Update from Olivia - September 2008
Dear Fans,
There’s so much to tell you in this September Update of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal, please share this news with everyone you know.
YOUR SUPPORT GAVE ME STRENGTH
Every single step on the Great Walk to Beijing showed how courage, teamwork and dedication can achieve the unachievable. And for all of us on The Great Walk this was a challenge both personal and public, reflecting the journey we and our loved ones face through the experience of cancer. For me, it was just so inspiring and motivating to be joined by the dedicated Walkers who came from all over the world to achieve what 99% of people will never have the chance to achieve - complete millions of steps on the Great Wall of China – an endurance test unlike any other.
This was one of the most challenging things I have ever gone through in my life. I challenged every muscle and every brain cell. It was empowering, it was tough, it was scary, it was wonderful and beautiful. I found strengths I never knew I had! I also found my limitations and my limitlessness.
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
I am very excited by our new ambassador program and so delighted that Dannii Minogue has agreed to join me in our fundraising efforts. What a special and committed young woman she is!
In May, Dannii visited the Austin Hospital on her return from the Great Walk to Beijing walk with me. She met many patients and shared big hugs with the staff and volunteers who helped behind the scenes for the Great Walk. I'm so thrilled that Dannii is helping to raise awareness and funds for our Appeal and I'll have more news to share with you on her activities next month. You can read more about Dannii's visit to the Austin on our website.
RESEARCH REACHES OUT ACROSS THE WORLD
On the Great Walk to Beijing I really enjoyed walking with the amazing Professor Jonathon Cebon; his dry Aussie humour helped keep us smiling even when our muscles were groaning.
Jonathan is a leading cancer specialist and researcher heading the Austin/Ludwig Oncology Unit. He told me how excited he is by the vision of the ONJCWC. Because the purpose-built Centre will bring together existing patient-centred care at the Austin Hospital and the esteemed Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. The LICR is a truly global research organisation and is able to take the most brilliant scientific minds and combine them with the best research facilities on earth.
Jonathan says, "Within the ONJCWC we will undertake international research into all types of cancer, we will achieve better patient care and treatments to help heal the whole person - body, mind and spirit. In doing this we can help towards changing the way the world treats cancer".
Jonathan will share news of research activities and breakthroughs in future Updates.
UPDATE ON CANCER CENTRE NAME
With the full support of Dr Brendan Murphy, CEO of Austin Health, and the Board of Management, I am delighted to advise the formal name of the Cancer Centre is now "The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre" (ONJCWC). The inclusion of "Wellness" in the name truly reflects the unique Centre, which will be a world model for cancer and wellness services.
PERSONAL NEWS
In June I was back home for a quick visit to catch up with friends and family before traveling to meet my 'honey' John (John Easterling) in Peru. At sunrise on June 21st John and I were married at the top of a beautiful mountain outside the city of Cuzco, in a traditional Quechuan (the way of the Inca) ceremony.
You may remember John was with me on the Great Walk to Beijing, but had to leave suddenly and return to the US to support his brother whose wife, Vivian, was very ill; sadly she passed away just as John arrived home. The loss of Vivian to cancer was a somber reminder of the importance of what we were doing. I desperately wanted to be with John, but my commitment to the Great Walk meant that I could not possibly leave. At that time, I received so much love and support from many people and I thank you all sincerely.
Our wedding day was absolutely wonderful - precious, private and just between the two of us. Back in the US we had a second ceremony in Florida. On Independence Day, July 4th we held a post-wedding celebration for family and friends where Delta Goodrem and Amy Sky sang totally impromptu - it was wonderful!
In future Updates I will bring you news on the ONJCWCA as we get closer to building Phase One of the Centre and updates on important research breakthroughs and new methods and vaccines for treating cancer. We are living in a very exciting time in history as we change the way the world treats cancer - thank you for being here.
Love and light
Olivia
PS. TELL A FRIEND, keep all your friends in the news by sending this email onto everyone you know.
Contact Us:
Locked Bag 25, Heidelberg Victoria, Australia 3084
Enquiries: +61 (3) 9496 5753
Email: greatwalktobeijing@austin.org.au
www.greatwalktobeijing.com
