In December 2015, Christina was living in Byron Bay and studying at medical school, when her boyfriend at the time, singer-songwriter Timothy James Bowen was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. 

In this episode, Christina reflects on how her knowledge as a doctor influenced how she managed her role as a carer, and how her life was impacted by Timothy's diagnosis. She discusses how important family was during this time and how they all rallied together to help Timothy. 

Christina shares the most important lessons they learnt along the way; including creating a safe space to share honest emotions within their relationship.

The Leukaemia Foundation offer a range of services. Click below to read more.

• Accommodation services
• Support services

You may have heard of Timothy James Bowen – in 2020, he was a contestant on Australia's TV show, The Voice. In this episode, we ask with the singer/songwriter to take us back to the time of his diagnosis; a time when Timothy was building his music career – writing and recording music and playing shows on tour.

Timothy was tired and sore, but he put that down to his busy lifestyle, his poor posture, and spending hours in the recording studio. After an innocent sneeze caused him to fall over in pain, Timothy realised that something more serious could be going on. Eventually, on 17 December 2015, Timothy was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma. 

In this episode, Timothy discusses what it was like to endure six months of chemotherapy. He shares the value in having an interest or creative outlet (or many – in Timothy's case), and the importance of connection and support.

The Leukaemia Foundation offer a range of services. Click below to read more.

• Accommodation services
• Support services

In 2016, Esther Xu’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 

Up to that point, Esther had led quite a smooth, high-achieving life, ticking off most of her parents’ wish list.

Esther was living in Australia, but is originally from Shanghai in China. Not only did Esther have to deal with the physical effects of a blood cancer diagnosis, she also had to deal with the emotional and cultural complexities.

Esther discusses the mental challenges she faced, how she navigated familial expectations, and how she has channelled her diagnosis into her "mission".

Further information

• About Esther Xu
• Understanding radiation therapy

The Leukaemia Foundation offer a range of services. Click below to read more.

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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.

Further information

• Gather My Crew
• Australian Bone Marrow Registry
• Lifeblood
• UR the Cure

The Leukaemia Foundation offer a range of services. Click below to read more.

• Accommodation services
• Support services
• Leukaemia Foundation's Caring for the Carer Course

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).

Our host, and one of the Leukaemia Foundation's Blood Cancer Support Coordinators Kate Arkadieff speaks with Brendan about his journey and what it was like to receive a blood cancer diagnosis while living in regional Queensland, have a bone marrow transplant, and go on to be a survivor of AML.

Further information

The Leukaemia Foundation offer a range of services. Click below to read more.

• Accommodation services
• Support services

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. 

Further information

• Read Kirsty Everett's book - "Honeyblood"

The Leukaemia Foundation offer a range of services. Click below to read more.

• Accommodation services
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Julie Allen lived with vague symptoms for quite some time – back pain, flu-like symptoms – but she explained these away with her busy life as a physiotherapist and mother of three young kids.

But, after a few rounds of antibiotics, things didn't get better. Julie was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Julie discusses how she coped with a blood cancer diagnosis as a young mum, and shares some insight and expertise on the importance of exercise as a treatment for cancer.

Further information

• The Pentimento Project

The Leukaemia Foundation offer a range of services. Click below to read more.

• Accommodation services
• Support services