General News
3 May, 2024
Raising awareness of Myeloma
JUST over 180 special guests kicked off race week in Warrnambool with a special fundraising luncheon for Myeloma Australia earlier this week.
Organised by members of the Rotary Club of Warrnambool Central, in conjunction with the Thoroughbred Club of Australia (Warrnambool Chapter), the annual event has become a popular one for locals and visitors to the city in the lead-up to the three-day carnival.
“When we first starting holding this luncheon about four years ago we had about 80 people here, this week we have 183 guests,” Rotarian John Hutson said.
“It’s a remarkable event and we’re very grateful that so many people continue to support it.
“With ticket sales and raffles throughout the afternoon, we raised several thousand dollars which will go towards Myeloma Australia and Rotary Club of Warrnambool Central for distribution to worthy projects.
“It’s a lovely way for us all to kick start May race week in Warrnambool.”
The function room at City Memorial Bowls Club was near capacity on Monday afternoon as attendees enjoyed lunch, raffles, lucky door prizes and talks by special guests including sporting personality Jason ‘Richo’ Richardson, Amy McDonald, Lindsey Smith, Henry Dwyer and Matthew Williams.
Myeloma ambassador Denis Napthine and chief executive officer of Myeloma Australia Mark Henderson also attended.
Speaking during the afternoon, Mr Henderson said he too was “thrilled” with the large crowd in attendance and the significance such an event placed on increasing awareness of the disease.
“Myeloma, or Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow,” Mr Henderson said.
“Patients have a substantially reduced health-related quality of life at diagnosis due to disease related symptoms such as bone pain and fatigue.”
Myeloma Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on community donations and support.
“We support, education, inform, empower and bring hope to people who are living with myeloma, and their loved ones,” Mr Henderson said.
“We also work to increase community awareness and understanding of myeloma as well as providing specialist myeloma nurses who offer free support to patients.”
According to Mr Henderson, Myeloma Australia currently has 23 specialist nurses across Australia who provide vital support and services to patients, including one in Warrnambool.
“Up until recently, when we received some funding from the South Australian Premier, we have never received government funding therefore we rely on events such as this luncheon to help us continue our research and support services.
“Like many cancers, myeloma doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone at any age. While there has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of patients nation-wide over the last few years, around 90 per cent of those diagnosed had never heard of it before.
“We need to continue to educate, to inform and to research and that is why events such as this fundraising luncheon in Warrnambool are so important.”
