Upbeat Olivia Newton-John breaks her silence on cancer relapse

Beloved Aussie star Olivia Newton-John has spoken publicly for the first time since revealing her breast cancer relapse, saying she’s feeling great and looking forward to being in Melbourne soon.

Newton-John was speaking in a video released to encourage donations to her Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, which she opened in the city in 2009.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to all of you who expressed such kind and loving thoughts over the past few months,” she says on the video. “Your prayers and well-wishes have truly helped me and lifted my spirits. I’m feeling great and so look forward to seeing you soon.”

 

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! ? . Have you heard? Olivia Newton-John has launched our new national fundraising campaign in a bid to raise $1 million for the ONJ Centre at Austin Health. . The ‘We Go Together’ campaign is calling for people to share messages on social media of strength and courage to help those on the journey to win overcancer . You can help us reach our target and spread the message by recording the following message on your own social channels:  #wegotogether for XX (insert family member of friend’s name). I donate $10 by texting HOPE to 0497 222 555 and nominate XX (insert the person’s name you are nominating) to do the same, because We Go Together to win over cancer. If you’re not in Australia, please donate via the link in our bio. #donatenominate @therealonj @onjcancercentre

A post shared by ONJ Cancer Centre (@onjcancercentre) on Aug 13, 2017 at 4:00pm PDT

The star looks glowing and happy in the video, in which she announces the research centre’s new campaign, called We Go Together. She encouraged viewers to record a short video message of support for someone fighting cancer, or in memory of a loved one who died from the disease, and upload the video to Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #wegotogether.

Singer Danni Minogue was quick to show her support for Newton-John, who she called a “beautiful person and a real-life Wonder Woman”, by reposting the fundraising request.

Newton-John said the funds raised would be used to provide support care for those fighting cancer, as well as continued research into treatments.

The centre also posted a message from its founder, Newton-John said she’d attend the ONJ Gala on September 8 at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium. She’ll be joined by her friends John Farhnam and Daryl Braithwaite, as well as Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin. Dani Im and Mark Vincent will also perform. 

The centre will also hold a Wellness Walk and Research Run at Melbourne’s La Trobe University on September 17.

“I’m excited as always to be at both these events,” Newton-John said, adding that the centre’s support programs helped her greatly in her recovery.

 

We have another important video message for you from Olivia Newton-John. ❤ .  The ONJ Gala is just around the corner and we’re thrilled that Olivia is returning to Melbourne, where she will be joined by Australian legends and friends, John Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite with performances also from @themarkvincent and @damiim. Terry Irwin, @bindisueirwin and @robertirwinphotography will also be there! .  Join us for an unforgettable evening on Friday 8th September at Crown Palladium. .  Your support is more important than ever. You can get your tickets now via the link in our bio.? @therealonj  #WeGoTogether #ONJcentre #ONJGala2017 #OliviaNewtonJohn #DonateNominate

A post shared by ONJ Cancer Centre (@onjcancercentre) on Aug 17, 2017 at 4:20pm PDT

Newton-John revealed in May that she’d been forced to postpone her concert tour because the breast cancer she fought in 1992 had returned and spread to the base of her spine. She said at the time that she’d use natural wellness therapies as well as radiation to treat the illness.

Had you heard of these fundraising events before? Would you like to take part?