Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation

Supporting research into a cure for leukaemia and other diseases treatable by bone marrow and stem cell therapy and providing support services for patients. www. arrow.org. au

Since Arrow’s conception in 1987, medical research has paved the way to major advances in the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia and a variety of non-malignant diseases treatable by bone marrow and stem cell therapies. Although a growing number of Australians are receiving bone marrow and stem cell transplants – the good news is that mortality rates are falling largely due to advances in medical research and improved patient care.

Advancing medical research
Arrow provides funding for a research scientist within the Blood Stem Cell and Cancer Research Unit at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. Current research focuses on a newly discovered “gene switch” that regulates cell death in cancer.

Supporting our future scientists
Through our scholarship program, Arrow provides financial assistance to PhD students from all over Australia to assist with their leukaemia and stem cell research projects.

Scholarships for registered nurses
Each year, Arrow offers nursing scholarships to registered nurses employed in the field of blood and marrow transplantation and paediatric oncology.
Arrow is committed to giving nurses the opportunity to advance their education through scholarships in the following specialty areas: Chemotherapy and other Systemic Treatments in Cancer Care; Blood & Marrow Transplantation; Haematology Nursing; Paediatric Oncology Nursing.

Education and patient support

Wigs for cancer patients
Hair loss is often one of the most emotionally distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Arrow’s Tracey Scone Wig Library offers cancer and transplant patients the opportunity to borrow a wig completely free of charge for the duration of treatment.

Help with the cost of travel
Travelling to and from hospital for ongoing tests and consultations can be financially challenging, particularly for patients who live far away. Arrow offers financial assistance to patients, carers and bone marrow donors experiencing difficulties meeting the cost of travel for transplant and post transplant treatment.

A place to stay
With the financial support of the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic and the family and friends of Katherine Robertson, Arrow fully funded the refurbishment of Arrow House, a home away from home for patients undergoing treatment, and their families. Arrow House is located in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

Transplant information for patients and carers
Arrow supports patients and carers by sponsoring patient information seminars and comprehensive guides on the transplant process. These give patients considering a transplant the opportunity to make informed decisions and learn about the transplant process.