From Diagnosis to Remission: A Family’s Journey through Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

In October 2023, Stacey Cavill’s life changed forever. Her dad was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) — an aggressive and life-threatening form of blood cancer that shook her family to its core.

AML progresses rapidly, often without warning. For many, diagnosis comes too late, limiting treatment options and outcomes. But for Stacey’s dad, early intervention made all the difference.

Thanks to the expert care and cutting-edge research of Royal Perth Hospital Haematologist Dr Hun Chuah, treatment began immediately and today, Stacey’s father is in remission, living a healthy, active life that once felt out of reach.

“I’ve seen firsthand how vital medical research is. It’s not just about treatment — it’s about giving families like mine a future.” – Stacey Cavill

Her story is a powerful reminder of what research can make possible: timely diagnosis, effective care, and hope for recovery. It also highlights the real-world impact of work that often begins behind the scenes.

The Research That Made a Difference

Blood cancers like AML are among the most common cancers worldwide and are projected to become the deadliest in Australia by 2035. Early diagnosis is critical, but many patients are only diagnosed once symptoms appear, when treatment options are already limited.

Dr Chuah and his team, supported by RPH Research Foundation, are tackling this head-on. They’ve developed a groundbreaking diagnostic tool known as immuno-flowFISH, capable of detecting abnormal cells with genetic changes, even when those cells make up just 1 in 100,000.

The test is being refined for people with known bone marrow disorders who are at elevated risk. It could pave the way for a new clinical pathway: one that enables early detection, prediction, and ultimately prevention of leukaemia.

It’s targeted, measurable research, and it’s already saving lives.

How You Can Help

Stacey’s family is living proof of what’s possible when medical research reaches the people who need it most. With your support, we can continue funding breakthroughs that lead to early diagnoses and life-changing outcomes.

Your donation today helps create more stories like Stacey’s where research leads to recovery, and families get their futures back.

Together, we can make a real difference.

Give today. Help turn research into recovery.