A Celebration of Courage, Advocacy, and the Gift of Time
A Celebration of Courage, Advocacy, and the Gift of Time
We are beyond thrilled to announce that Kate Fisher, founder of Milkshakes for Marleigh, has been officially named the 2025 Woman of the Year at the Heart of Women Awards.
Sponsored by Ascend Financial, this prestigious honor recognizes women who demonstrate extraordinary courage, passion, and generosity within our community. For those who have followed Kate’s journey, this award is a testament to the tireless work she has done to revolutionize blood donation advocacy across Australia and beyond.
Turning Personal Struggle into Global Impact
Kate’s mission began at home with her daughter, Marleigh. Diagnosed at age three with Autoimmune Encephalitis, Marleigh’s survival depends on regular plasma infusions—what Kate often calls “liquid gold.”
Faced with the reality of critical blood shortages, Kate didn’t just hope for a solution; she created one. Through the Milkshakes for Marleigh movement, she has:
- Authored a Bestselling Book: Extraordinary Tales of Survival Thanks to Australian Blood Donors, which humanizes the impact of every donation.
- Hosted an Award-Winning Podcast: Sharing the powerful stories of recipients and the donors who save them.
- Saved Thousands of Lives: Her advocacy has inspired thousands of new donors to roll up their sleeves, ensuring families like hers get more “bonus years” together.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, but the real heroes are the donors. Every trophy is a reminder that while awards are wonderful, it’s the community’s generosity that keeps my daughter—and so many others—alive.” — Kate Fisher
A Heartfelt Thank You to Ascend Financial
This recognition was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Ascend Financial. Their support of the Woman of the Year award highlights a shared commitment to leadership, community well-being, and empowering those who drive social change.
By partnering with the Heart of Women Awards, Ascend Financial helps shine a spotlight on vital causes like blood donation advocacy, ensuring that voices like Kate’s are heard on a national stage.
Join the Movement
As Kate celebrates this milestone, her message remains the same: One in three Australians will need blood, but only one in thirty donates. You can honor Kate’s “Woman of the Year” win by taking action today:
- Book a Donation: Visit Lifeblood and join the Milkshakes for Marleigh team.
- Read the Stories: Pick up a copy of Kate’s book to see the faces of the lives your donations save.
- Spread the Word: Follow Milkshakes for Marleigh and share a post on your social media.