World Leukaemia Day is Monday, 4 September and the Leukaemia Foundation is urging all Australians impacted by the disease to reach out for support. The introduction of Australia’s first and only dedicated blood cancer support line ensures that every person facing blood cancer can access specialised support and services in one simple step.

Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti says, “The Leukaemia Foundation’s experienced blood cancer support professionals are only a phone call away." 

The Foundation has been named Australia's most reputable cancer charity and third most reputable charity overall and stands with Australia to help cure and conquer blood cancer – with care. 

Mr Tanti reveals that more than 5200 Australians are diagnosed with leukaemia each year, and this number could more than double by 2035. More Australians than ever are experiencing the devastation of a leukaemia or another type of blood cancer diagnosis, with support desperately required. 

In fact, seven in 10 people with a blood cancer like leukaemia will face emotional challenges, and almost 40 per cent of them have a lot of questions or feel completely uncertain about their diagnosis, so this support is definitely needed.

“A blood cancer diagnosis can be devastating, disruptive and an emotional rollercoaster, with many Australians thrust into lifesaving treatment within hours of diagnosis,” Mr Tanti said.

“The Leukaemia Foundation can offer these Australians access to life-changing, wraparound health services and support from the moment they are diagnosed, during treatment, and throughout their entire journey to remission and beyond,” Mr Tanti adds.

Every single person impacted by leukaemia, or any type of blood cancer including myeloma and lymphoma, is urged not to delay, but pick up the phone and call the Leukaemia Foundation.

Whether you’re living with blood cancer, undergoing treatment, in remission, a carer, or grieving the loss of a loved one, the Leukaemia Foundation is available to guide you through the emotional, physical, and psychosocial challenges of blood cancer in a safe and supportive way.

The Bugle spoke to local blood cancer survivor and fighter Sandra Bottrell. Her battle with blood cancer presented itself after a major trauma in her life, when she was 30. Since then, Sandra has developed resilience and believes “the mind is one of the biggest factors in creating and healing disease”. Trauma can be a trigger for symptoms i.e., relationship breakdown, death, accidents, Covid-19 and business losses et al.  



In her battle with the disease, which included both drugs and natural therapies, the impact on Sandra’s time has been huge. However, the time, money, and effort invested is just part of a life journey and she has developed a passion for superfoods and grief therapy. Sandra became a ‘raw food’ chef/Instructor through the ‘Living Light Culinary Institute’ in California, USA. 

Sandra said, “Friends of mine that are also blood cancer sufferers have tried many different therapies that are available overseas and spent a lot of money and time challenging their diagnoses.” 

To see one through the vagaries of the disease, she recommends maintaining a toxin free life and the benefit of “a strong support network - friends and counselling.” 

Blood cancer has not stopped Sandra living a full life, from sales to owning her own food business (Raw Love Super Foods, in Melbourne), and producing super raw food treats from her Kiama home. She also offers grief counselling and is a sought-after speaker and healer in the area. Philosophically she acknowledges that it's remarkable how we learn to live with the hand we are dealt and even try to beat the dealer!   

For information and support visit www.bloodcancer.org.au or call the blood cancer support line Monday to Friday on 1800 620 420.