The TLR Foundation is on a mission to find the next generation of stem cell donors. Through education and encouragement, our aim is to get more people in the 18-35 age range to sign up through the Australian Registry's Strength to Give cheek swab program and find more potential lifesavers. Our recruitment program is focused on University students, but we will take the opportunity to recruit any groups in the 18-35 age groups. The more potential donors registered, the better the chance a patient has of finding that perfect match.  

TLR also supports nurses caring for those being treated for blood cancers, disorders and other diseases treatable with a stem cell transplant. Our support comes in the form of Nursing Scholarships to help pay for their higher education to show our love and appreciation for all they do. 

Set up in memory of Trace Lee Richey, the TLR Foundation aims to give hope to patients needing a life-saving stem cell transplant.

Trace was a charismatic and charming guy, with a contagious laugh and a cheeky smile. He was a fun-loving man who lit up the room wherever he went. He had a heart of gold and a tremendous passion for helping others. He spent his life raising money for others so it is with great pride we now raise money in his name.

In 2013 Trace was diagnosed with MDS - Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a disease that stops bone marrow making healthy blood cells.  After several rounds of chemotherapy, it was determined his only option was to have a Bone Marrow Transplant, so in February 2015 he checked into St. Vincent’s Hospital. From the day he arrived, Trace tried to put a smile on everyone’s face, impressing the people around him with his humour, his strength and resilience, courage and determination. Tragically he succumbed to severe GvHD (Graft vs Host Disease) after nothing short of a heroic and inspirational battle. Trace was deeply touched by the tireless and loving care he received from the Nurses and would be incredibly proud that his legacy includes Nursing scholarships awarded in his name.

If there were a better matched donor out there for Trace, he may still be with us. This is the main inspiration for the TLR Foundation. Science has proven the ideal donors, those who give patients the best chance of making a full recovery are in the 18-35 age group so we choose to focus all our attention there. Ultimately it's a numbers game... the more people registered on the Australian Registry, the greater the chance of finding that perfect match. 

Your donation will help the TLR Foundation find the next generation of stem cell across Australia and increase the chance of someone finding their life-saving match.  It will also help nurses, those wonderful souls who choose to care for patients having to go through this most confronting of treatments. The Trace Richey Nursing Scholarship is offered to nurses wanting to study for a Master in Cancer & Haematology Nursing taught at the University of Sydney, and soon the Allan 

With our all our love and gratitude,

The TLR Team