Giving Back

There are extraordinary organisations in Australia that provide vital resources, commitment and energy for those in need. I’m very lucky to be able to lend my support to a few causes close to my heart. 

Since 1988 the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s mission is to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families … because sick kids are still kids at heart.

Their unique programs are the result of extensive research and respond to the specific needs of Aussie kids and teens. The foundation knows what kids and their families are facing when serious illness or injury consumes their lives.  They disrupt the relentless cycle of pain and trauma and offer a welcome break so that sick kids can simply be kids.

Deborah, along with the Starlight Foundation believes that fun fights fear and wins every time.  She has been Master of Ceremonies at the Starlight Children’s Foundation Five Chefs Dinner in Sydney for the past few years and loves to give back to this wonderful cause.

A wellness philosophy is incorporated into all aspects of care at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre, a warm and supportive environment for all people affected by cancer.

“When I went through breast cancer, it was very important to me to do other things besides the chemotherapy and surgery. I did meditation, acupuncture and many other alternative therapies to help heal the whole person — mind, body and spirit. The Wellness Centre is a wonderful place for patients and their families to go to during their treatment to have access to the same therapies.”  -Olivia Newton-John

The Wellness Centre is the hub for Wellness Programs and the Wellness & Supportive Care team also coordinate a range of complementary therapies that are offered in wellness spaces throughout the ONJCWC.

For several years Deborah has been MC at the Olivia Newton-John Gala in Melbourne and has been humbled to work with an incredible group of people, helping to raise funds for this fabulous cause.

The Skin Hospital is a world-class centre for dermatology providing leading-edge treatments and the highest standard of care for all skin conditions, including skin cancer.

The Skin Hospital is committed to increasing the awareness of skin cancer and educating people on the importance of getting regular checks so it made sense that Deborah would be the best person for the job of brand ambassador. She has experienced firsthand the confronting aspects of having skin cancer and the surgery that comes with it and is urging people to see a professional.

Deborah will be working with us to bring greater awareness about the importance of skin checks. The earlier skin cancers are detected the less significant the surgery and the higher the chances are of recovery. Undetected skin cancers can become difficult and disfiguring to treat, so early detection is the best defence. The message is clear, don’t delay, skin cancer can be serious and life-threatening.

To establish a mobile Skin Cancer Skin Check and Awareness Unit with related skin check facilities provided by accredited trained professional Dermoscopists and other appropriately qualified personnel.

By bringing together public and Lions sourced funding and calling on volunteers from around the state, Lions aim to put a fully resourced and voluntarily staffed skin cancer check van as a free service, in particular to service rural and remote areas.

The Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation was initially formed, registered as a charitable organisation and achieved charitable status, with the initial task of getting the van on the road. Future work will also include assisting in cancer research.