This November, Australians can support patients with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes by purchasing specially marked Flavorite tomatoes and capsicums sold exclusively at Coles supermarkets.
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.
AFL great and co-founder of Maddie’s Vision (established in honour of his sister Maddie), Nick Riewoldt 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,” Nick explains.
"Now, nine years later, we have funded $8.8 million into Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome research and provided education, resources and support to more than 100 patients and families. Without Maddie’s Vision, they would all be navigating this incredibly difficult journey alone – just like we did.”
MasterChef’s Andy Allen met Nick on the Celebrity Edition of the cooking show in 2021 – Nick ended up winning – and despite Andy being a Collingwood supporter they hit it off. Shortly after, Andy lost a good friend and Nick helped him with his grief resulting in a bond being formed that now involves Andy supporting Maddie’s Month 2024.
Flavorite Marketing Manager, Tom Millis also 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 ninth campaign, we’re excited to have MasterChef’s Andy Allen on board to have some fun cooking and help support such a worthy cause.”
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.
More than 110 patients and families have been supported since the partnership began however there has been a 26% increase in patient numbers in the past year, with the demand continuing to grow.
Anyone can get involved in Maddie’s Month by heading into your local Coles store and grabbing a specially marked pack of Flavorite tomatoes and capsicums during November. The campaign kicks off this Friday, November 1 in Coles stores nationwide.
