Murawari icon Matthew Doyle has joined forces with the Leukaemia Foundation in an effort to combat the dangers of blood cancer within Indigenous communities, serving as an Ambassador.
On Indigenous Literacy Day, Tuesday, he issued a call out for mob who are affected by blood cancer to reach out to the Foundation.
"On Indigenous Literacy Day, I want to encourage fellow Indigenous Australian's experiencing the devastation of blood cancer, to reach out to the Leukaemia Foundation to access their support and services," he said.
Mr Doyle has sadly experienced the darkness of blood cancer when he tragically lost both of his twin sons, Shawn and Jeremy, to the illness at the ages of one and two years old respectively.
"There's not a day that goes past that I don't think about my children. I think it's also important that people tell their stories," he said.
His commitment to enhancing access to treatment, care, and support for Indigenous people is accompanied by his recent contribution of five new information booklets to the Leukaemia Foundation, providing valuable insights into care.
These information booklets have been meticulously crafted for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander blood cancer patients and draw upon the storytelling traditions of these communities to provide clear insights into their diagnosis and what to anticipate during blood cancer treatment.
These booklets encompass crucial subjects such as blood cancer, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, which are frequently used in blood cancer treatment.
Mr Doyle is urging Indigenous people affected by blood cancer to connect with the Leukaemia Foundation not only this month but also in the future.
They can access the information booklets and the foundation's services and support through Australia's exclusive blood cancer support line.
Leukaemia Foundation chief executive Chris Tanti added that the blood cancer support line is staffed by highly experienced professionals who are prepared to assist patients, caregivers, and family members in navigating the emotional, physical, and psychosocial difficulties associated with blood cancer.
"We know that better care and support for First Nations people with blood cancer is necessary to ensure the same health and wellbeing outcomes as the broader Australian community," said Mr Tanti.
"The Leukaemia Foundation is actively working to address the disparities contributing to the number of blood cancer related deaths among First Nations people, and right now these are still higher than non-Aboriginal people and this is unacceptable."
The Leukaemia Foundation provides access to comprehensive health services that can be life-changing.
These services encompass emotional and health-related support, practical assistance, and the opportunity to connect with individuals who can relate to your experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.
Anyone impacted by blood cancer, at any age and stage, can contact Australia's blood cancer support line Monday to Friday via calling 1800 620 420 or visit here.
