Volunteers celebrate major milestone

Photo: Past President Bev Mirolo OAM; Haematologist, Dr Trevor Olsen; board member Adj Prof Jane Hancock; Prof Graeme Nimmo; Her Excellency Dr Young; Leukaemia Foundation of Australia CEO Chris Tanti; board member Dr Angela Milligan.

A dedicated group of volunteers from Albany Creek shared in the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia’s 50^th anniversary celebrations at Government House recently.

Queensland Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young and her husband Professor Graeme Nimmo hosted a morning tea on September 30 for dozens of Leukaemia Foundation staff, members and ambassador Humphrey B Bear.

Members of the members of the Albany Creek Leukaemia Foundation Branch were among them.

“From its humble beginnings in 1975, the Leukaemia Foundation has grown into a national force – raising vital funds in order to commission ground-breaking research, improve support for patients, and advocate for better care and treatment options for the thousands of Australians who face the daunting journey of blood cancer,” Her Excellency said.

“Bridging the health divide between people living in metropolitan and regional areas has been a particular area of focus, and I commend the Foundation’s efforts to ensure that every Queenslander, no matter where they live has access to equitable treatment and support.

“Through its efforts over the past five decades the Foundation has become a trusted leader in the provision of blood cancer research, advice and treatment.”

Her Excellency said thanks to donors, sponsors, corporate partnerships and government funding, the Foundation had raised more than $300 million.

“These fundraising efforts are more than just numbers. For blood cancer patients they represent lives saved, hopes restored, and futures made possible,” she said.

“Equally inspiring is the Foundation’s commitment to evidence-based research. I commend the Foundation for committing more than 61 million dollars to date towards blood cancer research and, importantly, for coordinating a national approach which ensures research outcomes are translated into clinical trials, clinical practice and new treatments which benefit patients.

“I extend my gratitude to the Foundation, its leadership team, staff and supporters for their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of blood cancer patients. The work you do matters deeply to all of us.”

What began as a grassroots effort in Queensland has since grown into a nationwide movement with over 150 staff around the country, proudly supporting the more than 150,000 people and their loved ones in Australia living with blood cancer.