Olivia Newton-John “winning over cancer” as stars rally to support ONJ Gala in Melbourne
Olivia Newton John says she’s “winning over cancer” as Australian music royalty convened in Melbourne to support the ONJ Gala and her fight against the disease.
Confidential
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OLIVIA Newton-John says she is “winning over cancer” with an “inner belief” she will beat her second battle with the disease.
A breast cancer survivor, Newton-John attended a fundraising ball in Melbourne on Friday night for her ONJ Cancer, Wellness and Research Centre at the Austin Hospital.
In a candid Q&A with event host Richard Wilkins, Newton-John said she refuses to be a “victim” after getting a second cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
“I’m a thriver,” she said defiantly.
“Of course, it’s frightening,” Newton-John added. “I wouldn’t be human if I wasn’t scared at some moments. But I have an inner belief system that I will get through it.
“Being positive is a decision. It’s a choice. You can see things in a negative way, or you can choose to be positive. I’ve had moments of fear and I’ve been scared.”
She said her husband John Easterling was a “rock” through those difficult times.
“I’m winning over cancer,” Newton-John said. “This is my second journey and I’m feeling really good. My pain is gone and I’m walking around now. I’m singing again, which is my joy.”
Newton-John is writing a book about her life (“it’s positive, not a gossipy thing”) and wants to honour some postponed shows in the US.
“But I have to be more mindful … and take more time off, at home with my husband, horses, dog and cat, and just be,” she said. “I want to do more of that.”
Australian music stars John Farnham, Delta Goodrem, Daryl Braithwaite, Dami Im and Mark Vincent performed at the ONJ Gala at Crown Palladium.
Newton-John duetted on Two Strong Hearts with Farnham and alongside Goodrem on Don’t Give Up.
Goodrem flew from LA for a surprise performance at the event.
“It’s Olivia, and my heart is with her,” Goodrem said.
“I wanted to surprise her and make this a really special night about her gala and everything she does for it.
“She has touched so many people’s lives. That’s the magic of Olivia.”
Goodrem will play Newton-John in an upcoming Channel Seven biopic.
Environmentalist Bindi Irwin paid tribute to Newton-John’s strength.
“She is always beaming with love and light and love and happiness, no matter what challenge she’s faced with,” Irwin said.
“She’s always so strong for everybody.”
Newton-John will lead the ONJ Centre’s Wellness Walk and Research Run on September 17.
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