Spring 2013
TheCONTENTS Well Wisher 01 Cancer & Wellness 02 A Personal Message 03 Our Partner - 04 Gala Event 2013 05 Walk with Olivia for Centre Greets New from Olivia Betta Home Wellness Patients Living Olivia’s Tribute To Her Thank you for Being Sister A Lasting Tribute a Friend
Cancer & Wellness Centre Greets New Patients Shane Crowe is happy that the new Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre at Austin Health is finally fully open. “It’s nice to work somewhere that feels like home.” Shane is the Project Director, Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre Transition at Austin Health. Since 2011, he and his team have planned and organised the movement of the Centre’s cancer patients, staff, equipment, and supplies. Shane and his team had the difficult job of preparing staff and patients so they knew what was happening on the day of the move, to make it a seamless move for patients, and to ease any worries they may have had. Since opening last July, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre has slowly but surely become completely occupied. Last year, some of the researchers from the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and all of the outpatient services moved in. This year, on 14 and 15 August, 44 acute and 17 palliative care inpatients in brand new beds were moved into the new Cancer & Wellness Centre from the old Cancer Wards. Nurse Jo and PSA’s Jack and Mary move the first inpatient, Anthony Conroy, into the Cancer & Wellness Centre. In July, the remaining researchers were moved in with new laboratories opened. We are still transitioning patients with Patients are excited too. There are more single rooms on the eight surgical patients to be moved into their new Ward in Wards and most of the palliative care rooms are single. They early September. are trading drab grey and white shared rooms at the old Cancer Ward for warm colourful rooms with wellness spaces All this activity marks the full occupancy of the Cancer & for rest or relief. There’s even a lovely quiet garden they can Wellness Centre. A feat we are all so very proud of. see from their balcony or window adding to their sense of Staff are most excited about this move. Shane shared that, wellness and wellbeing. “being able to give treatments in one convenient location is The Centre does more than just treat cancer. Patients are able a big deal. Moving around is very difficult for someone who’s to access wellness services and therapies designed to care already sick from cancer or chemotherapy.” for their body, mind, and spirit. Supportive therapies such as He also credits the new state-of-the-art communications massage and music therapy are available, along with activities system for an incredible result – maximising the delivery such as yoga and healthy cooking classes. of care. Improved interaction between staff and patients Continued on page 3... has caused “huge decreases in clinical care wait times for outpatients. We’re confident the same will happen for inpatients.” A Personal Message from Olivia I am so grateful to you all and for sharing in our vision. Your belief and your support have made this wonderful dream a reality - the Centre is open and growing! It’s so exciting that everyone has now moved into the Centre and that every floor is about to be fully occupied! I am thrilled and extremely grateful for how far we have come, and so look forward to welcoming the incoming patients to the new wards in the Centre in September. The Centre now stands as a great testimony to wellness. The walk will be a celebration of the opening of the Centre - the coming together of community walking side by side Wellness is crucial to enjoying life to the fullest - and when with us all in celebration of having created this amazing you are living with cancer, the opportunity to assist the facility right here in Melbourne. journey back to wellness is a gift. Finally, I am humbled to be the guest of honour at the I know from my experience with cancer that the programs inaugural ONJ Gala 2013 taking place at the iconic Regent we offer at the Wellness Centre help patients and their Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne. It will be a fun evening with carers stay balanced, calm and relaxed on their journey many of the guests dressing up as their favourite Grease through cancer, with programs like yoga and the personal character to celebrate the movie’s 35th anniversary. touch of oncological massage and acupuncture. They allow (I wonder who I should come as?) us to remain creative and spontaneous with our music and art programs, and to be able to share our experiences with I am so excited about this very special event and can’t wait others on the same path through our support groups - a to share the stage with dear friends like Kate Ceberano, true wellness community on the hospital grounds. My James Reyne, my niece Tottie Goldsmith and many more. dream come true! So thrilled that it will be hosted by my friends Deborah Hutton and David Campbell - this night will be great fun! When you have cancer or support someone with cancer, you often face a massive amount of stress which can in Finally, thank you again for your generous support and, turn compromise your wellness - these programs give let’s continue building on our journey to wellness. critical support to the carers. We appreciate the Our Wellness Program creates wellness spaces all over the wonderful support Centre and offers a full range of activities so participants we receive from you, learn important new skills on their way back to wellness, our supporters and like learning to manage their stress. ask that you keep on making the Centre I am so encouraged to hear how patients are finding a success for people strength and gaining more control of their lives through living with cancer. the programs. Love and Light, I also extend a personal invitation to you and every Olivia supporter to walk with me through Ivanhoe and Heidelberg during The Wellness Walk on Sunday, 15 September. I am very passionate about walking and health. For me, these walks represent the steps every cancer patient takes on their road to wellness. Olivia’s Tribute to Her Sister “As a cancer ‘thriver’ myself… I am very aware of the “Thank you for all importance of love, support, and family during this journey your kind words of she is about to begin.” support, and for the many people who Back in April, Olivia Newton-John learned that her beloved contributed to our sister Rona had cancer. Immediately, she postponed a Cancer & Wellness series of Las Vegas shows in order to spend time with her Centre in memory sister, just as Rona had done for her two decades earlier. of my beautiful Shortly after Rona passed away, Olivia posted this message sister Rona. I know on Facebook: My beautiful sister Rona sadly passed on May her wish would be 24th in Los Angeles. It was May 25th in Australia – which is to help others.” our mother Irene’s birthday. Rona died of a very aggressive brain tumour and mercifully suffered no pain. She was With love and surrounded by the love of her four children – Fiona, Brett, thanks, Olivia Tottie, and Emerson and her wonderful friends. I will miss Olivia’s beloved sister, Rona. her forever – my beautiful, smart, talented, funny, brave sister Rona. Cancer & Wellness A lasting tribute Centre Greets New Patients Cont. We are already getting encouraging feedback from patients who are enjoying the benefits of the programs on offer. The Centre is raising funds to continue to grow and expand its Wellness Program. Every donation received will help us deliver more wellness services to patients. The Cancer & Wellness Centre is a proud symbol of Austin Health’s commitment to state-of-the-art cancer treatment and care for our community. On September 20, Olivia Newton-John will open the final Stage of the Centre, including two new inpatient wards, a palliative care ward named after her late mother Irene and two new research floors. Our partner – Betta Home Di Cummins (right) recognised for the John Cummins Memorial Fund’s support, receives a certificate from Dianne Legge
Living John Cummins infamously said, “Dare to struggle. Dare to win. If you don’t fight, you lose.” Sadly, John was 58 when he died of a brain tumour in August 2006. Founded by dedicated family, friends, and comrades shortly afterwards, the John Cummins Memorial Fund honours in some small way John’s legacy. Since 2008, the John Cummins Memorial Fund has generously gifted almost $250,000 to the Brain Tumour Support Services. Every gift was made possible from public donations, corporate sponsorships, and an annual dinner which honours John’s life. For the last year Betta Home Living have chosen The brain tumour support service provides group and individual to partner with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & programs to support people affected by primary brain tumour, as Wellness Centre. Their support has enabled us to well as their families. We are so thankful for the John Cummins provide and expand our Wellness Program so patients Memorial Fund’s continuing support - an amazing display of a and their loved ones continue to feel supported in every long-term commitment made to looking after someone with a brain way – mind, body and spirit. Chief Executive Officer, tumour. “The Fund has shown so much support, it’s humbling,” Dianne Graeme Cunningham explains his company’s reason Legge the Brain Tumour Support Officer said. for joining with the Centre. John’s widow Di says she is delighted the Fund extends their support “All of us in some way have been themselves, or to an organisation which improves people’s treatment, quality of life, know someone that has been touched by this terrible and long-term outlook by also focusing on their wellness. She hopes disease, and the challenges faced in dealing with it. that more organisations and businesses get involved with the Centre. Our partnership shows our customers we are proud to be associated with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Because of the unyielding help and support from John’s Fund this Wellness Centre who not only provide the very best in year, the Centre assisted and supported more than 120 families who medical care, research and treatment for people with gained new skills in coping with the challenges they face because of cancer, but will offer a full range of complementary their brain tumour. therapies including meditation, music therapy, yoga and counselling to support people throughout their care.” Thank you Graeme and the Betta Home Living team. We look forward to a wonderful partnership with you. Walk with Olivia for Wellness Olivia Newton-John and Austin Health in partnership with the Simply register as a walker, and upon registration, your Ivanhoe Traders Association are proudly inviting the Victorian Wellness Walk fundraising page will automatically be created community to participate in The Wellness Walk 2013 - Sunday and a unique link will be emailed to you. You can then share 15 September 2013. this link with your family, friends and colleagues and ask them to get involved in supporting your efforts to raise funds for the This 4km family walk will raise much needed funds for the Centre. wellness programs provided to cancer patients treated at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre at Austin There are great prizes available for the highest individual Health. fundraiser and the highest team fundraiser! The event will be filled with entertainment and wellness WHEN: Sunday 15 September 2013 activities throughout the day with a special street party after WHERE: The Centre Ivanhoe, Upper Heidelberg Road the walk at the Ivanhoe Shopping Centre precinct. TIME: Walk commences at 11.00am REGISTRATION: www.OliviaAppeal.com or from 8.30am
on the day
Thank you for Being a Friend We are always grateful to those in the community who choose to support the Centre through various fundraising activities. Thank you for the time and work you put into your events which recently included:
The Love Courage Hope Foundation Lastly, a HUGE thank you to all Cocktail Party has raised funds for the who ran in Run Melbourne in carers support program. support of the Olivia Newton- The Wellness Ball In it’s second year John Cancer & Wellness Centre. raised $54,000 for the Wellness This included staff from Austin Program. Thank you Karen, Jenny Health. An amazing fundraising and commitee. effort from everyone! The Acceptance & Lonsdale Finance Charity Ball which was also held for We also give our thanks and a second year. congratulations to the wonderful supporters who choose to Rotary Club of Greensborough celebrate their birthdays by Annual Business Breakfast raised requesting donations to the $2,000 for the ONJCWC. Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Melbourne Institute of Massage Wellness Centre in lieu of gifts. Therapy’s Student Massage Clinic Austin Health staff complete Run Melbourne. Thank you and Happy Birthday to has for the second year in a row, Alfred for his 70th Birthday, and raised $10,000. Rachela for her 80th Birthday! The Amateur Repertory Company has once again supported us this year with their productions of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Singin’ in the Rain. Ph: (03) 9496 5753 Locked Bag 25, Heidelberg VIC 3084 Email: [email protected] Web: www.OliviaAppeal.com Yes, I Wish to Help
Dr Mr Mrs Miss Ms
THE Name ONJ GALA Address Postcode WaitingThe onONJ copy Gala to will design... be an evening of fun and nostalgia with Olivia Newton-John and celebrity friends as they bring the Home Phone Work Phone Hollywood Blockbuster GREASE back to life! Mobile The night will celebrate the achievements of creating the Email Cancer & Wellness Centre, and of course raise vital funds to ensure that the wellness programs, which are fully I am already an Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre funded by donations, continue to grow and thrive, just as OR Austin Health Supporter. My supporter number is per Olivia’s dream when she was going through cancer. Enclosed is my cheque/money order made payable to Austin Health In keeping with Olivia’s zest for life, fun and creativity, in for the amount I have ticked: 2013 for this inaugural event, our theme will be set around Olivia’s iconic movie hit – Grease! Yes, you can expect to $100 $50 $25 $500 $2,500 $ my choice hear some of the old favourite songs, enjoy the spectacular Please debit the amount I have indicated from my: of a Hollywood Blockbuster, and enjoy a laugh right along- OR side Olivia Newton-John as she takes a trip down memory VISA MasterCard lane and asks her friends to bring the musical to life as part of The ONJ Gala 2013.
Guest performers include Kate Ceberano, Anthony Callea, Signature Expiry Date James Reyne, Tim Campbell, The Chantoozies, Melinda Schneider and many more. The night will be hosted by Name on Card Deborah Hutton and David Campbell and promises to be Today’s Date both entertaining and fun! We invite you to join us and bring this amazing event to For regular monthly donations life. Tickets are limited, so be sure to book early. I authorise the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre Event Details: (Austin Health) to make automatic monthly deductions from my credit card (details as above) until further notice. DATE: Friday 20th September 2013 Monthly amount is: $ VENUE: Regent Plaza Ballroom 191 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria Commencing (month and year) TIME: 7.00pm Automatic deduction occurs on the 17th of the month. DRESS: Come dressed as your favourite Grease character Signature OR Black Tie Today’s Date BOOK: www.OliviaAppeal.com Email us at [email protected] Please send me information about: Contact Austin Health Fundraising team Joining Olivia’s Circle (monthly giving program) on 03 9496 5753 Making a bequest to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre in my Will All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible If you do not wish to receive any further fundraising communications from us, please write, email or phone us on 03 9496 5753.
Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre Locked Bag 25, Heidelberg VIC 3084 • P 03 9496 5753 • F 03 9496 5160 E [email protected] • W www.OliviaAppeal.com WWSP13