SADLY Australia’s blood cancer death rate is the highest it has been in a decade.
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With diagnosis rates climbing, the Leukaemia Foundation needs the Mid North Coast community to help raise $700,000 to provide urgent support and decrease the stress on families.
Blood cancer is the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. In 2017, it is estimated that the risk of an individual being diagnosed with leukaemia by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 59.
Port Macquarie woman Judith Manser has fought cancer and come out the other side.
She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma of the blood, in 2013.
The plasma attacks the bones, making little holes. When Mrs Manser was diagnosed, her condition was already severe.
“For most people there are no symptoms and my specialist doesn’t know how long I had it for,” she said.
“I had holes from the top of my skull right down to my ankles.”
A small fall at Sydney Airport caused damage to her ribs. Blood tests and an x-ray later revealed she had the disease.
Mrs Manser used the Leukaemia Foundation for a range of services including transport, accommodation in Sydney where she was treated and for support.
I had holes from the top of my skull right down to my ankles.
- Judith Manser
“They are amazing. They do so much for patients, more than what people may know,” she said.
“I’m now in complete remission. I could not be going any better than I am going now, which is amazing. It’s wonderful.”
Mrs Manser wanted the Port Macquarie community to be aware of just how many people are impacted by the disease.
“Please come out and support the Leukaemia Foundation as they seek to support us, the people going through the blood cancers,” she said.
“There are many in Port Macquarie. Multiple myeloma is only two percent of the cancer population, and I am amazed at how many in Port Macquarie have it.”
In November, Port Macquarie holds the Light the Night event at Westport Park.
Now in its tenth year, Light the Night is a unique fundraising event that brings Australia’s blood cancer community together in more than 100 locations to remember and reflect during a moving ceremony and short lantern walk.
Last year more than 35,000 people from every Australian state and territory attended 143 Light the Night events.
“I’d love to see people out donating and supporting us on that occasion,” Mrs Manser said.
Those living on the Mid North Coast can help make a difference by giving online at www.leukaemia.org.au or call 1800 620 420.