Playing for lives: Tackling Leukaemia scores for donor recruitment - Events And Campaigns

Tackling Leukaemia, an accredited community recruitment partner of Stem Cell Donors Australia, is working tirelessly to address the critical need for greater diversity on the registry. With a dedicated focus on engaging First Nations and Pasifika communities through Rugby, the organisation is breaking down barriers to representation and ensuring more lives can be saved by connecting patients with compatible donors. From community-led events to national partnerships, here we explore how Tackling Leukaemia is making a tangible difference in building a more inclusive and effective donor registry.

Navy Tackles Leukaemia at HMAS Cerberus

In November 2024, Tackling Leukaemia partnered with HMAS Cerberus during the annual Navy versus Victoria Police rugby match to host “Navy Tackles Leukaemia.” This event aimed to raise awareness about the need for more First Nations and Pasifika donors and to encourage Australians to register as donors.

Led by retired Australian Army veteran Colonel Kevin Maloney, the Tackling Leukaemia team engaged with attendees, promoting the importance of closing the gap in donor representation. With over 50 individuals swabbed on the day and more requesting swab kits, the event was a notable success.

Kevin praised the inclusive nature of the Australian Defence Force, saying, “The mix of ages, genders, and ethnicities illustrates the inclusivity of the ADF and helps increase the chances of compatibility for patients.”

Commander Jason Grivas, Executive Officer Cerberus, echoed this sentiment in an article on the Defence website, commending his team’s efforts. “Partnerships like these just make sense. Royal Australian Navy personnel are always looking to support their communities, as we see with initiatives like the annual Defence Blood Drive.”

The event also highlighted the unique challenges faced by First Nations and Pasifika individuals in finding compatible donors due to their distinct genetic backgrounds. These challenges underscore the importance of targeted recruitment efforts, including our accredited community recruitment partners, to improve outcomes for underrepresented groups.

Partnership in the Australian Cancer Plan

Tackling Leukaemia has further strengthened its role in addressing inequities in stem cell donation by becoming a full partner in the Australian Cancer Plan. This makes it the only fully voluntary organisation among the plan’s 13 implementation partners. The organisation brings grassroots strategies like “Operation Indigenous Assist” and “Operation Pasifika Engage” to the national stage.

As Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe noted, “These partnerships are crucial for enhancing collaboration and progressing towards the Plan’s ambitious goals, and the expertise they bring to the table is invaluable.”

Tackling Leukaemia is working towards our vision: a world where every person who needs a stem cell transplant has a compatible donor. By focusing on First Nations and Pasifika communities, the organisation is addressing a critical gap in representation and is helping to build a registry that reflects the diversity of Australia.