Christine’s life was full of love, family, and caregiving, living in country Victoria with her husband. With three adult children and nine grandchildren, she had her hands full, especially as a dedicated carer for her husband. But in 2014, her life took an unexpected turn when a routine blood test revealed that she had Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), a rare form of cancer.
“I had no symptoms whatsoever and led a healthy life. It was just a routine blood test that showed that I had CML,” Christine recalls.
Her initial experience with treatment was challenging. Christine was initially referred to a haematologist at another Melbourne hospital where she struggled to connect with her medical team, leaving her “anxious before every appointment”.
In 2016, Christine made the decision to transfer to the ONJ Centre at Austin Health, a move that transformed her cancer journey.
“My husband was the one who suggested that I transfer to Austin Health. The support team there is just magnificent. It makes a difference when you have a support team behind you because the cancer journey itself can be lonely.”
Christine underwent six and a half years of daily chemotherapy, a treatment that eventually led to her BCR-ABL levels - a marker used to monitor the disease – dropping below recognition. Despite living four hours away from Melbourne, she travelled to the ONJ Centre for monitoring and blood tests every three months. Once her levels were under control, these visits reduced to twice a year. The long journey to the centre never deterred her.
“It’s a world-class hospital and wellness centre, so I don’t mind travelling that distance. I know I am in such good hands,” Christine shares.
“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, the first thing you think of is, okay, your life prior to diagnosis is your own responsibility. But when it’s out of your control, you need to have trust in your medical team. Without that trust, you’re lost.”
Exercise played a crucial role in Christine’s journey. Despite the distance, the Exercise Physiology team at the ONJ Centre provided her with an exercise program she could follow at home, which she found immensely beneficial.
Christine also finds solace in the Wellness Centre when she visits, a space she describes as a “safe haven” where she can reflect and find peace.
“I’d go into the Wellness Centre and just collect my thoughts, walk around, and appreciate what Olivia did for us patients. My gratitude towards her is far and beyond,” she said.
Since 2020, Christine has been in molecular remission, a milestone that allowed her to cease her medication. Now, she only needs to visit the ONJ Centre for blood tests twice a year.
“I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m alive to tell the story. A positive attitude goes a long way,” Christine said.
For Christine, the ONJ Centre is more than just a hospital—it’s a place where patients are treated with compassion.
Christine’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of support and wellness in the cancer journey. Her gratitude and positivity are a testament to the difference the ONJ Centre has made in her life.
As the annual Walk for Wellness approaches, Christine encourages others to join in and support the event that helps provide wellness therapies, like the exercise physiology program she benefited from, to patients at the ONJ Centre.
“I am forever grateful. I want to thank everyone that comes together for Olivia’s Walk for Wellness across the world to support such a wonderful cause,” Christine says.
“If I could choose anywhere in Australia to receive treatment, it would be at the ONJ Centre.”
Join us for
Olivia’s Walk for Wellness on Sunday 6 October to help raise vital funds to support the transformative work of the ONJ Centre.