Kate Fisher thanks Dymocks for hosting her national tour for her book called Milkshakes for Marleigh Book.
Kate Fisher, Australia’s leading blood donation advocate and recently named Woman of the Year 2025, embarked on a national book tour in June for her bestselling memoir Milkshakes for Marleigh: Extraordinary Tales of Survival Thanks to Australian Blood Donors.
The Milkshakes for Marleigh National Tour was hosted exclusively by Dymocks and included signings at Dymocks Bookstores:
- Hay Street, Perth
- Rundle Mall, Adelaide
- Collins Street, Melbourne
- George Street, Sydney
- Brisbane City
Fisher is the founder of the national blood donation movement Milkshakes for Marleigh. Her mission is as urgent as it is personal: to end persistent critical blood shortages in Australia and around the world.
Her advocacy began with her daughter Marleigh, who was just three years old when she suddenly became critically ill. Diagnosed with Seronegative Paediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis — a rare and incurable disease — Marleigh’s survival depends on regular plasma infusions made possible by generous Australian blood donors.
At her sickest, Marleigh requires infusions every 10 days. These treatments are not only life-saving during relapses but life-preserving between episodes, allowing her to grow, learn, and live as close to a normal childhood as possible.
“Thousands and thousands of blood and plasma donors have kept my daughter alive,” says Fisher. “Every single donation is another day with Marleigh.”
If you’ve ever donated blood, you may be responsible for one of these extraordinary tales of survival.
Based on interviews conducted for the groundbreaking and internationally award-winning Milkshakes for Marleigh podcast, the book shares extraordinary accounts of survival — made possible by blood donors. From seeing children grow up to winning world championships, falling in love, advocating for others, pursuing scientific breakthroughs, or simply enjoying a few more hours with loved ones — each story is a powerful reminder of the impact one donation can have.“This book will make you proud to be Australian — and ask which ‘one in three’ of your loved ones might rely on the kindness of a stranger,” says Fisher.
The Milkshakes for Marleigh Podcast can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5PnHut0l3EqffPF7nUJPjh?si=8b072158f5da4111
Register to donate blood, plasma or platelets for the Milkshakes for Marleigh Lifeblood Team here: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donors/other-ways-to-help/lifeblood-teams
Limited Edition Milkshakes for Marleigh National Tour signed copies are available at Dymocks Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney NOW! Or you can order online here: