NEW Leukaemia Foundation chief executive officer Sheryl Grimwood has plans to increase the awareness of the foundation and the illness.
Ms Grimwood hopes this will improve the foundation’s ability to be a form of support for sufferers.
Following the successful “World’s Greatest Shave for a Cure” campaign, Leukaemia Week in September is the next major event in the foundation’s calendar.
Ms Grimwood takes over from Brain Handley, who left earlier this year after his contract with the foundation ended.
For the past 15 years Ms Grimwood has been a partner in a pharmacy and owned another two in WA.
She was also elected to, and served on, the board and registering body of pharmacy, the Pharmaceutical Council of WAm for a period six years.
“A strong medical background gives me a good understanding of leukaemia patients and the ability to communicate with patients and doctors,” Ms Grimwood said.
“It is no different from managing any other business.
“You need to make sure you have good business practices, strong internal infrastructure, cost minimisation and good human resource skills.”
Another recent addition to foundation’s board of directors is Phillip Botsis, managing director of Ledge Finance Limited.
Ms Grimwood said Mr Botsis’ connections with various financial institutions would help the foundation achieve greater visibility.
“He is very dedicated to making the Foundation professional and successful and is very energetic,” she said.
The “World’s Greatest Shave for A Cure” has raised $150,000 in WA this year. The event is expected to continue to raise more funds in the coming months.
