Cherie confirmed the many staff and patients at the Centre were very much feeling the loss today.
“We certainly knew that her health was well-challenged, and we’ve been preparing ourselves as best we could for today, but as much as we had a close relationship with Olivia, we also at the Center have respected her privacy and her time with her family,” she revealed.
However, she confirmed that the ONJ Centre will continue as part of Olivia’s great legacy.
“She was so passionate about the way we integrate everything together with clinical care, wellness programs and research, and definitely the Wellness Centre, which is the heart of the Center … she loved spending time in the Wellness Centre.”
Cherie also revealed that this year was the 10th year of the Centre, which is based in Victoria.
Olivia was inspired to create the Centre after her own experiences with cancer, with her first diagnosis coming in 1992.
“With more and more people affected by cancer every day, I believe we are in a world desperate for healing, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to help,” she wrote for the Centre’s website.
“I also believe that when you go through something difficult, even something as dramatic as cancer, that something positive will come of it,” she continued.
“And that’s exactly what the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre (ONJ Centre) is - a positive healing Centre to support people on their cancer journey.”
While the Centre has helped many patients on their cancer journeys, it has also raised millions of dollars put towards cancer research and a level of awareness as well with their annual Wellness Walk.
The walk will return this year after a few years’ hiatus due to COVID-19.
Cherie revealed she will be walking for Olivia, whom she will remember as a friend.
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