A fundraising whirlwind

Northern Health Foundation
Genuine. Committed. Heartfelt.

Josie Minniti OAM is a whirlwind when it comes to raising funds to help patients at Northern Health’s four public hospitals.

For many years, she has been a dedicated and inspiring volunteer for the Northern Health Foundation, so far raising over $700,000 to support kidney and cancer services.

The funds raised from picnics in the park, a dinner dance, pasta nights and other activities have paid for medical equipment upgrades and oncology treatment chairs and defibrillators.

Josie’s extraordinary efforts have helped patients undergoing cancer treatments feel more comfortable. Donations include blanket warmers that stave off the cold, one of the side effects of treatment.

The funds have also paid for scalp cooling machines, which can significantly reduce hair loss during chemotherapy.

Josie is always there to support patients who are feeling unwell and vulnerable, despite having health challenges of her own and dealing with cancer in her own family.

“Whenever I am fundraising my motto is ‘there is always someone worse off than you’, so I do all I can to improve their lives,” says Josie, who has received an Order of Australia (OAM) for her dedication.

“This year, my target is to purchase equipment for the respiratory unit to help patients suffering from lung cancer.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Northern Health Foundation will put the funds towards an EBUS machine which will speed up the time for a respiratory diagnosis so treatment can start sooner.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here