A survivor of Acute Myloid Leukemia and Graft-vs-Host Disease, now living in Sydney Australia
'I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 1987 at age 6 and developed Graft-vs-Host Disease, from a bone marrow transplant. Now 38 years post BMT, this page is a place to share the journey and connect with others who have faced similar challenges.'
Experiencing serious health challenges is very different from facing harm caused by others. These experiences shape each survivor in personal ways, and this page is here for connection, sharing, and understanding.
Healing found in Surfing
Circumstances will always pull you down, but you can still get up again!
Following up from the 1991 Book!
After being diagnosed in 1987 at age 6, Kristie was treated at Ward 3B, Princess Margaret Hospital in Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia. After 7 months of chemotherapy, multiple lumber punctures and transfusions, Kristie finally received a bone-marrow transplant from one of her brothers, and was able to finally return home to the family in Bunbury.
The Cover of the published book
The Slater Family received a grant to have 10,000 books published and all sold with the proceeds going to the Leukaemia Foundation.
Hospital Life through Young Eyes
Kristie began hand-writing the book at age seven, shortly after leaving hospital. In it, she documented her everyday experiences and emotions. Her hope was that by sharing these stories, other children might feel less alone and recognise that they, too, aren’t the only ones going through challenging times.
Now survived to age 44!
After studying Fashion in WA and selling her Costume Hire Business in Bunbury, Kristie moved to Sydney to work in costumes on shows like Hairspray! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins. Followed by several years with fashion labels Sass & Bide and Bassike and finally opening her Wedding Dress store in North Sydney. During Covid, Kristie closed the store and runs an online store, which has given her more time for surfing!
Please Contact! Love hearing from other Survivors!
Address
Sydney NSW, Australia