Hope Helps


Photo credit: stock.xchng

Today I would like to talk about the hard work of Melanie Jeffree, founder of the cancer fundraising group Hope Helps. Two years ago, Melanie’s husband was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma and is still fighting hard against the disease. His positive thinking and amazing spirit were Melanie’s inspiration to do everything she can to help the fight against cancer.

Hope Helps runs a variety of different events and projects including trivia nights, market nights, Daffodil Day, Biggest Morning Tea, and a Girls Night In. All of the profits are distributed between two charities, The Cancer Council and OnTrac@PeterMac.

The Cancer Council’s core business is cancer control. They conduct and support research, as well as delivering support and prevention programs and advocacy to reduce the physical and emotional burden of cancer. The leaders are of international standing and we are significantly and positively influencing the cancer agenda. They are a non-profit organization and rely on the generous support of donors and volunteers.

OnTrac@PeterMac is a state wide, multidisciplinary clinical and research team of healthcare professionals working towards improving the survival rates, quality of treatment and care of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) through the:
• Establishment of a dedicated state-wide AYA cancer team
• Development of a research and development program
• Development of a health promotion, training and education program for healthcare professionals working with young people
• Effective leadership in advocacy and policy development in AYA cancer care

OnTrac@PeterMac is currently supporting over 400 young people aged between 15-25 years living with cancer and is now an internationally recognized leader in identifying and addressing the medical, psychological and social issues impacting on young people living with this disease.

The goal at Hope Helps is to give these hard working cancer prevention groups better opportunities to make a difference in the lives of so many people. The money raised will be used to continue research into finding a cure for cancer and helping make a difference in the comfort of patients under going treatment for their Cancer.

Guess what, food bloggers? One of the projects that Hope Helps is co-ordinating this year is a collaborative cookbook. It is still in the planning stage so far, and Melanie is looking for recipe submissions. We are looking for original recipes to be published in the Hope Helps Cookbook. They can be absolutely anything, from a simple snack to an elaborate dessert. The success of this project depends on how many recipes are submitted, so if you can help either contact me at fruitcakey (at) gmail (dot) com or Melanie at melanie.jeffree (at) gmail (dot) com

Alternately, if you live in Melbourne and are interested in any of the Hope Helps events, contact Melanie for information.

***

In other news, a big congratulations to Jessie from Sui Mai, she won the logo design package offered in Menu For Hope. I’ve been working on the design and I can’t wait to show you what I’ve come up with! Thanks also to every one who nominated my prize for their Menu For Hope donation, and thanks to Pim and Helen for their efforts in organization. $91,188 was the total amount raised, an incredible achivement. Lets hope we can beat that number next time!

4 Comments on “Hope Helps”

  1. I think this is an excellent project– will have to look for original recipes from my collection. Actually most of what I publish are other people’s recipes done “my way”, so it’s more or less original. I’m thinking if ever I should contribute, I should just post the picture and encourage people to buy the book– what is the time frame for its accepting contributions and release?

    Congratulations to Jessie!

  2. Hi Mark, thank you so much. There’s not really a time frame at this point, its just in the planning stage. I’m trying to help spread the word at this point. I’m also hoping to help with the design so it looks nice and professional, plus I’ve always wanted to design a cookbook 🙂

  3. What a wonderful project! Unfortunately, I’m an eater and not a cook otherwise I’d love to contribute.

    I’m still doing the victory dance over winning the prize I wanted the most. Luckily you don’t have to see it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *