In April 2008, Olivia Newton-John led a trek in China to raise funds for the capital building appeal for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre. In 21 days the walkers covered 228km along the Great Wall of China just prior to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Beginning April 7, 2008, and ending up in Beijing, the team included international celebrities, sports stars and cancer survivors. Businesses and individuals were asked to sponsor people for one dollar per step.
It formed the beginning of the capital appeal raising funds to start building the ONJ Cancer Centre - a visionary and at the time, unique, cancer hospital providing integrated cancer care including complementary therapies such as support for patients and their families through meditation, relaxation, massage, art and music therapy, nutrition, exercise, aromatherapy.
The ONJ Cancer Centre opened in 2012, thanks to the hard work, dedication, determination and generosity of our community. Today, your support means we continue to help people live better with cancer through integrated treatment, wellness and supportive care and breakthrough research.
On the tenth anniversary of the Great Walk to Beijing in April 2008, Olivia Newton-John writes:
A reminder of where it all began!
We have accomplished so much in the last 10 years and I am so excited for what the next ten will bring!
A huge hug of gratitude to all my fellow walkers, cancer thrivers and supporters who took on this huge challenge with me in what seems like no time ago!
I would like to send out a special thank you to all at the ONJCWRC for all the wonderful care and love they show our patients in the Wellness Centre and all of the hospital.
I am so inspired by the Research Institute and all we look to accomplish in the years to come.
My dream of seeing an end to cancer in my lifetime.
Thank you all
Much love and light
Olivia xooxox
The wellness programs at the ONJ Cancer Centre that Olivia is so passionate about continue to rely on community funds for survival. Please consider making a donation today. Thank you!