NATIONAL TOUR for Kate Fisher’s bestselling book, “Milkshakes for Marleigh: Extraordinary tales of survival thanks to Australian blood donors.” during national blood donor week, June 2025.
Announcement posted by KMD Books 20 May 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Book Tour:
Kate Fisher embarks on a national book tour for her bestselling book, Milkshakes for Marleigh, during National Blood Donation Week, 9 - 13 June, 2025.
In September 2024, esteemed author and podcast host, Hedley Thomas, launched Milkshakes for Marleigh to a sold-out audience. It has gone on to become an Amazon #1 bestseller, Australian and international award winning and described my MSN as "revolutionising blood donation advocacy globally."
Hedley Thomas:
"Kate, you are an excellent storyteller, podcast host and writer. You are doing such important work with Milkshakes for Marleigh. The last time I read a book this compelling was Trent Dalton's, Boy Swallows Universe. I expect that Milkshakes for Marleigh will have the same level of success."
Milkshakes for Marleigh: Extraordinary tales of survival thanks to Australian blood donors is based on interviews conducted for the internationally acclaimed, award-winning podcast, Milkshakes for Marleigh. Fisher shares stories of those who have received life-saving blood transfusions, by describing "life after the transfusion" so that recipients can thank the blood donors they will never meet and blood donors can get snapshots of the impact that they have.
The book features the stories of iconic Australians like: Actor and cancer vanquisher, Samuel Johnson; Imperfects podcast host, Hugh Van Cuylenberg, Author and bowel-cancer advocate Kellie Finlayson; Author and Olympic Gold Medallist, Michael Klim; and Paralympian medallists including, Wheelchair Rugby Australian Captain Chris Bond, Swimmers Monique Murphy & Paris Paralympic Australian Flag Bearer, Brendan Hall. Everyday Aussies also share their gratitude for more simple pleasures like having more time gifted to them by Australian blood donors: one more Christmas morning with their children, living long enough to meet a grandchild; or simply being gifted a few more hours to say goodbye to a loved one.
Woven through these stories us the remarkable take of the survival of Kate's youngest child Marleigh who is now nine-years-old thanks "1000s and 1000s of Australian blood and plasma donors."
Marleigh became unwell at the age of three and lives with the incurable, life threatening condition, Seronegative Paediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis. For Marleigh, plasma infusion is life-saving when her condition is acute and life preserving for every infusion in between. At her sickest, Marleigh requires these infusions every 10 days to keep her alive.
Kate Fisher is the founder of The Milkshakes Marleigh blood donation advocacy movement and is on mission to end persistent critical blood shortages in Australia and around the world. Kate is the creator, host and producer of winning, internationally acclaimed podcast, Milkshakes for Marleigh and this new book is informed by interviews she conducted in the first three seasons of the podcast, where she tells survival stories of those who have received blood transfusions.
1 in 3 Australians will need blood in their lifetime and yet on 1 in 30 donate it. Kate Fisher is on a mission to change that while thanking the thousands of blood donors who have kept Marleigh alive.
The Milkshakes for Marleigh book is available in Australia wide, in stores and online. Retailors can order through Peribo. RRP. $29.95
Milkshakes for Marleigh reviews:
Hedley Thomas: "The last time I read a book this compelling was Trent Dalton's "Boy Swallows Universe", I believe Milkshakes for Marleigh has the same potential. Kate is an exceptional storyteller."
Lael Stone: "What incredible work Kate is doing! The stories in this book and Marleigh's journey are so moving. I cried reading this on a plane!"
Trent Dalton: "Kate, you are a national treasure".
ABC: "… compelling stories of blood donors and recipients, illustrating the profound impact of donations."
Kate Fisher is leading global voice on blood donation advocacy. She is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning podcast host & bestselling author and founder of Milkshakes for Marleigh. She is on a mission to end persistent critical blood shortages in Australia and around the world.
Author: Kate Fisher
Publisher: KMD Books
Distributor: Peribo
Contact: Kate Fisher 0447600625
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