Michael Leddin Breast Cancer - A Son's Story Interview

Michael Leddin Breast Cancer - A Son's Story Interview

Michael Leddin was 23 when in 2011, his mother Maree, lost her battle with breast cancer.

Michael is now urging the public to join the campaign to -Clean for a Cure', for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, run by Platinum Partners of the Foundation Vileda and Ansell, as he 'never wants that to happen to anyone else".

The campaign aims to raise $1 Million for vital breast cancer research by 2017.

For an astounding 19 of his 23 years, Michael lived with the knowledge that breast cancer could take his mother away. Maree was a fighter and endured two extended periods of remission before finally losing her epic battle in 2011.

Michael recalls with sadness the effect the cancer had on his family 'the things I remember from my childhood are moments where I'm sleeping on a hospital floor with my sisters next to my mum's bedside... the first time seeing her without hair and in a wig".

But the importance of sharing stories and not keeping quiet is something Michael is passionate about, so he is happy to use his story to motivate others in his role of spokesperson for -Clean for a Cure'. He believes that without funding there is no research and without research there is no hope of ever funding a cure.

Michael urges others to get involved by:
Viewing his story on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8kyNYcvRE0
Tracking fundraising progress at: www.cleanforacure.com.au
Sharing their own breast cancer story at the Vileda and Ansell Facebook page: www.facebook.com/helpmeclean
Consider buying -Pink' and stickered -Clean for A Cure' Vileda and Ansell products that contribute to funding breast cancer research
Choosing selected Vileda and Ansell products that come with a Pink Ribbon bookmark detailing Michael's story and what people can do to help.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community-funded organisation in Australia raising money for research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. Their goal is to achieve zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030. When the organisation was first founded in 1994, 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer lost their battle. In the 20 years since, that percentage has halved, showing the importance of research funding.

For further information, please visit www.cleanforacure.com.au

Interview with Michael Leddin

Question: What is the Clean for a Cure campaign?

Michael Leddin: The Clean for a Cure campaign has been created by Vileda and Ansell (Freudenberg Household Products), a long term National Breast Cancer Foundation corporate partner. The campaign is all about raising $1 million for breast cancer research and in turn a cure for the disease. The campaign sets an annual minimum donation target of $100,000 to be reached via sales of Ansell and Vileda products and is in addition to extra fund raising activities they will run throughout the course of the year.

Question: What are your hopes for the Clean for a Cure campaign?

Michael Leddin: I hope the Clean for a Cure campaign achieves the dream of raising the $1 million breast cancer research before the target year of 2017. The sooner the better.


Question: What inspired you to get involved with the Clean for a Cure campaign and become a spokesperson?

Michael Leddin: I've found I share a strong connection with the excellent people at Vileda and Ansell. Our shared connection is that we both want to make a difference in the lives of those suffering and affected by breast cancer. Having lost my mother to the disease, a battle that has lasted close to my whole life, I know the disease all too well and understand just how much support the NBCF requires to reach a goal of funding research and finding a cure. Acknowledging such a powerful endeavour and need for help from the general public and also from corporate partners like Vileda and Ansell, it made so much sense to become a spokesperson for this campaign. I respect what they are trying to achieve.


Question: This must be so difficult for you, however your passion is contagious; what do you want to encourage Australians to do for the Clean for a Cure campaign?

Michael Leddin: It can be difficult at times, sure, but I think the majority of the time I look at the things my mother went through, battling the illness, and I acknowledge I have my health and so much to achieve that it seems so simple to me that I endeavour to make a difference to those going through similar circumstances. I want to encourage all Australians to truly support the Clean for a Cure campaign and ensure sure no other person has to go through an experience like my own. You can help make a difference through this campaign. It's acknowledging the efforts of major brands that want to make a difference in people's lives. The next time you're in a Coles, Woolworths or BigW store, consider purchasing a Vileda or Ansell product stickered with the Clean for a Cure campaign. Even if you don't need them immediately you're contributing to a wonderful cause and changing someone's life.


Question: Where will the money raised from the Clean for a Cure campaign be donated?

Michael Leddin: All funds raised from the Clean for a Cure campaign will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, who are dedicated solely to funding research. This will be an incredible contribution of $1 million to the Foundation that will support many research programs, in turn finding a cure.

Question: Your story and video brings tears to all eyes; can you provide advice for others who may be in the same situation as you?

Michael Leddin: I guess it's life, sometimes it throws you all sorts of deliveries and the way you respond just highlights your true character. I've found that my best asset is being able to tell an inspiring story to better the lives of others going through similar situations. My advice for those people is to keep living and smile. Tell people your story and don't hold back any questions that you may need answers to. Talk to people, openly, about the troubles associated with a disease such as breast cancer. Utilise your network of friends and family. Lastly, remain positive, with the efforts of major corporations like Vileda and Ansell supporting fantastic organisations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, there is so much hope for tomorrow.


Question: What are your hopes and goals for the coming years, in regards to breast cancer?

Michael Leddin: My hope for the coming years is to be able to witness the day that all of this ongoing support into research finds a cure. I hope that generations to come can feel safe as a result of the hard work that came before. My goal now is to help as many people dealing with the ups and downs of breast cancer as I can. I look forward to celebrating the day we no longer need to worry about breast cancer taking away our loved ones.


Interview by Brooke Hunter