This November, Australians can support patients with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes by purchasing specially marked Flavorite tomatoes and capsicums sold exclusively at Coles.

Through Maddie’s Month, 15 cents from each pack sold will be donated to Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, aiming to raise $100,000.

So far, the campaign has raised $800,000 since being established in 2016, with a goal to increase awareness and continue funding critical Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome research and support services for patients and families across Australia.

Every three days, an Australian is diagnosed with a Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome, many of whom are children or young adults, and 50% will not survive. Maddie’s Vision offers hope by funding research to advance treatments, and supporting patients and their families impacted by these devastating conditions across the country.

Nick Riewoldt, AFL great and co-founder of Maddie’s Vision, says the nine-year partnership with Flavorite has been transformative for patients and families. "When Maddie was diagnosed with the Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome, Aplastic Anaemia, we had no idea what it was.  Outside of her haematologist and other allied health support, our family had nowhere to go and no one to talk to. It was frightening.  When Maddie was losing her fight at only 26, she asked us to promise that no one would go through what she went through. Now, nine years later, we have funded $8.8 million into Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome research and provided education, resources and support to over 100 patients and families. Without Maddie’s Vision, they would all be navigating this incredibly difficult journey alone – just like we did.”

Amy Coote, CEO of Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, says, “We’re the only organisation in Australia focused on Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome research, advocacy, education, and support for patients and families. Thanks to the amazing Australians getting behind Maddie’s Month each year, and our partners at Flavorite and Coles, we can fund critical research and provide much-needed support. There's still so much more to do, and we won't stop until we find a cure.”

Tom Millis, Marketing Manager for Flavorite, reflects on the importance of support during his father’s battle with multiple myeloma. “We were lucky to have close family to share the highs and lows, but many face this journey alone, which is frightening and overwhelming.  Our Maddie’s Month campaign with Coles and Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision is raising awareness and improving outcomes for patients and families. This year, our 9th campaign, we’re excited to have MasterChef’s Andy Allen on board to have some fun cooking and help support such a worthy cause”.

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Sally Fielke, Coles Group General Manager of Corporate and Indigenous Affairs, encouraged customers to support Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision by purchasing Flavorite tomatoes and capsicums. “Coles is proud to support Flavorite and Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision this November.  The Flavorite tomatoes and capsicums are absolutely delicious, and our customers love them. Funds raised at Coles over the past eight years have already had such a huge impact on Aussies affected by Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, and we hope our customers can continue to get behind this cause by purchasing a participating Flavorite product during Maddie’s Month.”

This year, Maddie’s Month will highlight the significant impact of the partnership with Flavorite and Coles, focusing on patients and families who have benefited from the Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision Tele-Support Service and the new Peer Support Program:

• Over 110 patients and families have been supported since the partnership began.
• There has been a 26% increase in patient numbers in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
• Evaluation of the Tele-Support Service revealed:some text
  • 97% of participants understood their diagnosis well.
  • 86% felt they understood the treatment process.
  • Emotional wellbeing improved from 3/10 to 7/10 after engagement with the service.

• The Peer Support Program was created in response to feedback about the isolation felt by those diagnosed with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes. It offers a safe, confidential space for sharing lived experiences and challenges. Pilot results showed:some text
  • 100% of participants felt safe and supported in the program.
  • 100% formed positive connections with others facing similar diagnoses.
  • 93% reported improved emotional wellbeing as a result of participation.

Anyone can get involved in Maddie’s Month by heading into your local Coles store and grabbing a specially marked pack of Flavorite tomatoes & capsicums during the month of November:

·       Vine Ripened Cherry Tomatoes 200g

·       Mini Capsicums 175g

·       Mini Tomatoes 125g

Maddie’s Month kicks off on November 1 in Coles stores nationwide.

#MaddiesMonth #FightLikeMaddie #FlavourForLife  

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