Why I volunteered – David’s Story

My story

I have been involved in a clinical trial as a patient at Concord Hospital for the last six years. I’m still going well in the clinical trial.

This trial has changed my life and restored my quality of life. I now have more energy to enjoy the things I love with family, and longer road bike rides with friends on the weekends.

All the haematologists, doctors, nurses and clinical trial team have been amazing in my treatment with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia or (WM) blood cancer; they are passionate, supportive and give hope with cutting-edge advanced therapies for patients. I’m fortunate and humbled to have that support team in my life. They have been incredibly reassuring as well.

I have always wanted to give something back to help the great team at the Haematology Dept at Concord Hospital and support a fundraising foundation.

I inquired about my options, and Foundation for A Bloody Great Cause was recommended.

I contacted the Foundation through the hospital and did my first ever volunteering at A Bloody Great Night Out! fundraising event at the lovely Le Montage and loved it!

The committee members, doctors, nurses, clinical trial staff, patients, community members, and volunteers are lovely and down to earth; they made me feel like family.

After my first volunteering event, I knew this was for me, and I loved it.

An important factor that attracted me was all the funds raised by the Foundation for A Bloody Great Cause go straight to the Haematology Clinical Research Unit at Concord Hospital. It allows the research team to access independent clinical trials that would not be available without the foundation’s financial support. This gives so much hope for me and other patients now and in the immediate future.

I’m looking forward to the next charity event, seeing the inspirational committee members and other volunteers, and having fun.

From my heart ❤️ Thank you very much for making me so welcome as a volunteer and becoming part of The Bloody Great Committee and especially for giving so much hope with these trials which change peoples’ lives like mine.

Thank you again, David (Patient)