Look To The Stars News: Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre

LTTS Exclusive: Inside A Night To Make A Difference with Host Michelle Vink

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Look To The Stars’ lead host, Michelle Vink was on hand as a host of Leeza Gibbons’ A Night To Make A Difference Fundraiser on Oscar night. Read her story below:

“Without hope, life is just not worth living”…

Those were the words from Harvey Milk from the Oscar-winning movie, Milk. Despite the uncertain state of the economy and the lack of faith we keep hearing about on the news, there was an overwhelming resurgence of hopeful optimism at the Oscars this year. Winning storylines like Slumdog Millionaire and Milk captured that very essence.

A new type of Oscar party

I recall reading that Slumdog director Danny Boyle placed the money to be paid to the 3 lead child actors in a trust until they complete grade school, and that the production company set up a driver to take the kids to school every day until they are 16 years old. When the movie was nominated for an Oscar alongside all the Milk nominations, I knew it would be a good year.

Soon after that I learned of a new type of Oscar party that Leeza Gibbons was coordinating, called A Night to Make A Difference. The timing was impeccable, and before I knew it I was invited to help host the event.

Michelle with Leeza and co-host, Russell.

Celebrity organisers with special causes

Leeza wanted to “take the global stage of Oscar Night and use it to put the focus on advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.” With a team of volunteers and a production team fueled with the same passion, Leeza did just that. Helped by Olivia Newton-John, music legend David Foster, and several co-hosts, the team created “A Party with a Purpose.” This monumental event not only benefited Leeza Gibbons’ Memory Foundation and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, but also raised awareness for philanthropy and inspired a feeling of hope. This inaugural event was streamed live here on LooktotheStars.org, and on other sites including Variety.com , LeezaGibbonsOscarEvent.com, Glam.com and ExtraTV.com.

With the aid of Jessica Biel and her Make The Difference Network, an opportunity was created for viewers to donate to the cause or just open the door for people to get involved in a charity that is close to their own hearts. Check out MTDN.com for more information on Jessica’s charity.

Jessica Biel – photo by Levi Walker

An all-star cast of celebrity givers

Celebrities who came out to support this event and celebrate Hollywood’s big heart included Laila Ali (who uses her celebrity to get kids excited about physical fitness), Mel B., Jessica Biel, Wilson Cruz, Hilary Duff, Teri Hatcher, Tony Hawk, Paris Hilton, Slash & Perla Hudson (who donated a guitar to the auction), Kym Johnson, Mario Lopez, Melissa Gilbert, Jane Seymour & James Keach, Cindy Margolis, Terrell Owens, Holly Robinson-Peete, Suzanne Somers, Dee Wallace, Forest & Keisha Whitaker and many, many others. I was honored to interview Wilson Cruz (He’s Just Not That Into You) immediately following Dustin Lance Black’s win for Milk and I was moved by his passionate desire for change.

Michelle talks to Teri Hatcher during the event.

A responsibility to help

Rex Lee said of using his celebrity status for good, “For whatever reason, people out in the world pay attention to us, and if I say I support Olivia Newton John and building a new cancer center out in Australia, people listen. There is a responsibily in that.”

Michael Buble expressed his feelings on helping others, too, saying, “I think most people hopefully have compassion and empathy. We’ve been blessed, and we should help.”

Michael Buble and Paris Hilton – photo by Levi Walker

Manuela Testolini, founder of In A Perfect World, talked about giving back, saying, “It’s mutually beneficial. The thing that unites us despite our circumstances is the desire to create better world.”

Making a difference with makeovers

Another special touch to the event was the five women that were “hired” as extras from the LA Women’s Shelter. Celebrity hairdresser Ken Paves supervised red carpet makeovers for these women, providing hair, makeup and wardrobe. Shoes were donated by Jessica Simpson. The women were given life coaching lessons and a boost of confidence to help them show others that change is possible, that we can always reinvent ourselves (just like Madonna), and that there is always room for a second chance.

“Help other people”

While on the red carpet, Jane Seymour said, “It’s not just the Oscars, but giving back and helping other people. It’s about what you can do to help other people right now. The more we help other people, the better it will be for all of us. My mum always used to say to me, ‘When life is tough, go out and help other people’ […] Every single person on this planet can make a difference – it’s just an act of kindness.”

David Foster and Jane Seymour – photo by Levi Walker

So despite what we have been hearing on the news, it looks like there are a few of us out there that still believe in hope. Thank you, Leeza — it truly was a party with a purpose.

Look To The Stars Exclusive: Live Stream Of Leeza Gibbons' Night To Make A Difference

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Look To The Stars is proud to be involved in one of Hollywood’s premier charity Oscar parties this weekend. Leeza Gibbons’ A Night To Make A Difference will take place on Sunday, February 22, at the iconic Mr Chow in Beverly Hills, with a host of celebrities expected to attend. And Look To The Stars is streaming the event LIVE.

This unique event will bring together stars from film, TV, music, sports and fashion to celebrate the worlds of celebrity and charity. Special Ambassadors of Change who have used their celebrity to make a tangible difference in the world will be on hand to empower the audience to make a difference in their own lives.

Hosted by Leeza Gibbons, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster, the Night To Make A Difference will attract stars such as Paris Hilton, Jessica Biel, Forest Whitaker, Slash, Alan Thicke, Ashley Tisdale, Brooke Burns, Cheryl Burke, Cheryl Ladd, Chevy Chase, Danny Boyle, Darryl McDaniels, Dee Wallace, Hilary Duff, Holly Robinson-Peete, Jaclyn Smith, Jane Seymour, Joey Fatone, Jordin Sparks, Ken Paves, Mario Lopez, Mel B., Melissa Gilbert, Rick Schroder, Suzanne Somers, Taraji P. Henson, Teri Hatcher, Tony Hawk and many more.

“The Night To Make a Difference party is to benefit the [”Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/402-leezas-place] and my own Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center," Olivia Newton-John told Look To The Stars. “But now it has morphed into a bigger night than just our two charities – it’s about everybody’s philanthropy and giving back. It’s a new era in America with the new Obama presidency, and it’s all about giving back, so we decided to make the night an evening about celebrity giving – like the theme of Look To The Stars.”

Other charities to be involved with the event are Jessica Biel’s Make The Difference Network, the Felix Organization, the Children’s Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition, Cancer Schmancer Movement, Blessings in a Backpack, the Red Cross, TreePeople, the Tony Hawk Foundation, the David Foster Foundation, Smiles For Life, The HollyRod Foundation and many more.

“This event is truly different from the others and one of the aspects I am most excited about is the ability for viewers at home to be a part of the experience via the live webcast,” said Leeza Gibbons. “With Arquiva and Highwinds handling the technical wizardry, we are able to focus on our message of advocacy and philanthropy. Our hope is to inspire people at home and around the world to take action and knowing that we are able to reach a broad audience on the web means we truly have a chance to help create the change presented by our on-camera Hollywood celebrities. I think it’s what happens when Hollywood stars converge with technical stars like Arquiva and Highwinds. Our combination of being behind the scenes of movie’s most glamorous night along wtih it’s most passionate and purposeful stars takes the gold for best new web idea!”

The event kicks off at 4pm in Beverly Hills with Red Carpet arrivals. For more information and tickets, visit the official Night To Make A Difference website. And be sure to visit Look To The Stars’ special live stream of the event on Oscars night.

Exclusive Interview: Look To The Stars Talks To Olivia Newton-John

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With four Grammy Awards and a further eight nominations behind her, Olivia Newton-John is nothing short of a legend in the music world.

Born in England but raised in Australia, Olivia was talented singer from a young age and passionate about music: she released her first solo album in 1971, and in 1974 represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. A long list of hits, including I Honestly Love You and Let Me Be There, led to her being cast as Sandy in the film version of Grease in 1978.

The early 1980s were phenomenal years for the young star, and she had a string of hits including Xanadu, Let’s Get Physical, and Suddenly. But in 1992, on the eve of a world tour, Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the start of a long battle for the Grammy Award winning artist, but she eventually overcame the disease and returned to music.

She also devoted herself to helping other cancer sufferers, and now plans to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Australia, which will provide complementary therapies to support patients on their cancer journey, treating mind and spirit as well as the body. The Wellness Centre is Olivia’s special passion, with a focus on the whole person and not just the disease.

This weekend, the singer will join Leeza Gibbons in hosting A Night To Make A Difference, a star-studded Oscar party sponsored by Look To The Stars celebrating advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism in Hollywood.

Look To The Stars was lucky enough to chat with Olivia about A Night To Make A Difference and her thoughts on making the world a better place.

Hi Olivia, tell us a little about the Night To Make A Difference event.

The Night To Make a Difference party is to benefit the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation and my own Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center.

Leeza walked the Great Wall of China for my charity last year. She’s an amazing person and is committed to sufferers of Alzheimer’s Disease and the caregivers of those sufferers. She came up with the idea to do an Oscar party as a fundraising idea for our two charities.

But now it has morphed into a bigger night than just our two charities – it’s about everybody’s philanthropy and giving back. It’s a new era in America with the new Obama presidency, and it’s all about giving back, so we decided to make the night an evening about celebrity giving – like the theme of Look To The Stars.

We want celebrities to talk about the good things they are doing and share the things that they care about. It’s all going to be able to be watched live via webcast on www.extratv.com and www.glam.com. People are going to get a chance to see celebrities from television, film, sports and music at this wonderful evening at Mr Chow in Beverly Hills. David Foster is going to be our co-host – he’s a man who has been greatly admired and respected in Hollywood and around the world for his music, writing, and producing. I’ve known David for a really long time and I am so happy he is going to be a part of this.

It’s going to be a carbon neutral event, we’re going to plant a tree for everybody who attends. This will erase the carbon footprint, which is also something I do in my spa in Gaia in Australia. I think it is a wonderful thing to do.

It’s going to be a really wonderful evening. Joining Look To The Stars as sponsors is the Make The Difference Network and many more great charity organizations. And Leeza, David and I are going to be the hosts. It’s going to be a great night exploring the themes of advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.

Tell us a little about the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Australia.

The Austin Hospital in Melbourne has been the premier cancer centre in Australia for a long, long time and they asked me if I would put my name on a cancer unit they were going to build there. I went to see their facilities and they were so run down and in such bad repair that I said I would love to help them, but only if they also build a new wellness centre. When I had cancer – in 1992 – I was lucky enough to have things to help me in body, mind, and spirit. I had meditation and yoga, I had homeopathy and acupuncture and all these alternative therapies that helped me get through the whole healing process, emotionally as well as physically. So I wanted to create a place on the hospital grounds that could offer that. That became part of the appeal, and I am very excited about that.

We’ve been fundraising for it for five years. We held a major fundraising event last year when we spent three weeks walking the length of the Great Wall of China, which was amazing. We raised $2 million.

I’m also lucky to have the support of celebrities such as Cliff Richard and Dannii Minogue. Leeza Gibbons is an Ambassador. A few of the stars who did the Great Wall Walk became Ambassadors. Because I can’t be there all the time, they can represent the hospital and help with fundraising. I’m so happy because people are so committed and so wonderful, and it really helps me such a lot and helps the hospital with all the events we put on. And in this environment it is a great challenge, but cancer is a challenge that everyone is facing. I went to the hospital not so long ago when I was in Australia, and I went to visit some of the patients there and it really is amazing how many people are battling cancer – and in such different age groups, they’re getting younger and younger.

What would be your message for someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?

The best thing I could say is “Here I am.” When I went through it and had just finished my treatment, I met a woman who said “Oh, I read in the paper that you had breast cancer – well don’t worry, I had it 20 years ago and I’m fine now.” That was a defining moment for me. As unimportant as it may sound to other people, for me it was huge – here she was 20 years later and she was ok. I thought to myself “Well if she could do it 20 years ago when the treatments weren’t as good” – it was a really enlightening moment.

So what I would say to new patients is “Here I am” and give them that hope and do something for them emotionally. Make them feel good. Encourage them to take care of themselves.

That’s what I always say to women – we’re always so busy taking care of everybody else that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. They really need to look at that and take time for themselves to heal. Here’s a little quick tip I like to give: Have a close friend or loved one field all the calls asking you how you are doing. Everybody wants to know how you are, but it is very exhausting to constantly have to talk about your illness. So if you get someone to do that for you, it clears you from having to take all those phone calls and focus on healing.

You’ve done a lot of work in recent years promoting breast self exams – tell me a little about that.

I have this very simple but very effective device called the Liv Aid. It’s a very simple medical device that helps you with your breast exams. It makes any changes in your breasts more defined because it enhances your touch.

Curves gave a million of them away when I walked the Great Wall of China, and they still have some. You can go to Liv.com and read about it and about breast self exams and the whole philosophy behind it.

What I really want to do is encourage women because a lot of women are afraid to self examine their own breasts as they are scared they will find something – which defeats the whole purpose. Early detection is key. So I’m trying to encourage women at a very early age to get into the habit of doing self-exams. I actually found my lump myself – it wasn’t seen on mammograms. I don’t want to scare anyone or put them off mammograms, but just to encourage people to be self aware. If you do find anything – and usually it is nothing, because women do get benign lumps quite often – if you catch it early, then you have a better chance at survival. It’s simple and easy to do.

What other causes and charities would you urge people to support?

I’m involved with the Amazon Centre for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER). My husband has a wonderful company called the Amazon Herb Company that brings in herbs from the Amazon Rainforest. Not only does he bring in these wonderful healing herbs but he also helps support the inhabitants of the Amazon rainforests gain titles to their land, and now we have teamed up with ACEER to help educate the children of the Amazon into the importance of maintaining the rainforests – they live in it, they don’t realize that not everybody has a rainforest in their backyard. It’s incredibly important for them to save it from within. So we provide them with boats, food, clothes, but the main focus of the ACEER affiliation is education. We also want to educate the outside world too. There is so much to learn from the rainforests, and we are losing them at such an incredible rate.

My husband is incredibly involved with that, and he’s a wonderful person. He has just released a wonderful new health drink called Zamu, made from a superfruit from the rainforest called Camu, which is a feel-good fruit. It clears your mind and brightens your day. I’m helping him with that because a portion of the profits goes to ACEER.

Everything I do revolves around health and wellbeing. I have a spa in Australia called Gaia Retreat and Spa which is up near Byron Bay. My music is also tied in – I did a CD called Grace and Gratitude, which is healing CD.

How can we – as regular human beings – make a difference and help the planet, those around us, and ourselves?

I think we all need to try and be in a place of love. Fear cannot exist in a place of love. So if we try to stay in a positive place – which I know is very difficult – then we can create a positive future.

I think we will all get through whatever life throws at us, and we will all be better on the other side of it.

Look To The Stars would like to thank Olivia Newton-John for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk to us. To find out more about the Night To Make A Difference Oscar Party – which will take place on February 22 at Mr Chow in Beverly Hills – check out this website. To learn more about Olivia’s upcoming tour, see her official website. And to read Olivia’s personal message to the victims of the recent Australian bushfires, click here.

Leeza Gibbons And Olivia Newton-John Present A Night To Make A Difference

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Look To The Stars is proud to be a sponsor of an exciting event that is set to take Oscar night by storm. Leeza Gibbons, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster are bringing together a host of celebrities for A Night to Make a Difference to focus on advocacy, philanthropy and volunteerism.

The star-studded and inspirational event will be held at Beverley Hills’ exclusive and iconic Mr Chow, which will be transformed into a “living set” as it provides a backdrop for a very special interactive Oscar viewing party. This unique event will bring together stars from film, TV, music, sports and fashion to celebrate the worlds of celebrity and charity. Special Ambassadors of Change who have used their celebrity to make a tangible difference in the world will be on hand to empower the audience to make a difference in their own lives.

The list of Ambassadors of Change is long and includes Laila Ali, Jessica Biel & Make The Difference Network, Cindy Crawford, John Paul DeJoria, Fran Drescher, Hilary Duff, David Foster, Leeza Gibbons, Melissa Gilbert, Erin Gray, Tony Hawk, Slash & Perla Hudson, Larry King, Ali Landry, Mario Lopez, Gloria Loring, Darryl McDaniels, Dr Phil & Robin McGraw, Olivia Newton-John, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Jane Seymour, and Amy Smart.

“We call it a “party with a conscience” and it happens live on the internet (via EXTRAtv.com and Glam.com)," Leeza Gibbons told Look To The Stars. "Our correspondents are the stars themselves who have been inspired or moved to action by Hollywood’s example and leadership. We will create a “living set” inside Mr. Chow and cut live to our “Glam lounge” where lifestyle reporters will give viewers ways to take Hollywood’s example for confident building looks . We’ll also show how Hollywood beauties (ranging from classics like Audrey Hepburn to contemporaries like Angelina Jolie) have used their beauty to make a difference in the world. We will feature the ways in which Hollywood is leading the charge in the green movement and demonstrate how Hollywood’s huge heart has become a catalyst for good all over the world."

The event will even be carbon neutral, and a tree will be planted in honor of each attendee to erase their carbon footprint.

“Of course , we will have plenty of fun too!” said Leeza. “David Foster is our entertainment director and he is delivering A-list performers. We will have fans interact with our guests to get inspired and learn that together we are stronger than anything than threatens to tear us apart. Favorite Oscar moments, favorite Oscar hosts, and of course, plenty of fashion and flair! It’s all part of our Night To Make A Difference, which is a benefit for the [”Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/402-leezas-place] and Olivia Newton John’s Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia."

The Night To Make A Difference takes place at Mr Chow, 344 N Camden Drive, on February 22. Dinner guests will be treated to a specially planned and prepared 10-course dinner featuring Mr. Chow’s world famous cuisine while watching the Oscars, and there will also be a special celebrity auction.

The event is expected to sell out. For more information and tickets, visit the official Night To Make A Difference website.

And be sure to stay tuned to Look To The Stars for more coverage of this exciting event.

Olivia Newton-John Kept Busy With Charity Work

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Australian superstar Olivia Newton-John raised over $2 million for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre when she walked the length of the Great Wall of China in April. But her work hasn’t stopped there, and she has been busy with a number of charity initiatives recently – all in the name of raising cancer awareness.

Last week the four-time Grammy winner announced a partnership with Curves – the world’s largest fitness franchise for women – to launch an international campaign to distribute 1 million units of Liv Aid, a breast self-exam aid. The initiative’s goal is to empower and encourage women to take control of their bodies and breast health as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Being a breast cancer ‘thriver,’ I know that early detection is key to good breast health,” said the 59-year-old, who was diagnosed with cancer in 1992. “My wish is that all women age 20 and above perform monthly breast self-examinations. With the wonderful support of Curves, an organization whose mission statement is ‘strengthening women,’ I hope that this campaign will be the beginning to have the Liv Aid available to every woman in the U.S. and it will become a staple in every medicine cabinet in the next five years.”

The packs will be available for free exclusively from Curves in the US, and a website – www.liv.com – will also be set up as a one-stop source for information, news and education about breast health and early detection.

The singer is also set to relive her Grease days when she performs the iconic hit Summer Nights with Guy Sebastian at a fundraising concert later this month.

A host of Australian celebrities – including Christine Anu, Kate Ceberano, Tim Freedman, Melinda Schneider, James Reyne, Axle Whitehead and Daryl Braithwaite – will join Newton-John at the Olivia Newton-John and Friends Gala Fundraiser at the Sydney State Theatre on September 30 to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal.

“It’s going to be really fun night, with a lot of really talented people, and I get to sing with a few of them, so that will be great fun,” said Newton-John. “I also hope to do Courageous with Melinda [Schneider] because we recorded it together and it’s such a beautiful song.”

The appeal is aiming to build a world class cancer centre at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital, with construction set to begin next year.

“I believe we’re going to be breaking ground next year, so I can’t wait to hit the pick axe first,” she said. “I don’t know the timeline yet, but we’re getting some major grants coming through, so that’s really exciting.”

The concert follows the release of the singer’s charity CD, Olivia Newton-John and Friends – A Celebration in Song. Released last month and available through Amazon, the CD features duets with a range of stars, including Keith Urban, Barry Gibb, Delta Goodrem, Jimmy Barnes, Jann Arden, RyanDan, Richard Marx and Cliff Richard.

A portion of the proceeds from the album will also go to the The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre to provide world-class research into all types of cancer.

Gemma Atkinson Finishes Olivia's Great Walk To Beijing

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:09:33 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Olivia Newton-John’s Great Walk To Beijing charity event is into its 19th day and has already raised over $1.5 million and gathered sponsorship pledges from over 6000 people from around the world.

The last few days has seen the end of stage 4 of the event, which involves a group of celebrities and cancer survivors walking the length of the Great Wall of China in 21 days and raising $5 million for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Over 142 kilometres have been walked by the group so far.

One star who has just finished her part in the walk is former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson, who walked the first four stages.

“I’m enjoying every minute, but it’s pretty hard work,” the 23-year-old said prior to finishing the walk. “I go to the gym five times a week and I think I’m quite fit, but I have been finding this quite gruelling. But I’m determined to make it to the end. I’ve vowed to myself that I’ll find the stamina to do it. It’s an amazing experience. And it’s been such an eye-opener – we’ve been walking past really isolated parts of China. I am missing [my boyfriend] Marcus, but he’s really proud of me for doing this so that definitely helps keep me going. It’s pretty tough! Thankfully cancer hasn’t touched me or my family, but being a female I am very aware of how common breast cancer is and I want to do my part to help.”

Olivia's Million Steps To Cure Cancer

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:44:54 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Only four days into the 3-week, 228-km walk along the Great Wall of China and Olivia Newton-John’s team of fund-raisers is already suffering sore knees, pulled muscles and twisted ankles, and realizing that this will be far more challenging than expected. No one is giving up yet, though, on a goal to raise $5 million towards the building of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Melbourne.

The centre will provide in- and outpatient treatment and wellness therapies as well as integrated research into new and better cancer treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Olivia – a cancer survivor – was diagnosed with the disease only two weeks after her father died from it. Fifteen years later, she has learned a lot on her road to recovery and is eager to give back. She says, “The whole experience has given me so much understanding and compassion I now want to help others going through the same journey.”

Olivia is joined in this gruelling challenge by Sir Cliff Richard, Dannii Minogue, Didi Conn, Gemma Atkinson, Joan Rivers, Leeza Gibbons, Marcus Patrick, Martina Laird, Scott Wolf, Amy Sky, and other celebrities whose lives have somehow been touched by cancer, as well as other cancer survivors.

Television host Leeza Gibbons, who joined the walk to support the hospital and her friend Olivia, was surprised at the physical effort required. “It was really exhausting and very challenging in certain spots. But whenever you would think, ‘Oh my gosh this is getting to be a lot,’ you’d look around behind you and there would be a cancer survivor.”

Over $1 million has been raised already. To meet the teams and sponsor a walker, go to The Great Walk To Beijing 2008.

Olivia Newton-John Steps Out For Cancer Treatment

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:06:42 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Olivia Newton-John is to lead a team of stars from sports and showbiz, as well as cancer survivors, on a 21-day extreme challenge to trek the entire length of the Great Wall of China.

The 59-year-old star and breast cancer survivor will be joined on the trip by stars such as Sir Cliff Richard, Leeza Gibbons, Jimmy Barnes, Joan Rivers, Dannii Minogue, members of rockband INXS, and many more as they trek along the landmark to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre being built in Australia.

“They say the longest journey starts with the first step,” said the singer. “Since I was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago I have taken many steps on my cancer journey. In recent times, the journey has been working with wonderful people to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre. Now, I’m taking one more step on that journey – all in the fight against cancer!”

The journey of “a million steps” will symbolize the physical and emotional journey of cancer patients. The event aims to gather $1 for each step taken along the Wall.

“People are asking me why do you want to walk 200 kilometers along the Great Wall of China, up 40 degree gradients, across mountain ranges and through dust storms of the Gobi Desert,” the singer said on her website. “The answer is that this journey – this million steps towards the cure for cancer – started for me 15 years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That life-changing experience has given me some true understanding and compassion for others walking that path – and I want to help. That’s why I am so excited to be leading this walk on the Great Wall to raise money and awareness for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre – these 21 days on the Wall will be another part of my own journey.”

Newton-John was born in Cambridge, England, in 1948, but moved to Australia when she was five. A talented singer from a young age and passionate about music, she released her first solo album in 1971, and in 1974 represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. A long list of hits, including I Honestly Love You and Let Me Be There, led to her being cast as Sandy in the film version of Grease in 1978.

The early 1980s were phenomenal years for the young star, and she had a string of hits including Xanadu, Let’s Get Physical, and Suddenly (with Cliff Richard). But in 1992, on the eve of a world tour, Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the start of a long battle for the Grammy Award winning artist, but she eventually overcame the disease and returned to music. She also devoted herself to helping other cancer sufferers, and plans to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, which will provide complementary therapies to support patients on their cancer journey, treating mind and spirit as well as the body. The Wellness Centre is Olivia’s special passion, with a focus on the whole person and not just the disease. Cancer patients worldwide will benefit from the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre’s dedicated research facilities and clinical trials, with the development of future cancer vaccines and therapies through the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, headquartered in New York.

Newton-John is also an ambassador to the United Nations Environmental Program, and served as a spokesperson for the Children’s Health Environ-Mental Coalition (CHEC) for 10 years. She spends large amounts of time supporting organizations such as the Red Cross, the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the Rainforest Alliance, and Concept Cure. She also became well-known for promoting the Olivia Breast Self-Exam Kit.

More information about the Great Walk To Beijing can be found at www.greatwalktobeijing.com.

“The walk will be difficult and confronting – like life, there will be many ups and downs and unforseen challenges,” said the singer. “Every step we take will offer hope and strength to individuals facing cancer. It will be wonderful to have so many of my friends from the worlds of show business and sport walking with me. What might surprise you is how they too have been personally touched by cancer, and how each have their own story to tell. I will be walking for the friends I have lost and for all the many others still stepping.”

Celebrities' Festive Gifts

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:21:24 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A pledge to walk one of the biggest man-made structures in the world, a successful celebrity auction, a tour of far away places, and a donation of time and energy were just some of the ways celebrities gave to the poor, the sick, and those unable to spend time with their families this Christmas.

Singer Olivia Newton-John met with the founders of Welsh breast cancer charity In The Pink over Christmas to discuss fund raising opportunities, and revealed her plans to walk the length of the Great Wall of China in April. Proceeds from the walk will go to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Australia, and the 59-year-old breast cancer survivor will also donate items to In The Pink to auction later in the year.

Meanwhile, socialite Kathy Hilton organized a charity auction over Christmas, featuring a selection of items donated by some of her famous friends. Mel Gibson’s jeans, Tom Cruise’s sunglasses, and an Ocean’s Thirteen script signed by the movie’s stars, including George Clooney and Brad Pitt, raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Christmas is my favorite time of the year,” said Hilton, mother of Paris Hilton. “I have worked with Make-A-Wish before, and I wanted to do something really special. Hopefully… I’ll make it an annual event.”

Robin Williams, Lance Armstrong, Kid Rock, and Lewis Black were also busy over the festive season, and joined current Miss USA Rachel Smith on a 14 show tour with the USO in Afghanistan.

The shows were well received by soldiers from all nations, stationed away from their homes and families this Christmas.

“Afghanistan is sometimes called the forgotten war,” said one soldier who watched the shows. “We don’t get a lot of attention here, and conditions are pretty miserable. So it means a lot.”

The USO organized 52 celebrity tours in 2007 – which included over 300 shows.

And in Los Angeles, Jennifer Love Hewitt joined her new fiancé Ross McCall, as well as Melissa Joan Hart and Melissa Gilbert, to dish out dinners to the needy at the Los Angeles Mission.

“I have made it a point to come to the Los Angeles Mission at Christmas,” said the 28-year-old actress. “There are so many hurting people on the streets of our city, but when I’m here I get to see the smiles of the children and the great food for everyone. I come to give something back, but invariably I get more blessings than I give.”

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