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Dame Olivia Newton-John’s fight for breast cancer awareness continues even in death-Kim Novak-Entertainment – Metro
She had long been a campaigner for research into cancer treatments.
Dame Olivia Newton-John had been a passionate cancer campaigner (Picture: Rex / Getty)
Dame Olivia Newton-John had been a passionate campaigner for breast cancer awareness after fighting the disease since she was 44, with her work continuing even in death.
The actress died at the age of 73 this week after battling cancer, but the legacy of the Grease star, played Sandy in the beloved musical opposite John Travolta, lives on.
Raising awareness and vital funds for breast cancer research even in death, her family asked for donations to her own foundation in her memory in lieu of flowers.
Her husband, John Easterling, said in a statement that Newton-John had died peacefully at her ranch in California, surrounded by family and friends.
He added: ‘Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.
‘Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.’
Olivia Newton-John and her husband John Easterling (left) have worked to raise awareness and funds for cancer research (Picture: Mark Fairhurst / Avalon)
The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia, has since received an overwhelming amount of calls following the star’s death.
The Cancer Council Victoria’s Chief Executive Todd Harper told the Guardian: ‘Olivia was a pioneer in the cancer field and her work provided inspiration for many.
‘Her advocacy enabled the work of dedicated scientists advancing scientific discoveries and offered hope to many affected by a cancer diagnosis.
‘She led the focus on wellness and the importance of physical, emotional and spiritual support not only for the person going through a cancer diagnosis but their carers, families and friends.’
The Grease star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 (Picture: MediaPunch / BACKGRID)
He added: ‘Olivia’s impact can’t be overstated, and her legacy will continue in the work of world-leading research, treatment and care.’
The centre has supported thousands of cancer patients since it was opened in June 2012, beginning as an outpatient centre before expanding to accept inpatients too.
It is involved in around 200 clinical trials for a series of different cancers, including brain, bowel, breast, pancreatic, prostate and lung cancer among others.
Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 at the age of 44, with a recurrence in 2013.
She announced in September 2018 that the cancer had returned for a third time with metastasis in her spine.
The actress had been outspoken about her use of medicinal marijuana and cannabis oil to help her manage her symptoms and pain.
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