Lunya’s Elaine Kinsella calls for greater awareness as Blood Cancer Awareness Month approaches

As Blood Cancer Awareness Month approaches this September, Liverpool businesswoman and advocate, Elaine Kinsella, is urging for more awareness to highlight the support available for blood cancer patients.

Elaine, co-owner of Liverpool’s Lunya, and a leading spokesperson in the fight against blood cancer on Merseyside, highlights the importance of spreading knowledge about the resources and support available for those affected.

Elaine was diagnosed in 2021 with the condition of which there are more than 150 types. She is also vice-chair of a local charity, The Bloom Appeal – Merseyside Against Blood Cancer (MABC), which is dedicated to supporting all those individuals affected.

Now in remission with Multiple Myeloma, Elaine is co-hosting, along with colleagues and fellow trustees, a Patient-Physician Conference on 2 November at The Holiday Inn, Lime Street, Liverpool. 

As Blood Cancer Awareness Month begins in September, Elaine said: “The conference aims to bring together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

“By uniting these communities, Merseyside Against Blood Cancer seeks to provide patients with critical insights into the latest treatment options, innovative research, and supportive care strategies, while also offering physicians a unique opportunity to better understand the lived experiences of those affected by blood cancer.”

Highlights of the conference include:

1. Expert Panels and Keynote Speakers: Including Dr Liz Bishop, CEO Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Prof Sonia Rocha, Executive Dean, University of Liverpool.
2. Oncologists, haematologists, and researchers will share cutting-edge developments in blood cancer treatment and care.
3. Patient Stories: Led by local broadcaster, Roger Phillips, patients will be given a platform to share their journeys, providing invaluable perspectives on the emotional and physical challenges of living with blood cancer.
4. Workshops: Attendees will participate in workshops designed to educate and empower, covering topics including, transplants, CAR -T and clinical trials. Attendees will have a clearer understanding of treatment options, community support and breakthroughs in research.
5. Q&A Sessions: Open forums where patients can directly engage with medical experts, ensuring their concerns and questions are addressed in real-time.

Elaine Kinsella said:

“It will be quite an emotional day for me and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some wonderful people through Lunya which I co-own with husband Peter and its through the business that I met customer Abi Pointing, chair of MABC.

“Abi who also had blood cancer told us about her role and asked if we could add a pound to each bill in future. We agreed and Lunya has since raised much needed funds for both MABC and other nationally based blood cancer charities.”

Professor Joe Slupsky and Professor Nagesh Kalakonda from the University of Liverpool and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre will both be at the event with the latter commenting:

“The Patient-Physician Conference is open to all patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. Merseyside Against Blood Cancer is dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by blood cancer. Through patient support, research and education, Merseyside Against Blood Cancer strives to improve the quality of life and outcomes for those living with blood cancer.”

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