The Leukaemia Foundation has stood beside Australians facing blood cancer for 50 years, providing wraparound support and advocacy, and investing in life-saving blood cancer research.
Our inspiring ambassadors are leading voices on blood cancer in Australia. With prominent profiles in health and wellbeing, media, entertainment, politics and sport, these well-known Australians generously share their lived experiences of blood cancer to raise critical awareness of this disease, which currently impacts more than 150,000 people around the country.
In September, our ambassadors will be available to share their powerful stories for Blood Cancer Month – the biggest month of the year for the nation's blood cancer community, in terms of educating everyday Australians about the signs and symptoms, early detection and diagnosis, and where to turn for support if you, or a loved one, is diagnosed.
To request an interview with a Leukaemia Foundation Ambassador or spokesperson for Blood Cancer Month, please contact our media team at [email protected] or call 0473 154 079.
Available for Interview
Chris Tanti
Chief Executive Officer, VIC
Chris is passionate about improving health outcomes by making sure people get the care they need, regardless of their circumstances or background. A highly experienced leader, Chris was previously the CEO of Australia's National Disability Services and Headspace, and has led the Leukaemia Foundation since 2021.
Bill Stavreski
Head of Research, Clinical Information and Education, VIC
Bill is a senior public health and research strategy leader. During his career, Bill has overseen the funding of more than 400 research projects, representing an investment of over $150 million in discovery science, translational research, health services, and psycho-social research. He joined the Leukaemia Foundation in 2023.
Barry Du Bois
Ambassador, NSW
Many people will recognise Barry from much-loved Australian television programs,The Renovators and The Living Room. In 2010, Barry was diagnosed with solitary plasmacytoma, which later developed into multiple myeloma, a type of chronic blood cancer, which he lives with today.
Briony Benjamin
Ambassador, QLD
Briony is a passionate storyteller, content creator and motivational speaker. In 2017, while working as an executive producer for Mamamia, Briony was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma at just 31 years old. Today, she is in remission and a proud mum of two.
Elle Halliwell
Ambassador, NSW
Elle is an Australian writer, entrepreneur and wellness advocate. In 2016, she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia and found out she was pregnant with her first child within just 48 hours. Blessed with her son, Tor, today Elle continues to champion mental health and wellbeing.
Lyndey Milan OAM
Ambassador, NSW
Lyndey tragically lost her son, Blair, a talented actor, to acute myeloid leukaemia in 2011. With nine bestselling cookbooks and nine popular television cooking series to her name, today Lyndey uses her influence to raise awareness of blood cancer and to advocate for early diagnosis.
Luke Brattan
Ambassador, NSW
Luke is a professional football star who plays for Sydney Football Club. Luke's sister, Holli-Mia, was diagnosed with mixed phenotype acute leukaemia – a very rare type of blood cancer – in 2019. After a successful stem cell transplant in 2020, Holli-Mia is now in remission.
Matthew Doyle
Ambassador, NSW
Matthew is a descendent of the Muruwari people from the Lightning Ridge area of NSW. He is a musician, composer, dancer, choreographer, cultural consultant and educator. Matthew tragically lost his twin sons Shawn and Jeremy to blood cancer when they were just one-and-a-half and two-and-a-half years old.
Urvi Majumdar
Ambassador, VIC
Urvi is a comedian, writer, actor and producer. She first connected with the Leukaemia Foundation when her father was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2022. Later the same year, Urvi donated her stem cells to her dad in a lifesaving procedure.
About the Leukaemia Foundation: The Leukaemia Foundation stands with Australia to help cure and conquer blood cancer – with care. Together, we are attacking every blood cancer, from every direction, in every way we can. We stand beside every Australian to be their voice and their someone-to-turn-to, fighting to get them access to the best care. We also accelerate research that is delivering rapid advancements in blood cancer diagnosis and treatments. Plus, we provide services and support that empower people living with any blood cancer to live well after diagnosis. You can learn more about the Leukaemia Foundation and blood cancer at leukaemia.org.au
Contact details:
To request an interview with a Leukaemia Foundation Ambassador or spokesperson for Blood Cancer Month, email [email protected] or call 0473 154 079.
