Olivia's new cancer battle (about fundraising and the Livkit)
Olivia Newton-John is coming home to wage war on cancer - and she needs your help to make it happen
Olivia Newton-John is donning her battle armour to face an old foe. The timelessly beautiful star, who triumphantly beat breast cancer 12 years ago, is jetting home for a cancer fight that she fears will be her toughest yet.
This week the 56-year-old songstress declares war on breast cancer with the launch of the Liv Kit, a self-examination aid that magnifies lumps, making them much easier to detect at an early stage.
And she hopes to convince the federal and state governments to introduce a breast cancer postage stamp that has so far raised more than $50 million for breast cancer research in the US.
“Breast cancer has been the biggest battle of my life. I will stop at nothing to protect the future health and wellbeing of young women all over the world and generations to come,” Olivia says.
Olivia, one of our most endearing stars, bravely shared the tragedy and triumphs of her battle with breast cancer in the hope that it would help others.
It was a dark time. On the day she was diagnosed she also learnt that her beloved father Professor Brin Newton-John had passed away from cancer.
She recalls her diagnosis as the worst night of her life: “I suddenly imagined that cancer was all through my body and I was going to die, but the next day I snapped out of it. I knew I had to.”
Olivia says the personal pain she endured confronting her own mortality laid the foundations of what has become her very passionate and public role fighting breast cancer worldwide.
“Part of my motivation is for my daughter Chloe and her generation. I think that’s a natural, instinctive, motherly thing to do. I don’t want Chloe or her friends to have to worry about breast cancer,” Olivia explains.
“And by then I hope we will have developed vaccines and be so far advanced with our research that it’s not an issue. Isn’t that an exciting thought?”
The much-loved star is proud of the projects she has underway, particularly the new Liv Kit - which makes breast examination so much easier - and the potential that the proceeds of a breast cancer research stamp have.
But although the Liv Kit will be available this week, she has a war to wage with Australia Post, who have so far rejected proposals for the breast cancer research postage stamp, which in the US sells for a few cents more than a regular stamp.
Following in the footsteps of the stamp’s creator Dr Ernie Bodai, who knocked on congressional doors at the White House in America for support, Olivia is determined to leave no stone unturned.
After a valiant battle, Dr Bodai received the support of former first lady and now New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who launched the stamp with much fanfare.
“What this man did was phenomenal,” Olivia says. “I really want this stamp to be available in Australia. Australia Post has knocked it back, but if I have to go out and personally knock on the door of every politician in Canberra to make this happen, I will,” she says.
“I would very much like to talk to both Mr Howard and Mr Latham. There is no excuse not to have the stamp available. Research costs money, and in the US the breast cancer stamp has raised nearly $57 million. It is the single biggest selling stamp ever in the US. Imagine what we could do if it was on sale here?”
But Olivia is happy the Liv Kit is now available in Australia, thanks to distributor Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula. It’s her goal that every woman have access to one.
The revolutionary breast self-exam pad was developed by Dr Don Perry in the US, after trying to find a better way for women to detect changes in their breasts.
While sitting at his kitchen table, he rubbed his fingers across a plastic bag and could feel grains of salt underneath, prompting him to explore the use of different gels to magnify lumps.
“A friend showed me how it works by putting a little bit of salt down or the table,” Olivia explains.
“It was just amazing. These little grains of salt felt like pieces of rice. It magnified them so much, I was just blown away.. Then I tried it at home, and it made self-examination so easy.”
“For women who are uncomfortable about feeling their breasts, it’s the perfect way to examine. It’s so simple.”
“I showed my oncologist and he thought it was wonderful. That was the thumbs up for me. I was very keen to become involved after that.”
The kit was then only available to doctors and medical staff, but Olivia felt women should have access to it at home.
“I want it to be part of every woman’s monthly health care routine, just as your toothbrush or skin cream is every day.”
“We all know that early detection save lives. It’s crucial. I particularly want younger women to get in the habit of self-examination. More and more young girls are being diagnosed with breast cancer,” she says passionately.
While the kit is not intended to replace check-ups or mammograms, Olivia hopes it will increase women’s awareness of their bodies.
Breast self-examination is close to Olivia’s heart. Regular mammograms failed to detect her cancer, which she discovered through her own examination and persistence.
“I didn’t feel right. I felt the lump and had a mammogram, but it was negative. So I went to see my surgeon, who’d seen me before.”
“He did a needle biopsy which hurt, so we knew something wasn’t right. So I had a surgical biopsy. and sure enough, it was there.”
“You have to be in touch with your body. Use your intuition and listen to it. You know if something isn’t right.”
Olivia also believes environmental degradation and the increasing rates of cancer and illness across the world are linked. She is lauded worldwide for her environmental work, and will continue the fight.
“The more we pollute the planet, the sicker we get,” she explains. “There has to be a connection. We need to take as much care of the planet as we take of ourselves.”
“I’ve just noticed it within my circle of friends and family. Cancer seems so prevalent. It must have something to do with our immunity and the lack of oxygen. Things like genetically modified food terrify me.”
With a federal election looming. Olivia may prove to be politics’ hottest newcomer, as this divine diva of song pushes for a cancer-free future. May we suggest voting Livvy-she’s the one that we want!
By Sue Smethurst. Pictures: Michelle Day.
Register your support of Olivia’s petition for a breast cancer stamp by calling (03) 9698 0200 or by e-mailing olivia@srgroup.com.au.
Win A Trip To Meet Olivia
Olivia Newton-John has just released her revolutionary Liv Kit breast self-examination aid in Australia - and here’s your exclusive chance to meet Olivia and see her perform live in concert in the US!
Every New Idea reader who orders a Liv Kit before June 30 will have the opportunity to win this fabulous prize. The Liv Kit costs $49.95, plus $6.95 for postage and handling.
All you have to do to enter is call 1800 888 803, order your Liv Kit, then tell us in 25 words or less why you’d like to win!
One reader from each state or territory will win a trip to the US to meet Olivia and see her perform live in concert. Plus, Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula will provide each winner with a fabulous skin care selection valued at $500.
NEW IDEA EXCLUSIVE
Thanks to New Idea and Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula, $5 from every Liv Kit ordered under this promotion will be donated to the Liv Foundation Charitable Trust, to support the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Melbourne.
YOUR PRIZE
Each winner receives:
Two return economy airfares from the winner’s nearest capital city to the US (destination city subject to Olivia’s tour dates).
Five nights twin-share accommodation.
Airport transfers in the US.
Two tickets to see Olivia Newton-John live in concert.
Meet and greet with Olivia backstage at the concert.
$500 Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula gift basket.
The kit’s Liv Aid features touch enhancing for greater sensitivity, reduces friction between fingers and skin, comes in one universal size and is easy to clean and store.