Melissa Lawrie

Melissa is a healthcare professional and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the Educational Outreach Committee.

Melissa’s daughter, Cate, was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anaemia at the age of eight. She later developed Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria (PNH) at 16 and Hodgkin lymphoma at 24. Over many years, Melissa and her family navigated lengthy hospital admissions, complex treatments and the challenges associated with living with rare and serious health conditions.

Throughout this journey, the family developed a strong connection with Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, including participating in a Maddie’s Match volunteer experience in Melbourne. Melissa is passionate about ensuring the voices of patients and families are represented in initiatives that improve awareness, support, care and outcomes for people affected by Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.