Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma

Ms SONIA HORNERY (Wallsend—Parliamentary Secretary) [12.18 p.m.]: I should like to provide the House with some facts about an insidious disease that attacks members of our community at a rate of more than one an hour and knows no bounds. I speak specifically about leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. This sinister disease this year will attack over 9,500 Australians. Of that number, half are expected to be diagnosed with lymphomas, a third with leukaemia and a fifth with myeloma. It is estimated that every two hours someone loses their life to leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. It is projected that in 2010, 4,734 Australians will be diagnosed with lymphomas, 3,138 will be diagnosed with leukaemia, and 2,191 will be diagnosed with myeloma—more than 10,000 people in total. These cancers often develop with little warning, requiring immediate and intensive treatment. As one can imagine, these diseases create a huge cost burden on the community.

Sadly, the causes of these cancers are relatively unknown. One of the major impediments to finding a cure is the fact that so little is known about what causes this invasive disease. It is great that here in Australia we have organisations working towards further research into leukaemia. One of these special organisations is the Leukaemia Foundation. I congratulate the foundation on creating an innovative and fun way to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause. Since 1998 one of Australia's biggest and most successful events, the World's Greatest Shave, has raised in excess of $80 million. Bringing individuals, teams, workplaces and communities together, the event has been very successful. In that great Australian way, sharing the burden is done with grace and humour.

I am sure members will be amazed to hear that nationally more than 100,000 people will become involved by being sponsored for this worthwhile fundraising event. We, too, have our share of shavers in the Wallsend electorate. Funds raised help the Leukaemia Foundation continue to provide practical care and support for patients and families living with leukaemia, lymphomas, myeloma, and related blood disorders. The foundation directly supports patients and families when they need it most. This fundraising will provide patients and families with a free home away from home near hospital during their treatment. It will also mean the Leukaemia Foundation can transport them to appointments and provide as much practical assistance and emotional support as possible, all free of charge.

People from all walks of life, and for a multitude of reasons, become involved in the big shave. One fine example from my electorate is Ms Gillian Knight. Gillian's choice to become involved in the event, following the loss of her brother-in-law to leukaemia and more recently the loss of two friends, meant it was time for her to stand up and be counted in our community. It was wonderful for Gillian to have the support of her husband, who has participated in the shave twice. Gillian was also kindly supported by her workmates from the Seventh Day Adventist Church head office in Wallsend. They organised a morning tea and collected personal donations in support of Gillian. This is typical of the spirit of the good people of the Wallsend electorate. We commend our shavers and their sponsors of the World's Greatest Shave, and we especially congratulate Gillian Knight. Well done, Gillian!