Newton-John returns for fundraising campaign
Olivia Newton-John has launched a national fundraising campaign in a bid to raise $1 million for the ONJ Centre at the Austin Hospital. The ‘We Go Together’ campaign is calling for people to share messages on social media of strength and courage to help those on the journey to win over cancer, while donating to the Centre and nominating others to do the same.
Following the news earlier this year of her recent cancer relapse, Olivia is more determined than ever to increase awareness of the work The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre (ONJ Centre) in Melbourne provides for patients with cancer.
The funds raised through the ‘We Go Together – Donate and Nominate to Win Over Cancer’ campaign will enable the Centre to continue to provide patients with access to leading medical treatment and breakthrough research, complemented by wellness programs to help patients on their journey through treatment and recovery, says Olivia Newton-John.
“Since the news of my recent cancer relapse, I’ve taken the time to reflect on the ONJ Centre and all the wonderful work that is undertaken for Cancer Research and Wellness & Supportive Care programs.
“The ONJ Centre makes a real difference to the lives of the people and communities it serves and that’s why we’re setting the bar high this year – we need to raise $1 million for the Centre so it can continue critical research, pioneer trials and deliver holistic care to patients and their families.”
Olivia will return home to Melbourne next month to attend her renowned annual ‘ONJ Gala’ on Friday 8th September, at Crown Palladium (Melbourne) where she will be joined by Australian legends – and friends, John Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite with performances also by Mark Vincent and Dami Im. Bindi, Terri and Robert Irwin will also be in attendance.
Following the ‘ONJ Gala’ celebrations, Olivia will once again lead ‘The Wellness Walk’ on Sunday 17th September, and will be joined by event ambassador, Peter Hitchener.
The ‘Wellness Walk and Research Run’ will be held at the grounds of La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus. Participants can choose whether to walk or run, while still raising funds for the ONJ Centre as a whole. Walkers and runners will be able to celebrate their achievements and enjoy an abundance of entertainment from an array of performers, as well as participate in a variety of sporting and children’s activities.
Both events will celebrate the incredible work of the ONJ Centre, highlighting the impact on the lives of patients and families over the past few years, while also raising vital funds to sustain the revolutionary Wellness and Supportive Care Programs, and expand its research capacity to help people live better with cancer.
“The prayers and well wishes I’ve received over the past few months have truly helped me and continue to life my spirits. I’m feeling great and looking forward to returning to Melbourne for these two very special fundraisers for the ONJ Centre – they are very close to my heart. We have some incredible talent and friends of mine lined up to perform at the Gala – it will be a spectacular evening.
“With more than 200 clinical trials in progress, the ONJ Centre provides access for patients to new, breakthrough therapies, so it’s crucial that we raise as much money as we can through both events and our We Go Together campaign. If ‘We Go Together’, we can win over cancer and raise $1 million for the ONJ Centre this year,” added Olivia Newton-John.
Register for ‘The Wellness Walk & Research Run’ at www.wellnesswalkresearchrun.com.au
Purchase tickets to the ONJ Gala at: www.onjcancercentre.org/onj-gala-2017
Donate to the We Go Together campaign at: www.onjcancercentre.org/we-go-together
Makes sense - Australia's health system is far better than USA's. I notice a lot of Aussies returning as they age.