I have been
overwhelmed by the
amazing response to this
year’s World’s Greatest
Shave. The commitment
of more than 90,000
people to support
Australians living with
leukaemias, lymphomas
and myeloma by
shaving and colouring
their hair is truly
inspirational. We are
also extremely grateful
to the members of
the community who supported the event through
donations or by sponsoring their friends, family
members or colleagues. The Foundation would like
to thank sponsors Channel 10 and Shaver Shop for
their incredible support. Enjoy the stories of some of
the companies, communities and individuals who
participated and ‘took it all off’ inside this issue of
Carer, including me (pictured right).
Research Program. Page 3 provides an update on
the latest round of Leukaemia Foundation Research
Grants.
I hope you enjoy reading ‘A day in the life’ of Support
Services Coordinator Tania Cushion as much as I did
(page 11). Her work really demonstrates the depth
and breadth of the services the Foundation offers
patients and their families, as well as the dedication of
the staff delivering them.
With the Queensland office celebrating its thirty
year anniversary this year (page 12) there is a lot to
be proud of, including the expanded reach of the
Foundation’s support and care into every state and
territory across Australia. There is still a lot to do but
the support of the donors, volunteers, staff and tireless
fundraisers continues to bring the Foundation closer
to achieving its goals.
Margaret Ryan
National CEO
Money raised from World’s Greatest Shave allows
the Foundation to support patients and innovative
Australian research into the causes, diagnosis and
treatment of these diseases through the National
NEWS IN BRIEF
NEW TREATMENTS FOR AMYLOIDOSIS
Internationally respected Clinical Director of the
National Amyloidosis Centre in London, Professor
Philip Hawkins, visited Australia in April to support
the Leukaemia Foundation’s goal to increase
awareness of new treatments in AL Amyloidosis as
well as developments in world research.
AL Amyloidosis is a blood related disease which
affects 160 Australians every year. Professor
Hawkins has a strong interest in AL, a type of
Amyloidosis, and has dedicated much of his career
to the incidence and treatment of the disease.
Throughout April, Professor Hawkins undertook
hospital visits, patient and carer meetings and
workshops with doctors treating AL patients in
Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.
INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA WORKSHOP
The Leukaemia Foundation was a sponsor of the
10th International Myeloma Workshop in Sydney
during April. Amyloidosis expert, Professor Hawkins,
was a guest speaker at the event and every delegate
received information about the Foundation’s support
services and National Research Program.
PAGE 2 The Carer - Issue One 2005
WORLD’S LARGEST LUNCH
10 - 18 September 2005
Forget brunch, tea and supper. The meal of the moment is lunch and during September we’re making
the most of it! Why don’t you join us?
It’s an easy recipe:
•Pick a time and a place, decide on your menu and
invite your friends, family and workmates.
•Ask your guests to donate their lunch money to
the Leukaemia Foundation.
•Mix them all together with a good sprinkle of fun
and you’ll have a great time. It’s a good excuse
for a lunch!
To register your interest in hosting a lunch call
1800 620 420.
BUILDING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
In April, National CEO, Margaret Ryan spoke to
22,000 National Australia Bank staff via their internal
television channel to talk about the Foundation's
work and how businesses can get involved.
Margaret was also invited to speak to hundreds
of Adelaide staff at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and
Colonial First State, Sydney.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
The Leukaemia Foundation funds ground breaking
research into better treatments, diagnosis and cures
for leukaemias, lymphomas and myeloma through its
National Research Program. To date, the Foundation
has invested $8 million in research.
The National Research Program supports Australian
research through three key initiatives:
•Career Development Programs
Nurturing talent and promoting professional
development through funding of scholarships and
fellowships for talented researchers and health
professionals.
•Innovative Research Grants
Providing grants-in-aid for research into the causes,
treatment and care of people with leukaemias,
lymphomas, myelomas and related blood disorders.
•Specialised Centres of Excellence
The Leukaemia Foundation Research Unit at QIMR
is a centre of excellence which continues to work
at the forefront of international haematological
research. The Unit is led by internationally
renowned Professor of Experimental Haematology,
Professor Andrew Boyd.
In the future, the Foundation looks to establish
further Australian Centres of Excellence for
haematological research.
For closing dates, application forms and
guidelines for 2006 career development programs
and innovative research grants, visit the research
grants section at www.leukaemia.com
NATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM 2005
Across Australia in 2005, the Leukaemia Foundation
is investing over $2.5 million into important research
initiatives such as the Leukaemia Foundation Research
Unit at QIMR and the AMP Leukaemia and Lymphoma
Tissue Bank. The funds have also provided a wide
range of research grants, fellowships and scholarships,
as well as clinical trials.
Career Development Program
As part of a program to support and encourage
talented researchers to continue their careers in the
area of leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related
blood disorders the Foundation funded the following
Fellowships:
•Clinical Research Fellowship -
Dr Ken Micklethwaite, Westmead Millennium
Institute Sydney.
Post Doctoral Research Fellowship Dr Anna Brown, Child Health Research Institute
Adelaide.
Max Whiteside Clinical Fellowship Dr Kersten Herbert, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Melbourne.
Greg Johnson Memorial Fellowship Dr Wendy Cook, CGE Dept Pathology, University
of Melbourne.
In addition, four PhD Scholarships were funded along
with four Honours Year Scholarships.
•
•Associate Professor John Rasko.
Centenary Institute
Sydney.
Study of a new class of blood cell regulators
implicated in leukaemias.
Dr Graeme Suthers & colleague. Child Health
Research Institute, Adelaide.
Support for Australian familial haematological
malignancy study.
•
Programs funded in 2005:
•Professor Jackie Matthews, Professor Mackay
and Dr Crossley at the University of Sydney.
To explore proteins involved in the development
of some leukaemias to influence treatments used.
Dr Richard Lock, Dr Maria Kavallaris and
Associate Professor Ursula Kees working through
the University of NSW and the Childhood Cancer
Institute of Australia.
To explore drug resistance problems in treating
Acute Lymphoid Leukaemia.
Professor Leonie Ashman of the University of
Newcastle.
To explore drug resistance problems in treating
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
Ms Kim Laird, Dr L Monterosso and
Ms Kylie Johnson, Princess Margaret Hospital
for Children Perth.
A study of self recovery to normal fitness in
children after treatment.
Dr Peter Mollee, Princess Alexander Hospital
Brisbane. A clinical study of a novel treatment
for Amyloidosis.
•
•
•
•
•
Innovative Research Programs
In 2005, grants-in-aid were awarded to:
•Dr Geoff Hill & Dr Andrew Nicol.
QIMR, Brisbane.
To study the prevention of leukaemia relapse after
stem cell transplantation.
•
For further information or to sponsor activities
in the National Research Program please call
Dr Anna Williamson on 07 3866 4060.
PAGE 3 The Carer - Issue One 2005
LISMORE GETS BRAND NEW WHEELS
Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor, Professor
Paul Clark and Member for Lismore, Mr Thomas
George MP, took the driving seat in February to
officially launch the Leukaemia Foundation courtesy
transport vehicle for Northern NSW.
The dedicated fundraising efforts of the Lismore
community during the annual World’s Greatest
Shave have made it all possible. In 2004 the region
raised an incredible $54,000 to become the top
NSW regional fundraiser. Southern Cross University
is generously supporting the program by providing
accommodation for the car. The Seagulls Club in
Tweed Heads also contributed crucial funds to help
get the car on the road.
Chief Executive of Leukaemia
Foundation NSW, Peter Schell, said,
“We are thrilled to be introducing
this courtesy transport program
to the Lismore region. The
local community has given the
Foundation so much support over
the years that it is great to further
add to our services in the area.
“This vehicle will transport local
patients and families living with
blood cancers and related disorders
to treatment centres in Lismore,
Ballina and Tweed Heads. The
service is run entirely by volunteer
drivers - the first group has already
been through the training program
and are keen to start driving straight
away!”
SCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Clark said it was
an excellent initiative which would provide a muchneeded service for patients.
“Leukaemia touches so many people in our
community. We hope that by assisting with this
project we can make their day-to-day life a little
easier,” Professor Clark said.
The courtesy transport program is an essential service,
as a major concern for patients during treatment is the
severe weakening of their immune systems, leaving
them susceptible to infections and unable
to use public transport. Volunteer drivers also provide
a friendly face and someone to talk to during a
difficult time.
4
Professor Paul Clark, Leukaemia Foundation NSW Chief Executive
Peter Schell and Thomas George MP with the new Holden.
BIANCA GRATEFUL FOR ‘HOME AWAY FROM HOME’
The last thing Bianca Calliss
expected during the first month of
her marriage was to be diagnosed
with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
(ALL). It meant having to pack her
bags and make the trip from Mount
Gambier to Adelaide for immediate
treatment.
While having intensive
chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant from her
twin sister, Bianca was able to stay in the Leukaemia
Foundation units in Wayville for the majority of her
time in Adelaide.
Her new husband and parents were able to come
and go as they needed to, juggling their business and
family commitments in Mount Gambier with their
desire to be near Bianca during her treatment. This
PAGE 4 The Carer - Issue One 2005
support from her family was essential and relieved
a lot of the stress for Bianca during her long stay in
Adelaide, as she was uncertain about when she would
be able to get home.
“We were there from June for about seven months.
The unit is fully furnished and the only thing you have
to do is supply your own food,” Bianca said.
At last Bianca has been able to head home
permanently, although she still has to return to
Adelaide regularly for check ups. She is so grateful
for the help she has received that she is pouring her
new-found energy into supporting the Foundation
in return. Bianca has been encouraging her local
community in Mount Gambier to participate in the
2005 World’s Greatest Shave, raising over $5000.
CORPORATES COMPETE TO REACH THE TOP 20
Big business and small companies around the country
were competing to be among the top 20 major
fundraisers in the World’s Greatest Shave.
Thousands of bosses and staff asked colleagues,
clients and industry networks to sponsor them to
shave or colour their heads and raise funds for the
care and cure of people living with leukaemias,
lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.
This year, businesses like PricewaterhouseCoopers,
National Australia Bank and Holden attracted
significant sponsorship dollars by holding events,
interoffice competitions, promotions or auctions.
Bosses even challenged their main competitors or
placed a bounty on their head for staff to bid for the
chance to shave it.
Australia’s top business leaders agree that support for
the World’s Greatest Shave meets corporate social
responsibility objectives but just as importantly it’s
good for staff morale and pride in the company.
1. The team from Transfield Worley in Western Australia’s
Pilbara region proved they could indeed ‘take it all off’ by
getting behind the World’s Greatest Shave in a big way this
year. They even looked the part!
2. Western Australian government agencies were huge
supporters of the event again this year. Office of Energy
employees (L-R) Nathan Johnston and Valentin Fryst
enjoyed their new looks at their Shave event.
3. Vernon Parrott from Goldman Sachs JBWere decided
to go for a ‘mohawk’ look.
4. Staff at Mega Save Chemist in Erina Shopping Centre NSW
really got behind the event and ‘wigged out’ for the day.
5. Jennifer Unsworth shaved off her incredible floor length
hair, supported by colleagues at Citibank in Sydney.
6. Looking nervous but having fun! 5 partners and 2 staff
from Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in Adelaide lost hair in one
way or another. Three trademark moustaches got the chop
with their owners dubbed the ‘Three Amigos’.
7. Garry Morris from National Australia Bank in Sydney had
his hair shaved down to a mohawk. Garry sported his new
do for 24 hours until NSW Minister for Roads, The Hon
Michael Costa, MLC put him out of his misery!
8. PwC was the highest corporate fundraiser in 2004, raising
over $230,000. They hope to beat this in 2005 with over
120 staff across Australia taking it off – including staff in
Sydney (pictured).
9. Holden Managing Director Mr Denny Mooney had his
head shaved by Mr Ralph D’Silva (Melbourne
Holden dealer Council President).
10. Not everyone at Colonial
First State took it all off.
There were a few
colourful mohawks
in the office during
World’s Greatest Shave.
7
6
4
3
1
5
2
... Af
ter
8
5
9
10
Before ...
PAGE 5 The Carer - Issue One 2005
CELEBRITIES PUT THEIR HEADS ON THE LINE!
Large numbers of high profile personalities put their
locks on the line for the Foundation including sporting
celebrities, leading businessmen, television presenters
and musicians.
7. Adelaide’s Archbishop Philip Wilson was willing to give
up his hair. The Archbishop lost his brother to leukaemia
nine years ago and said he is keen to do anything he can to
support vital research.
They all had a great time and helped raise funds for
World’s Greatest Shave as well as valuable awareness
about the Leukaemia Foundation.
8. Lady Mayoress of Brisbane, Lisa Newman, prepares to lose
her locks at Brisbane’s main shave event at King George
Square.
1. (L-R) Alwyn Even, Regional President of the Housing
Industry Association WA; Lucio Di Giallonardo, Treasurer
of the Leukaemia Foundation; John Dastlik, Executive
Director of the Housing Industry Association WA.
9. Former Wallaby and international rugby sensation,
Tim Horan, extends his support for the Foundation and
prepares to colour for a great cause.
Alwyn and John were the Housing Industry Association’s
‘Celebrity Heads’ and due to the enormous support of the
Western Australian building and construction industry
were able to raise in excess of $80,000 for the Leukaemia
Foundation.
10. The Mayor of Wyong Shire put a $5,000 bounty on his
head and agreed to go blonde if the target was reached.
He raised this and more, with a lot of help
from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.
9
1
2. Dicko Harding, owner of Orion (WA) Ltd. raised a
phenomenal $60,000 as WA’s Goldfields Region ‘Celebrity
Head’.
3. Young leukaemia and lymphoma patients and their siblings
from Sydney and Wollongong gave Hayley and Jack from
Channel 10’s Totally Wild an extreme makeover on the
show.
4. Brave Channel 10 Video Hits presenter, Axle Whitehead,
lost his locks live on Good Morning Australia. He came
back for more a few weeks later and hosted the Australia
Square event in Sydney, with special guests including Marty
from Australian Idol.
2
5. Abdullah Al-Azzammi, aged 8 from Victoria, is in remission
from leukaemia. Abdullah, an avid Essendon fan, always
wanted to meet his footy heroes and his dream came true
when he met the Bombers to ask them to help in the fight
against leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related
blood disorders.
6. SA Redbacks Captain, Graham Manou, shows off his new
hairstyle to Fundraising and Events
Manager, Pam Gable.
6
3
8
4
5
7
10
PAGE 6 The Carer - Issue One 2005
il Hearne at
Photo credit: Phwspaper
Sun Weekly Ne
COMMUNITIES GETTING TOGETHER
2
Whole communities came together to raise funds and
have fun in towns, schools, pubs, clubs, and shopping
centres. Look out for the next Carer for news about the
top fundraising school and groups.
3
1. Over 40 men from the Combined Emergency Training
Academy in Queensland shaved their heads raising more
than $4,000.
2. The Vic in Subiaco, WA, held a huge WGS event with staff
leading the way with their radical hairstyles. (L to R) Daniel
Robe and Will Barrett from The Vic showed their true colours
with their Fremantle Dockers vs West Coast Eagles styles.
4
3. (L to R) Arthur, Vanessa and Sue from Monash University,
Peninsular Campus, show everyone that bald is beautiful.
At least 100 staff, students and children from the campus day
care centre coloured or shaved raising $7,500.
4. Raymond Terrace Shopping Centre, NSW, invited staff and
shoppers to drop by. Leukaemia Foundation volunteer Lachlan
McVicar (L) had a chance to try out his hairdressing skills.
INDIVIDUALS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE….
Thousands of people decided to ‘go it alone’ and take
part as individuals. These brave shavers and colourers
were supported by family and friends and all looked
fantastic after their transformation was complete.
Many were motivated to get involved as their lives
have been touched by blood cancers in some way.
1
5. WA barman Ryan Ossey shaved
his head and then bravely
auctioned off his eyebrows to
the highest bidder.
Before ...
6. Joshua Croll from NSW shows
his true colours.
1. Volunteer driver in SA, Dennis Gohl, tried a new ‘do’ .
2
2. Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales,
Dr Julian Cox, put his impressive locks on the line.
... Afte
3. Eleven year old Sydney schoolgirl Shoshana Booth.
Shoshana shaved off her lovely auburn locks and
raised over $6,500.
4. Abby from Adelaide said, “This process has made me
realise how brave the people are who fight this disease
every day. People treat you a little differently when you
have next to no hair.”
r
4
... Aft
er
1
2
6
5
Before ...
3
PAGE 7 The Carer - Issue One 2005
TAKING IT ALL OFF….IN PUBLIC!
Huge public events took place in capital cities across
Australia. Corporates, celebrities, shoppers and
passers by shaved in Sydney, went bald in Brisbane,
multicoloured in Melbourne, pink in Perth and ‘airless
in Adelaide!
1. The World’s Greatest Shave was launched in South
Australia at the Stamford Grand in Glenelg with (L to R):
Mia Handshin (Advertiser), Jason Gunther (Shaver Shop)
and partner, Tracey Clegg (LF), Allan Hayward (LF), Abby
Edwards (Onya Soapbox), Greg Chappell (cricketer & LF
patron), Dave Simms (LF), Nick Orfanos (chairman LF SA
Board), Lehmo (SAFM), Tania Geyer (face of campaign),
Pam Gable (LF), Simon Cain (Redbacks).
2. Haematologists, oncology nurses and patients, family
and friends got together to shave and colour in the Royal
Adelaide Hospital foyer. Jane Reilly from Channel 10 (L)
helped out with the styling.
3. Leukaemia Foundation volunteers at the Centro Galleria
event in WA. (L-R) Sharon Kay, Jen Boulger, Caroline
Badminton.
4. LFWA Support Services Coordinator Sandy McKiernan and
her husband Steven both had their heads shaved at the Sail
and Anchor in Fremantle. They have raised almost $1,500
for their brand new looks.
4
5. Lucky ladies get shaved by a Sydney Swan at the public
event in Australia Square, Sydney.
5
6. Victorian Opposition Health Spokesman, David Davis and
Minister for Health The Hon Bronwyn Pike MP add the
finishing touches to Leukaemia Foundation’s National CEO,
Margaret Ryan’s shaved hair with a splash of colour.
1
7
2
3
5
PAGE 8 The Carer - Issue One 2005
LEUKAEMIA FOUNDATION WA STAFF VISIT REGIONAL
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
like to support the people in their
region. By raising funds for LFWA
you are supporting the people from
your region who have to come to
Perth for treatment.”
In the 13 months from January
2004 until the end of January
2005, the Leukaemia Foundation
of Western Australia has had 386
newly diagnosed patients referred
to its services. Of those, 65 have
been patients living in regional
WA.
LFWA staff will be visiting the
Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, MidWest, Wheatbelt and Goldfields
regions in the coming months.
The first trip is planned for early
April and will encompass Toodyay,
Gingin, Moora, Meekatharra,
Newman, Tom Price, Port Hedland
and South Hedland, Karratha,
Exmouth, Carnarvon, Denham,
Kalbarri, Geraldton and Jurien.
LFWA provides support for patients
from each of these centres.
While a diagnosis of leukaemia,
lymphoma or myeloma has a
huge impact regardless of where
you live, patients living in regional
areas have no option but to
come to Perth for treatment and
they face significant additional
burdens.
“When someone from a regional
area is diagnosed with an acute
A trip to Broome and Derby is
form of leukaemia they usually
planned for 6 to 13 May with
have less than 24 hours to pack
timing for a visit to the Goldfields
up their bags, hop on a plane
region to be confirmed. Since
and move to Perth to receive
Places where LFWA is currently
October
2004 Community
their medical treatment. They
supporting patients and families.
Development Coordinator Dean
have to leave their work, family,
Starbuck has travelled extensively
friends and commitments behind.
throughout the South West and
Treatment lasts eight months on
Great Southern regions, meeting many patients and
average but often takes much longer,” explains Kris
supporters in his travels.
Laurie, CEO of the Leukaemia Foundation of WA.
With the aim of sharing the latest information about
The Leukaemia Foundation provides accommodation,
treatments and what help is available with as many
transportation to and from hospitals and specialists’
people as possible, LFWA are keen to speak at
appointments, education, counselling, support and
meetings of clubs, Chambers of Commerce and other
many other forms of assistance, at no cost to the
organisations.
patient and family.
In addition to the 65 regional people referred in the
past 13 months, the Foundation is still providing
support for many others referred in previous years.
LFWA is currently supporting patients and families
from 117 towns in WA plus other stations or ‘places’.
Please contact
the Foundation
office to arrange
a meeting on
08 9272 9332.
With this in mind, the team from LFWA will be visiting
these towns and ‘places’ to meet patients, doctors,
families, organisations and businesses to showcase our
services and to encourage patients to take advantage
of the assistance we can provide.
“It is very important that the GPs in each town are
aware of our services so they can pass the word onto
their patients. Hopefully that way we can avoid
situations where newly diagnosed and distressed
families come to Perth not knowing where they
are going to stay, how they are going to get around
and who they can turn to for practical assistance
and general information about the diagnosis and
treatments,” said Mrs Laurie.
“That’s why the support of regional communities is
so important. We often hear that regional businesses
Clint, from Kalgoorlie, was diagnosed with Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2000. He was forced
to relocate to the city to receive lifesaving medical
treatment. Tina, his mother and carer, moved to Perth
with Clint and they lived in the Leukaemia Foundation’s
accommodation units on and off for a period of 4 years.
PAGE 9 The Carer - Issue One 2005
BRIDGESTONE PROVIDES LUCKY LEUKAEMIA PATIENTS
GRAND PRIX RESPITE
Two lucky leukaemia patients met Peter Brock and
spent time in the Jordan F1 Garage as very special
guests of the Leukaemia Foundation’s partner,
Bridgestone, at the Melbourne Grand Prix in March.
Peter Ioannou, 46, from Melbourne was diagnosed
with Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APML) in 2002
and has been undergoing treatment at The Alfred
Hospital.
“I was so grateful to be given the opportunity to
go to the Grand Prix. Bridgestone is doing great
work through its partnership with the Leukaemia
Foundation, but taking us to the Grand Prix was
something I never expected,” said Peter.
“Bridgestone has been a long term supporter of the
Leukaemia Foundation, in conjunction with the Peter
Brock Foundation. Nationally we provide 12 vehicles
dressed up as racing cars to transport leukaemia
patients to and from hospitals for treatment.
“We believe in playing a role in supporting our
community.”
Bridgestone is a major supplier to the Australian
automotive industry and is a partner to the Leukaemia
Foundation, raising funds since 2000.
Thanuja De Saram, who also attended the Grand Prix
thanks to Bridgestone, is from Sri Lanka where he is
not able to get treatment for his Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukaemia. Thanuja has been coming to Australia
for several years and in January, underwent a bone
marrow transplant. He has to stay in Australia for the
next six months for follow-up treatment.
Bridgestone executive director, Andrew Moffatt said,
“Having been dealt the hard blow of being diagnosed
with leukaemia, we wanted to give a couple of
patients something to smile about - a chance to
experience the Melbourne Grand Prix in the exclusive
paddock club environment.”
(L-R) Kanishke De Saram, Peter Ioannou,
Helen Ioannou, Peter Brock and Thanuja De Saram at
the Melbourne Grand Prix.
FOUNDATION HELPS FAMILY WITH SCHOOL RUN
James Barker was only
three years old when he
was diagnosed with Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
His parents and their four
children under the age of six
had to relocate the 500km
from Albany to Perth while
James received his lifesaving
medical treatment at
Princess Margaret Hospital.
they receive a diagnosis of a blood cancer or related
disorder.
Regional patients and their carers are forced to
leave behind their work, friends and family for an
undetermined period of time while they receive vital
medical attention in major treatment centres.
The Leukaemia Foundation
of Western Australia assisted
the Barker family in their
daily struggle by driving
James’ oldest sister Karlee to school each morning and
picking her up every afternoon in the Foundation’s
patient transport vehicle, the Peter Brock car. Karlee
looked forward to her pick ups and drop-offs at school
in the Brock car.
James Barker enjoying
some well earned
playtime.
The Barker family’s story is a typical example of
the additional problems regional people face when
PAGE 10 The Carer - Issue One 2005
Karlee Barker with Support Services Manager, Sarah Barnes.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
The Leukaemia Foundation provides patients
and families with a huge range of support, from
accommodation and transport to counselling
and education. Foundation staff in cities, towns
and country areas right across Australia ensure
patients get the very best personalised care.
Carer spoke to cancer nurse Tania Cushion, one
of the Foundation’s Support Services Coordinators
in Melbourne, and asked what a typical day might
hold…
8:30am
I arrive in the office and check my emails. They could
cover anything from arranging venues and speakers
for a patient support seminar to a request from a
health professional for information about a rare form
of blood cancer.
10:00am
The phone rings and it is James from Shepparton,
a 30-year-old who has just been diagnosed with
Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. I talk to him about
the disease, how it will affect his life and what it all
means. We also discuss his fears and anxieties about
the future. I’m on the phone to James for an hour
and let him know about the accommodation we can
provide when he comes to Melbourne for treatment,
which he tells me is a great relief. I also send James
our patient information brochure on CML. Many
people don’t know about the range of support services
the Foundation can offer until they talk to a Support
Services Coordinator, so being able to describe the
strong support network we provide is so important.
One of the worst things for patients after diagnosis is
fear of the unknown. Being able to talk to someone
about what they can expect over the coming months
and years makes a huge difference, and often by the
end of the call you’re talking to a much more relaxed
and reassured person.
11:30am
I drive to the Royal Melbourne Hospital to visit
patients and their families. One mother particularly
needs a chat. She has been bringing her daughter
for chemotherapy three times a week for the last six
months and the gruelling treatment regime is taking its
toll on her and her family. The Foundation has been
providing transport to and from the Hospital, but the
strain is really showing. The nurses do a great job but
they often don’t have time to sit with someone and
answer all their questions. I can see that this mother
really appreciates my time and advice.
1:30pm
A family from the NSW/Victoria border is coming to stay
in the patient accommodation units in Carlton.
I go to let them in, show them round and make them feel
comfortable. They haven’t visited the city very often and
it’s only a couple of days since the mother was diagnosed
so the whole family is visibly shaken. I can see they’re so
relieved to have pre-arranged accommodation to come
to: it’s one less thing on their minds.
3:00pm
Back to the office to catch up on emails. I also need
to set up a couple of appointments for patients who
need extra support from a psychologist. One needs
grief counselling and the other isn’t coping well with
diagnosis. My first focus is always the patient and if
I can’t provide what they need I will always support
them to find it elsewhere. I make contact with all
new patients, regardless of which service they are
using. I make sure they know about all the help that
is available and provide an independent ear outside
the hospital to listen and reassure.
4:00pm
Next month I will be visiting regional Victoria to meet
with health professionals and inform them about
what the Foundation does. I am currently setting up
meetings with social workers, haematology nurses and
GPs to ensure I make the most out of my trip. Many
hospitals don’t provide specific training on blood and
bone marrow cancers so we give talks and provide
information to support staff.
5:30pm
After a few more phone calls with patients and health
professionals my day is coming to an end. I’ve done
a lot of listening and a lot of talking, which can be
draining, but the best thing about the job is knowing
you’ve made a difference to somebody’s life. Patients
can be very distressed when they call you and by the
end of the conversation they sound so much better. It’s
very satisfying – I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
Tania Cushion at work
PAGE 11 The Carer - Issue One 2005
THIRTY YEARS OF INSPIRING HOPE THROUGH
CARE AND RESEARCH
Thirty years ago, the Leukaemia Foundation was
formed in Queensland by a handful of committed
people who had a vision to care for people with
leukaemia and their families.
compromised immune systems, were being treated on
a verandah, separated only by a curtain, from many
other patients who had a range of infectious diseases,”
Dr Olsen said.
Back in 1975, conditions for Queenslanders with
leukaemia were bleak. Facilities, equipment and
treatments for patients were virtually non-existent.
Understanding of the disease was extremely
limited both in the general public and the medical
establishment.
Holland Park Lions Club got involved when its
secretary, Bernie Stevensen, whose son John was
a patient of Dr Olsen’s, invited him to address the
club. Dr Olsen presented his case. The club voted
unanimously to help leukaemia patients and their
families - the Leukaemia Foundation was born.
Dr Trevor Olsen had recently returned to Brisbane to
establish a clinical haematology practice in Brisbane
- the first private practice of its kind in the state. His
frustration at the lack of medical treatments and
facilities during the 1970s motivated him to personally
go out and raise funds for medical equipment and
raise awareness of the disease.
The Lions Leukaemia Foundation (as it was known)
was incorporated on the 9 October 1975. The newly
formed foundation set four goals:
“There was a gross lack of facilities in our hospitals
for sterile nursing care. Leukaemia patients, with
•to provide medical care
•provide patient support
•research better treatments and possible cures
•provide education for patients and their families
and nursing staff.
The first major milestone for the new Foundation
was the purchase of a blood cell separator machine
(valued, at the time, at over $20,000) which
was donated as a gift to the Mater Hospital for
treatment of leukaemic patients.
Never in their wildest dreams did the
founding members imagine their vision
would, 30 years later, have turned into a
national organisation which offers patients
with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma
and related blood disorders world class
care, support and facilities.
Three of the seven founders of the Leukaemia
Foundation of Queensland, Bernie Stevenson, Keith
Ledger and Dr Trevor Olsen (not present are Fred Bylett,
Robert Kendall, Graham Powell and Ken Walters).
Photo courtesy of the South East Advertiser, Quest Newspapers.
THY WILL BE DONE
Writing a Will is one of the most important things that
you should do in your lifetime. It is a significant part
of your financial estate planning and often overlooked. It is a fact that fifty percent of Australians die
without a Will. One of the common statements heard
is, “I don’t have a lot to leave”. Even the smallest and
simplest estates need a Will and where there are considerable assets it is essential.
A Will is a legal document that comes into effect
when you die. It outlines how your assets will be
distributed. If you die without a Will your next of kin
will be left to sort out your affairs and this can be very
PAGE 12 The Carer - Issue One 2005
expensive, with the possibility of legal and court costs.
It is also very likely that taxes may reduce the amount
that the beneficiaries receive.
If you have a Will it is essential that you review it at
least every year as your circumstances and those of
your beneficiaries may change. ‘Budget Wills’ such as
those sold in newsagencies or via mail order might be
helpful in the planning stages. However, Wills should
be formalised by an expert.
Please call 1800 620 420 or visit our website
at www.leukaemia.com if you would like more
information on this important subject.