Olivia Newton-John reappears in her fight against cancer
Translation from Spanish
The treatment center will bear the name of the artist who won her battle against the disease about three years ago.
Australian singer Olivia Newton-John accepted a $7.5 million donation from the Australian Federal Government for the treatment center that will bear her name. The singer publicly thanked the Ministry of Health for the donation to the “Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre,” a wing within Austin Hospital in Melbourne, which is expected to open in 2008, according to the AAP news agency.
Newton-John, who has contributed $1.5 million to the project, told reporters she was thrilled by the government’s gesture and emphasized that the sum already represents half of the $37.5 million needed to complete the center. “I am absolutely thrilled by the sum that the government has provided us,” she said.
“This Ministry’s announcement brings us closer to our dream of opening this wonderful new center,” the “Grease” singer declared. Newton-John visited patients at Austin Health today alongside Federal Minister of Health and Ageing Tony Abbott, who announced a $10 million grant for cancer research at the facility. “The mind plays an important role,” she explained, adding that the future the health center will combine physical treatment with inner self-help, and patients will be able to practice disciplines such as yoga or tai chi.
“However spiritual you are, the mind plays a very important role in healing. Whether it’s meditation, prayer, or singing, whatever your belief, it can help you maintain a positive spirit,” the soloist affirmed.
The star of “Xanadu” recovered from breast cancer after undergoing a mastectomy of her right breast and several months of chemotherapy.