When JK was studying radiation therapy, he never imagined he’d one day become a cancer patient himself. At 33, he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, one of the most aggressive blood cancers, after a lump suddenly appeared on his neck.
He went through months of gruelling chemo while raising two young kids, relying on his wife Pam and their support network to hold the family together. From his hospital bed, JK launched How Bloody Good, a campaign urging people to donate blood that he calls the "red liquid gold".
Blood cancers are the second most prevalent form of cancer in Australia, and with September being Blood Cancer Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to talk about it.
This is Jaraad Kader...
------------
September marks Blood Cancer Month, the most significant month of the year for the Leukaemia Foundation and Australian blood cancer community in terms of raising awareness and educating people on the impacts, what it is, the signs and symptoms, and who to turn to for support if you or a loved one are diagnosed.
The theme for this year’s Blood Cancer Month is ‘Care Belongs Where You Do’ – which is at the heart of the Leukaemia Foundation’s ethos in that blood cancer care should meet people where they are. Reaching beyond hospitals and treatment, into our homes, communities and cultures. Care that’s personal, human, and built around life - not the other way around.
Blood cancer is on the rise. Latest data shows a shocking one in twelve Australians (or 8% of the population) are at risk of being diagnosed with blood cancer in their lifetime. It’s also the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in the country.
Sadly you only need to mention the words leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma and most people know someone impacted.
As the Leukaemia Foundation marks its 50th anniversary this Blood Cancer Month, we continue to bring care to where it belongs to those Australians impacted by blood cancer. To help us in our plight, visit donate.leukaemia.org.au
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.