Milkshakes for Marleigh

Australian Winter Olympian, Curler Dean Hewitt spoke to the Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast in early 2022. Todays ep is a throwback to this interview.Dean thanks blood donors for ensuring that blood was available for this Grandfather in Canada when he needed it and for his coach in Australia, Ian(IceNut) Pellagio when he was battling blood cancer.Dean volunteers for the Starlight Foundation and we encourage anyone who is looking for a cause to please donate to: https://www.starlight.org.au/support-us/donate-to-starlight/Please donate bloof to the Milkshakes for Lifeblood Team!Find our more info at www.milkshakesformarleigh.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Natasha Price shares her story of chronic illness, pain and disability and how one crazy big dream (with the help of Australian blood donors) shifted her from years of being bed bound as a quadriplegic to pushing a wheelchair marathon in a year. She is currently preparing to travel to the USA to represent Australia at the World Adaptive Crossfit Games, San Antonio, Texas in September 2024. Tash is a track and marathon wheelchair racer, passionate disability advocate, entrepreneur, podcast host, speaker, multi-award winner, author and Gold Coast Women of the Year 2022 (Champion of Sport). She is also the Country Chair of Sports Empowerment in Australia for the G100 and founder of InvincAble, an organisation that gives visibility to disability and empowers all people to embrace challenges and chase dreams.Milkshakes for Marleigh: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org InvincABLE: https://tashaprice.com/liveinvincableworkshop/Wattlenest: https://wattlenest.com.au/Two cripples, one pair of legs podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/two-cripples-one-pair-of-legs/id1652421114Please book an appointment to donate blood and join the Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood team: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we revisit the Milkshakes for Marleigh episode with Australian Paralympic Equestrian rider, Emma Booth.Emma Booth made history at the Toyko 2020, when she and her horse Zidane became the first Australian horse and rider combination to compete at two consecutive Paralympic Games. Emma was always destined for life in the saddle. From winning a pony through a competition with TV show, The Saddle Club to being invited to ride in some of the most renowned stables on the world by her late teens, Emma had had representing Australia and winning a gold medal in her sights for a very long time. However, this dream was forced to make a pivot when she was a victim in a car accident that would have taken her life without the incredible kindness of Australian blood donors. Since then Emma has represented Australian at the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics as a member of the Equestrian Dressage Team. Injury impacted her campaign to Paris this year, but the best is yet to come for Emma Booth! Australian blood donors dont just save lives, they keep families together end in Emma's case, they make dreams come true! To listen to the original version of this episode please scroll back in your podcast feed or visit:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gUCc4d3gh3182asE51zj6?si=hqn0bF-oQ-OL3d0_JfiOqAFor more information about the Milkshakes for Marleigh blood donation advocacy movement please visit: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bec Jones is helping to change the landscape for para-athletes, women in sport and football in Australia. Thanks to Australian blood and plasma donors, Bec is having effective treatment for her Autoimmune Encephalitis and as a member of the Australian ParaMatlida's Football squad, she is showcasing the way that women and girls with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or stroke can dominate on the football field. Like Marleigh, Bec has Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusions (IVIG) to treat Autoimmune Encephalitis. She has overcome incredible challenges to now be representing Australia, returning to University and pursuing her studies in Medicine. She hopes to practice in a rural or remote setting and also improve understanding of the red flags for Autoimmune Encephalitis to help to reduce time from symptom onset to commencement of treatment. Bec is deeply grateful for the Aussies who donated their plasma that saved her life and that continue to help her thrive! For more information about the Milkshakes for Marleigh blood donation advocacy movement please visit: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Klim is best known for his iconic swimming career and he will always be an gold medal winning olympic champion!These days you are most likely to see him featured n his role as a blood donation advocate and ambassador for Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.On this snapshot episode we revisit Klimmy's November 2022 episode of the Milkshakes for Marleigh podcast.Thanks to the team at The Impefects for linking Milkshakes for Marleigh in the show notes of Klimmy's episode with them: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/michael-klim-the-race-of-his-life/id1476501557?i=1000659977336Michael's book called Klim will be released on 28 August 2024.To learn about the Milkshakes for Marleigh book or blood donation advocacy movement please visit: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the first season of the Milkshakes for Marleigh podcast, Brenden Hall thanked the Australian blood donors who saved his life when, at age 6, he had complications from Chicken Pox that resulted significant hearing loss and his leg being amputated.Kate Fisher recorded this interview with Brenden in late 2022 and he reflected on his disapointment about his Tokyo 2020(1) Paralympics, the realities of becoming a new Dad to his then 10 week old son and what he wanted the legacy of his swimming career to be. At the time he didn't know if he would wear the green and gold ever again, he is now Australia's flagbearer for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.For more information about the Milkshakes for Marleigh blood donation advocacy movement, book or podcast: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org To hear the full version of this interview with Brendan Hall, please go back to Season One of Milkshakes for Marleigh in your podcast feed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Christmas Day 2023, Kathryn Stary spent the day celebrating with sons Max and William. She is one of thousands of Australians who have been gifted this time with their loved ones thanks to Australian blood donors. William lives with Common Variable Immunodeficiency and will dependent on blood donors for regular immunoglobulin infusions for life.  In the final episode of Season Three of The Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast, host Kate Fisher thanks Australian blood donors for making it possible for her brother Jake to undergo treatment for diffuse large cell Lymphoma.  Please make a blood donation to the Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team or the the newly formed Milkshakes for Marleigh - Shakes for Jake Lifeblood Team.  Donations can be made to the Leukaemia Foundation here: https://www.leukaemia.org.au/make-a-donation/# Please follow Milkshakes for Marleigh on all the socials and www.milkshakesformarleigh.org  

Melissa Clode shares how her 8-year-old son Charlie, is not defined by his heart. He has DiGeorge Syndrome which has caused a heart defect, developmental delays and seizures. Through 3 open heart surgeries, over 130 hospital admissions in 8 years, 3 strokes and countless seizures, Australian blood & organ donors have kept Charlie alive.  The most important part about Charlie's heart is how much he uses it to love life! Whether he is showering his siblings with love, spending time with his service dog Elton, playing trains with Nanny and Poppy, stealing the hearts of doctors and nurses with his magical smile or snuggling with courageous parents Melissa and Daniel - Charlie has a habit of reminding all those around him how magical it is to be alive.  On this special episode of for International Day for People with Disability you will get a window into the life of the Clode family and how disability doesn't define them, its just part of who they are!

~This episode is dedicated to Francesca Pastega. We promise to always say her name.~ Ian and Lyndsay Pastega have had to navigate the most extraordinary challenges to create their family. Through alloimmunisation in pregnancy (requiring their babies to have multiple blood transfusions before they were even born), premature birth, neonatal death and pregnancy after loss.  Lynds, Elda (9) and Charlie (7) share their story of navigating premature birth and NICU life, being blood product recipients, grieving the loss of Frankie and the healing power of welcoming their youngest child, Lincoln (2).  The Pastega's have partnered with the Canberra Hospital NICU Foundation to provide books and resources for those who are newly bereaved. You can show your support for the "Stories from the stars" campaign here: https://newborn.org.au/support/ https://www.canberrahospitalfoudation.org.auThe Milkshakes for Marleigh book can be ordered here: https://kmdbookstore.com/milkshakes-for-marleigh/fbclid=IwAR168JlGAPgDEwIgvbZlaEMFTluCi0EuKADyYO6o0mt0xPcFEtUM3xumYbo Lyndsay's Her Canberra article about "The pain of silence" can be found here: https://hercanberra.com.au/life/family/pregnancy-and-infant-loss-awareness-month-life-after-frankie/ Please book a blood donation with Lifeblood by calling 13 14 95 learn more about blood donation advocacy here: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org  

Molly Dawson tells her story for all the people who have not survived their cancer journey.  With the help of Australian blood donors she overcame Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 18 and has now dedicated aged her life to volunteer work and advocacy to support others in their cancer journey.  This episode is full of joy and post traumatic growth alongside an honest reflection of what it's like to live through cancer diagnosis, treatment and life the other side of cancer.  To read more stories like Molly's you can purchase a copy of The Milkshakes for Marleigh Book at: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org Information about the cancer treatments Molly refers to can her found here: https://www.cancer.org.au Please book a donation for The Milkshakes Marleigh Lifeblood Team here: www.lifeblood.com.au

Anj Middlestant, better known as This Strong Mum, shares the incredible story of her daughter Missy, who will be forever 13, to thank blood donors and encourage new ones.  Anj celebrates Missy's life and honours her legacy through the Missy's Donors Lifeblood team and her phenomenal blood donation advocacy work, encouraging others to 'save the lives of people we will never know and faces we will never see.'  September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, a time to acknowledge all children with cancer, past and present - and acknowledge the enormous impact of childhood cancer. (Children's Cancer Institute).  Please book a blood donation today to make treatment for kids with cancer possible: www.lifeblood.com.au  Follow Missy's Donors and This Strong Mum : www.thisstrongmum.com.au Follow Milkshakes for Marleigh: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org   or https://www.instagram.com/milkshakes_for_marleigh/?hl=en  

Alba is the baby who humanised war for so many Australians. She is the Australian baby born 11 weeks prematurely, days before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2021, fighting for her life in the middle of a war zone.  Alba's Mum, Jess details how donors from all over the world needed to donate blood to keep Alba alive. First in Ukraine and then in London.  This is an episode of two Mums marvelling about overcoming infertility and the immense gratitude we share for the blood donors who have saved and preserved our daughters lives.  Please follow Milkshakes for Marleigh on Instagram for updates on updates on the release of The Milkshakes for Marleigh book! https://www.instagram.com/milkshakes_for_marleigh/?hl=en You can becomes a member of the The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team and make an appointment to donate blood by calling 13 14 95 or online: https://www.lifeblood.com.au  

Kate Fisher chats to 91.9 HOT FM about her quest to end persistent critical blood shortages in Australia through her blood donation advocacy work and The Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast. She explains why her daughter Marleigh will be dependant on blood products for life to treat Autoimmune Encephalitis.  To learn more: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org To join The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team and book a donation: https://www.lifeblood.com.au To find out more 91.9 HOT FMs 'Bloody Oath': https://www.hot91.com.au/event/91-1-hot-fms-bloody-oath/  

Kellie Finlayson was just 25 and a first time Mum to a 3 month old baby girl when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  Kellie is a model, marathon runner & brand ambassador. Her husband is AFL star Jeremy Finlayson and together they are navigating her battle against Stage 4, colorectal cancer while raising their little girl, Sophia.  In this episode Kellie courageously and candidly share the reality of parenting alongside fighting cancer, living with a stoma and what the cancer has meant for her transition to motherhood. While at the same time accepting the reality that Jeremy may become a single Dad and raising their daughter alone.  Kellie thanks the Australian blood donors who saved her life following surgery and continue to make her treatments possible, giving her more time with little Sophia.  You can find Kellie's “Trust Your Gut” Campaign with The Jodie Lee Foundation here:   https://jodileefoundation.org.au Please vote for the AusMumpreneur People's Choice Awards here:https://milkshakesformarleigh.org Book a blood donation here: https://my.donateblood.com.au/app/appointments/location        

Former My Kitchen Rules contestants, Carly and Tresne are on a mission to increase blood donations in Australia. They thank the blood donors who gifted them more time with their precious baby girl, Poppy Grace as she battled childhood Leukaemia.  Poppy Grace passed away in February 2023, just a few months before her second birthday. Her Mummas are now working with the Children's Cancer Institute to improve precision medicine and treatments for all Australian kids with cancer.  This episode deals with pregnancy loss and child death but at the same time is just 2 mums celebrating the love for their daughter and the immense joy she brought to people all over the world as she giggled and grooved through life! Please become a blood donation advocate by sharing this episode or voting for Milkshakes for Marleigh in the Ausmumpreneur People's Choice Awards for Making a Difference in Social Enterprise and Global Brand here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AUSMUM23 The Childrens Cancer Institute here: https://www.ccia.org.au/event/in-memory-of-poppy/home Find all the updates from Milkshakes for Marleigh at our website: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org      

An update on Marleigh's health and rehabilitation progress as she recovers from Autoimmune Encephalitis.  This is a great episode if you are new to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast and community and would like an overview of Marleigh story and why she will be dependent on Australian blood donors for the rest of her life.  Please play your part in blood donation advocacy by voting for Milkshakes for Marleigh to win the Making a Difference : NON-PROFIT + SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Award: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AUSMUM23 And please call Lifeblood on 13 14 95 to make an appointment to donate blood for The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team or register here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood  

Jess is a Blood Donor and Exercise Physiologist with a passion for inclusivity for people with visible and invisible disabilities. Elana is a Physiotherapist who has a brother whose life was saved by Australian blood donors and now lives with a disability.  They have combined their lived experiences and professional experience, working side-by-side in a Rehabilitation Unit in a hospital, to be co-founders and co-CEO's of The Accessibility, Sensory needs and Inclusivity Index. They are on a mission to create the benchmark for Accessible Tourism and support people with disabilities to have greater access to more community settings.  July is Disability Pride Month and an occasion to celebrate people with disabilities, honour their dignity and rights, promote visibility and applaud achievements. Jess and Elana are incredible Australian champions for people with disabilities and valued members of The Milkshakes for Marleigh community.  Find the ASI Index and give feedback and suggestions here: https://www.instagram.com/asi_index/ Follow The Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast here:                                  https://www.instagram.com/milkshakes_for_marleigh/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076200668985 Book your blood donation for The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team today by calling 13 14 95 or https://www.lifeblood.com.au        

Siobhan is a blood product recipient and picture of post traumatic growth. She is an ex-27 week preemie, born more than 3 months early and recipient of many, many blood products. She joins me today with her mum, Fiona who is also a blood product recipient, having needed a transfusion following a the birth of Siobhan's older sister. Siobhan has founded Our Pixie Friends and is on a mission to make sick kids feel less alone. She supports young people all over Australia who are facing a variety of traumas and challenges, through telling her story and using her experiences to create resources like support packs, sensory toys and picture books.   How lucky we are that blood donors saved the lives of these two remarkable Queensland women! Check out Our Pixie Friends here: https://www.ourpixiefriends.com Book an appointment to make a blood donation to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team by calling 13 14 95 or here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au  

On 11 June 2023, a bus transferring wedding guests from Lovedale to Singleton, in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, overturned leaving 10 passengers dead and another 25 in hospital.  As the local community and its surrounds come to terms with the unspeakable tragedy, local AFL clubs are rallying to recruit blood donors to ensure there is enough blood to treat the injuries, infections and burns of the survivors and ensure their safety during the many surgeries they have ahead.  On this episode, Duane Roy, Chairman of the Maitland Saints AFL Club joins me to share how overwhelming the community response has been in registering blood donations this week and how they are making lifelong commitments to blood donation, to honour the memory and celebrate the lives of the bus crash victims.  This week we celebrate all blood donors all over the world and this story highlights the incredible impact that blood donors have. Without blood donors the number of fatalities in this tragedy would have undoubtedly been higher.  To make an appointment to donate blood please call Lifeblood on 13 14 95 and add your donation to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood  

Artist, Summer Daniels is the Creative Director and Founder of Little Rae Prints where she adds a little magic to childrens spaces all over the world. She overcame an acute infection as a teenage with the support of a blood transfusion but was left suffering from infertility.  Summer has overcome illness, infertility and the heart break of pregnancy loss to create her little family. In this episode she shares how "when you are given a healthy dose of perspective, you see life in a whole new manner".  You can find Summer here:  https://www.instagram.com/iamsummerdaniels/ or https://www.instagram.com/littleraeprints/ You can make an appt to donate to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au

Whether you recognise him as an actor (having played iconic roles as Evan Wilde in The Secret life of Us and as Molly Meldrum), a philanthropist, the unicycling brother of Connie or epic cancer vanquishing advocate, everyone seems to agree that Samuel Johnson is one of Australia's most loved Aussie icons.  Like Marleigh, Samuel Johnson has a brain injury and has needed blood products. He was hit by a car in 2021, an accident that nearly cost him his life and left him with a traumatic brain injury. Marleigh lives with a brain injury and Functional Neurological Disorder following Autoimmune Encephalitis.  Samuel has not let his accident slow his mission to "vanquish cancer" through Love Your Sister, which he founded with his late sister Connie, who died from breast cancer in 2017.  Samuel joins me to thank Australian blood donors for saving and prolonging the lives of Australians with cancer and he makes a promise to Marleigh that he will become a blood donor for The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team.  To find out more about the work of Love Your Sister and Sam's 1000: https://www.loveyoursister.org Sam's latest book Dear Lover can be purchased here: https://www.hachette.com.au/samuel-johnson/dear-lover You can find Sam's sister Hilde Hinton's books here (The story of unsaid things is an absolute cracker!) https://www.hachette.com.au/hilde-hinton/ To make an appointment to donate blood for The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team call 13 14 95.     

Mateoh Eggleton is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child,  born into the story of his family, culture, and Country. He carries with him the songlines of his ancestors and culture, passed down by generations. His Dreaming is part of  history, while his future is his own to shape.  In todays episode, we ask for your help to give Mateoh a future.  Mateoh is just 6 years old and has recieved blood products from hundreds of Australian blood donors. Mateoh is fighting a colossal battle against Chronic Granulomatous Disorder (CGD) and Haemolytic Anaemia.  He has recently undergone his second bone marrow transplant in a final bid to save his life. Australian blood donors have preserved his life and given him a fighting chance to grow up with his 3 siblings and his fierce Mumma, Shalyn.  Mateoh needs us to donate blood to keep him alive. He also needs the miracle of financial support to get him to St Jude's Hospital in Tennessee so that he can participate in a medical trial that may save his life and also help to save the lives of others life him, all over the world.  To provide financial support to Mateoh and his family and to help him seek treatment options overseas, please donate here: https://gofund.me/c865f5c5 To follow Mateos Journey : https://www.facebook.com/groups/615000975733126/ Join The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team to donate blood for other Australians: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/faq/lifeblood-teams-faq/how-do-i-join-existing-team Follow Milkshakes for Marleigh on socials:  https://www.instagram.com/milkshakes_for_marleigh/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076200668985 https://www.tiktok.com/@milkshakes_for_marleigh?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc        

~In memory of baby Alexander Bond ~ Chris Bond is the Captain of The Australian Wheelchair Rugby Team who have freshly been crowned World Champions. He is also a 2 time Paralympic Gold Medalist.  Chris shares his remarkable story of survival. He's a quadruple amputee from a sepsis infection, has survived the blood cancer Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia through chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant and has been the recipient of 1000s of blood donations along the way.  Earlier this year, Chris and his wife Bridie became parents to a surviving twin. Their baby boy Alexander passed away in Chris's arms very soon after birth. We dedicate this episode to baby Alexander.  Its a common misconception that people can't donate blood after having cancer. Check out this link to see if you are eligible. https://www.lifeblood.com.au/faq/eligibility/medical-conditions-and-procedures/cancer  

Cherie Canning is a lifesaver. She donates blood to save the lives of other Australians because Australian blood and breastmilk donors saved the life of her daughter, Chloe.  Born at 25 weeks, 101 days early and weighing 0.73kg, tiny Chloe was prescribed platelet transfusions and breastmilk to support her survival. At the end of this month Chloe will turn 6. She is singing and dancing her way through life and dreaming of being an astronaut - all thanks to Australian blood and breastmilk donors.  Cherie has now dedicated her life to supporting Australian women in business and helping the to thrive in their chosen careers. You can fine her here: https://www.luminateleadership.com.au  

Rebecca Ind is a blood donor and a blood product recipient. After recurrent pregnancy loss she used Anti-D Immunoglobulin to help her sustain a pregnancy and create her family. She thanks blood donors for this incredible gift.  Rebecca is also an incredible blood donor and earlier this year she celebrated her 200th donation. Bec also works for Lifeblood and she joins me to answer the many questions the The Milkshakes for Marleigh team have received about blood, and in particular, plasma donation.  To make an appointment to donate blood call 13 14 95 and ask for your donation to be added to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team, or visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood  

Australian Olympic swimming champion Michael Klim will be reliant on Australian blood donors for the rest of his life.  Michael announced earlier this year that he is suffering from a debilitating neurological autoimmune disorder called Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), for which there is no cure. But symptoms can be managed and quality of life improved by the use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusions (IVIg) made from human plasma donations.  Michael joins me on the pod to chat about how he and Marleigh have the same autoimmune response attacking different parts of their bodies and how they will both spend a life reliant on and grateful for Australian blood donors. 

The Riewoldt family name is synonymous with AFL excellence in Australia. Both Nick and Jack Riewoldt have had incredible careers in the AFL and Nick now with commentary and sports media.  Nick sister and Jack's cousin, Maddie Riewoldt died at the age of 26 from complications of Aplastic Anaemia and Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome. She has left an epic legacy of blood donation advocacy, research and support patients and their families through the organisation founded by her family in her honour, Maddie Reiwoldt's Vision. (MRV). https://www.mrv.org.au November is Maddie's months and you can support fundraising for MRV here: https://www.mrv.org.au/news/50/maddies-month-change-a-life Maddie's mum Fiona joins us to thank the blood donors who improved Maddie's quality of life, granted her more time and gave Maddie and her family the gift of hope. 

Mandy McCracken became unwell with what she thought was the flu. Within days she would be in an Intensive Care Unit fighting for her life from Sepsis which would progressively attempt to destroy her body. It was miracle that Mandy survived. Sepsis resulted in the amputation of all of Mandy's limbs but blood donors saved her life.  Mandy joins us to share her stoic and pragmatic version of what its like to be on the edge of life and then to carve out a new life as a quad amputee. You can find Mandy's Podcast "Look Mum, no hands" here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/your-local-stories-idpwd/quad-amputee-mum-daughter-move-city-idpwd-ep1/13642422 Information about Get Started Disability Support can be found here: https://www.mandyandrodmccracken.com/about-3  

Hugh Van Culenberg hates being described as a self help guru, wellness coach or motivational speaker. But he is proud to be described as a blood donor.  Hugh is the Founder and Director of The Resillience Project which has supported hundreds or thousands of Australians to happiness through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM). He is also the co-host of The Imperfects Podcast alongside his brother Josh and comedian Ryan Shelton.  Hugh has loved many people who have needed blood products and he hopes that after today people understand that a blood donation can save 3 lives; that around 1 in 4 people will need blood products in their lifetime but only 1 in 30 eligible Australians donate blood.  You can buy Hugh's books and find our more about The Resilience Project here: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/shop/ The Imperfects Podcast is available on all major platforms. 

Like Marleigh, Kylie Miller will be dependant on Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusion (IVIG) for the rest of her life to treat her Multifocal Motor Neuropathy. She shares her experience of arriving at hospital for her treatment only to be turned away as not enough people had donated blood and her medication wasn't able to me made. This episode gives so much context and meaning to the phrase we hear so often in the media of "critical blood shortage".  Kylie has gone on to do so many amazing things with her life and make so many contributions to Australian society that would not have been possible without Australian blood donors preserving and improving the quality of her life. She join us today to say thank you.  You can find Kylie's books here: https://www.kyliemiller.com.au  

Adem Crosby may have died from Leukaemia in his teens, but he left an incredible mark on the world during his short time on this earth. Through the work of Team Adem, his parents Brent and Lu honour his dying wishes of continued blood donation advocacy and supporting children and their families impacted by cancer.  You can find our more about the work of Team Adem here: https://teamadem.com.au    

Language warning - this one is a bit chaotic and a bit sweary! Libby Trickett needs no introduction. She is an olympic gold medalist swimmer and has beaten the GOAT Michael Phelps in the pool. She is an author, mental health advocate and podcasting queen. She's an Australian icon.  Lib has teamed up with the incredible Paula Hindle, who is an Integrative Health Coach and Physiotherapist. Together they have founded Unlocking Her Potential, and they are on a mission of sprinkling health, joy, positivity and love! Through Unlocking Her Potential, Lib and Paula encourage participants of their Rise Up Program to engage in acts of service and they suggest blood donation. A simple, free and life changing gift that will save the lives of fellow Australians.  Our daughter Marleigh is still alive today because of these incredible selfless gifts.  You can find Unlocking Her Potential here: https://unlockingherpotential.com.au You can find Libby's book Beneath the Surface, here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/beneath-the-surface-libby- Libbys podcasts are called All that Glitters & The Sport Social. https://open.spotify.com/show/2KnmOahZzxpHpla6HI6Ia5?si=bedb422c587e474c https://open.spotify.com/show/5vzg1YJAaMjjsjPilr8Q4s?si=b814c9eb61804350 Libby and I are gratefully supported in our podcasting pursuits by strozkiy media  

Sybylla "Byll" Stephen, is one half of of the entertainment phenomenon that its Teeny Tiny Stevies. She is a singer, songwriter, author and a blood donor.  The music of The Teeny Tiny Stevies has been Marleigh's constant companion through her treatment for Autoimmune Encephalitis and has kept her entertained through many a night of the insomnia that is a residual side effect of her treatment.  Kate and Byll chat about the importance of music in childhood development and the magic of music in play therapy. Byll encourages Australian's to book an appointment to donate blood.  You can find The Teeny Tiny Stevies here: https://www.teenytinystevies.com/live-shows To make an appointment to donate blood call 13 14 95 or visit: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood    

Rachael Casella is a blood donor and mother of Mackenzie, who was a blood product recipient. Mackenzie received a fatal diagnosis of the rare genetic neuromuscular disorder, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) when she was just 10 weeks old. Mackenzie passed away when she was 7 months old. She received blood products during her final days. Following Mackenzie's diagnosis, Rachael became a fierce advocate for genetic carrier screening and for ensuring that prospective parents are provided with information and choices for their family planning through Mackenzie's Mission. https://www.mackenziesmission.org.au You can find Rachael's book Mackenzie Mission here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/mackenzie-s-mission-rachael-casella/book/9781760527457.html To make an appointment to donate blood please call Lifeblood on 13 14 95 and ask for your donation to be added to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team or book online at: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/making-your-donation  

Are you a Carer? Are you a Bereaved Carer?  Emma Madsen, Founder of the Carers Club, joins me to talk about how she supports Carers. Emma self describes as a Bereaved Carer, a term that she coined to described the identity of someone who was previously a carer for someone who has passed away.  Despite many failed attempts, Emma is what Id call an "attempted blood donor" & while she hasn't been able to offer her blood to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team, today she offers her story and her platforms to promote the importance of blood donation.  You can find all the information about The Carers Club on her social by the same name or at: https://www.thecarersclub.com.au To make an appoint to donate blood please call 13 14 95 and we would love it if you added you donation to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team! Booking can also be made here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/making-your-donation  

In recent weeks David Mead has retired from his professional rugby league career and in his retirement he is championing the importance of blood donation.  David came from very humble beginnings in Papua New Guinea, moving to Australia at the age of 12 with an Aunt, he had limited English but big dreams. In this episode David thanks the people who helped him to achieve Rugby League stardom.  David has seen friends babies need blood products to survive, he's had a premature baby in Neonatal Intensive Care and he has been inspired by Marleigh's story. In this episode he thanks blood donors and joins The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team.  To hear more from David you can find him on his podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OQ08DJCvNa00zM6iwlFSL?si=9d56f70188f24cd5 In this episode I reference his chat with Libby Tricket on her Podcast, All that glitters: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Gu1sb9zDu3Ye8K3u5ZNaS?si=f20acb4edd544dbb To make a donation to donate blood please call 13 14 95 and ask for you donation to be registered to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team or register here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/making-your-donation?gclid=CjwKCAjwu5yYBhAjEiwAKXk_eIFYH02UGDMtpmrpR0hTOYLg5L95dIzpanRh-xarNCqTDLQxR6iImxoCACoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds  

Blood donor Danielle was just 24 when she lost her partner Jake to brain cancer, at the age of 27. Prior to Jake's diagnosis of Glioblastoma, they had just got a puppy and were looking forward to spending their lives together. Heartbreakingly, they didn't even get to celebrate another Christmas together. Jake received blood blood products during his cancer treatment, which improved his quality of life during his final chapter.  Danielle makes beautiful jewellery for her business Crystal meets Pearl. She donates the profits to brain cancer research to help other with brain cancer. https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/PearlMeetsCrystal Danielle donates her profits to The Cure Brain Cancer Foundation to give Australians with Glioblastoma the gift of hope and time. You can find more information here: https://www.curebraincancer.org.au/home To make and appointment to donate for The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team call 13 14 95 or visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood  

To celebrate International Assistance Dog Awareness Week, we share our journey of getting Paddy as Marleigh's Seizure Response Service Dog and we meet Tracey whose son Cody has Service Dog, Lulu.  Australian Blood Donors saved Cody at the age of two when he underwent 11 surgeries to remove his brain tumour. A trial of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusions was also used to attempt to treat his uncontrollable seizures.                                Cody is now 16 and his whole world has opened up with the support of Service Dog Lulu. She brings his so much joy, has helped him get out of his wheelchair and has given him the confidence to enter further education and the workforce the the NDIS Umbrella Program. Please support Latte Central at Cranbourne : https://www.lartecentral.org.au  To make an appt to donate blood, plasma or platelets for the Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team call 13 14 95 or visit: https://www.lifeblood.com.au  

Jarrod Week is a professional basketball player in the Australian National Basketball League playing for the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers. His wife Michelle is a Life and Mindset Coach and together they share a gorgeous baby boy.  Michelle's Dad, Shane recently died from Multiple Myeloma which is a rare form of cancer. Australian blood donors gave Shane and his family more time and improved his quality of life in his final months to allow him to have the best fighting chance and then to say goodbye.  Jarrod and Michelle are raising money for the Sydney Blood Cancer Research Institute through the move4myeloma fundraiser. https://www.sydneybloodcancerresearch.org.au/move4myeloma-2022 You can find Michelle and her amazing work on Life and Mindset Coaching here: https://www.michelleweeks.com.au To donate blood, plasma, platelets or breastmilk please call 13 14 95 to make an appointment and add your donation to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team. https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/donate-as-a-group    

Master storyteller, Hedley Thomas is well regarded as bringing the medium of podcasting into the consciousness of many Australian's through his first series, The Teachers Pet: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-teachers-pet/id1385379989 and its subsequent series The Teachers Trial: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jtmW5JkU2Zq4bY0FKjF1a?si=40414d982d214682 In this interview, Hedley gives a masterclass in the way he tells compelling Australian stories and gives his support for The Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast and our advocacy work to encourage and thank blood donors.  He also shares the work of his Mother-in-Law known as "Bloody Mary" who ran the blood donation centre in Mackay.  In addition to The Teachers Pet and Trial, Hedley has two other podcasts called Shandee's Story: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uTwiUDOY7p4aINYNX8qoq?si=39b1aab7a2ba4ba9 and The Night Driver: https://open.spotify.com/show/641ywFqKfAUF8NCGsUDahz?si=757c2de7eb62404f To make an appointment to donate blood and to join The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team please call 13 14 95 or visit: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/donate-as-a-group  

Imagine that you are 18 weeks pregnant with your 4th child and your 3 year old daughter is struck down by the terrifying Guillain Barre Syndrome. You fear that she may die, but her life is saved by Australian Plasma Donors.  While still reeling from the shock of this incredibly rare diagnosis, you birth a beautiful baby boy who is born not breathing and you fear that he may not survive. Against the odds he survives those first few weeks, only to be then diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when he is only 5 weeks old.   And then your Mum is diagnosed with lung cancer. Sounds like this episode is going to be really heavy doesn't it? It is actually the complete opposite. This episode is a joyous celebration of life and making the best of every moment.  This is Jenny Northey's story. Her and husband Peter share their story of Ava and Eli's journey's and how this had lead them to be blood donors and blood donation advocates.   

This week Reggie Bird won Big Brother for the second time. She shares her experience of living with disability, being a Carer and to thank Australian blood donors for prolonging and improving the quality of life of her mate, Maddie Reiwoldt. To make a donation or find out more about  #maddiesvision & #fightlikemaddie please visit: www.mrv.org.au To make an appointment to donate blood in Australia please call 13 14 95 and please add you donation to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team. https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/donate-as-a-group      

At 11 months old Baxter was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. He is now 16 and a fierce advocate and leader in his community. He and his Mum Noni thank the blood donors who saved his life and allowed him to fight childhood cancer.  Jeff Steele is a Sunshine Coast local who has now made over 500 donations and was donating platelets at the time that Baxter needed them. This the story of how blood donors save live and keep families together.  To find more information on the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry: https://www.abmdr.org.au To make a booking to donate blood please call 13 14 95 to make an appointment and to register your donation for The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team. https://www.lifeblood.com.au/lifeblood-of-australia?gclsrc=aw.ds&      

Rylah Joy "rode on the wings of angles and prayer" in the first days of her life to defy all reasonable odds and achieve multiple miracles to survive. And she is not wasting a moment of her time on this earth.  Teamed with her amazing Mumma and fierce advocate Deb, Rylah is shaking up common popular culture assumptions and social stereotypes of Trisomy 21. She is a model, dancer and brand rep loving her life living centre stage. Deb refers to Ryan's Rule during this episode. You can find further information here: https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/priority-areas/safety-and-quality/ryans-rule  You can find Rylah and her social stories on Insta @Rylah.Joy  You can fine information on Lifeblood's changing requirements for blood donors who have lived in the UK here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/eligibility/donating-after-travelling/UK You can book an appointment to donate blood by calling 13 14 95 and please consider adding your donation to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team. 

At the age of 19, Adam Cheyne had complications from a rhinoplasty procedure which became life threatening. Blood donors saved his life and have given him the chance to become a husband, father, volunteer and contributor to his community.  Adam is a co-director of Town Planning Firm, Urban Kind which was Founded by his wife Claire. Together they deliver positive impacts for people, places and our planet.  https://urbankind.studio Adam joins us to say thank you for the gift of life.  Please become a blood donor and add your donation to The Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team. Call 13 14 95 to make an appointment. 

Dean Butcher is a blood donor and blood donation advocate which honour his little sister Holly's dying wish. On her passing from Ewings Sarcoma, Holly shared a letter of 'life advice" with family and friends which quickly became a international viral sensation being shared by millions all over the world. You can find her letter here: https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/australian-woman-died-battling-rare-cancer-penned-inspirational/story?id=52290890 Holly was a blood product recipient and this gave her more time with her partner Luke, family, friends and her dog. Updated information on blood donation for people who have spent time in the UK can be found here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/news-and-stories/media-centre/media-releases/tga-approval-lift-mad-cow-blood-donation-ban-people-who-lived-in-uk This episode is dedicated to the late Oncologist Dr David Leong of Canberra who saved the life of his "Miracle", Melissa. May he Rest In Peace.     

Dylan Alcott, Christiano Ronaldo & Scott Morrison have all been in the headlines this week talking about the issues that make up the fabric of our family.  In this final episode of Season One of The Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast we catch up on the progress of our family and discuss how families with additional needs like ours are portrayed in society and media representation in Australia.  Please register here to donate for the Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood team: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/news-and-stories/stories/milkshakes-for-marleigh This episode is recorded on the lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people. we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

After a 6 year struggle of infertility, Leonie and Peter were sharing a final meal before the scheduled delivery of their 3 baby girls when Leonie suffered a massive seizure that was depriving her babies of oxygen. The lives of Leonie and all of her babies was in danger and the girls were delivered at 15 second intervals within 21 minutes of the onset of the seizure activity.  Due to their early delivery and the life treating complications suffered by their Mumma, the girls accessed donor breastmilk and Leonie shares how this was the best choice for their family.  Leonie documents their lives on the Instagram page The Business of Triplets. You can also find her at her Property Investment and Wealth Creation business : http://wealthology.com.au/author/leoniesloan/ This episode was recorded on the lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 

Lisa Cox was 24 she suffered a stroke that left her with a range of disabilities. Blood donors have saved her life many times and she has now dedicated her life to bringing visibility and ensuring equal opportunities and representation for people with disabilities.  Lisa caught our attention with her open letter to blood donors published by the HuffPost: https://www.huffpost.com/archive/au/entry/thanks-for-saving-my-life-whoever-you-are_b_9744716 This episode was recorded and produced on the lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 

Alanna was driving her son from Canberra to the South Coast of NSW when a drug affected person caused a road crash that would change the course of their lives. TJ, a promising young footballer who had just completed year 7, was airlifted in a critical condition where his life was saved by emergency surgery and blood transfusions.  While his seatbelt saved his life it also caused him to suffer a perforated bowel requiring a double stoma, the loss of major abdominal muscle, fractured ribs and a punctured lung.  TJ's life will never be the same but the only reason he is still alive is because of blood donors.  This episode was recorded and produced on the lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people. We pay our respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging. 

Dean Hewitt is one half of the first ever Australian team to qualify for Curling at the Olympic Games, He partnered with Tahli Gill at the Beijing 2022 Games to represent his country to some epic wins and enchanted Aussies with the sport of Curling. Dean has been influenced by two great men in his career. His Grandfather in Canada and Curling legend Ian "ice nut" Pellagio, who died from a rare form of blood cancer in 2020. What both these men had in common is that they were both blood product recipients.  Dean also volunteers with the Starlight Foundation who have given so much to our family.  To learn more about them and how you can support them go to: Home page | Starlight Children's Foundation | Australian Children's Charity  This episode was recorded and produced on the lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people. We pay our respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging.