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Ambassadors
The ATF is proud to have the support of our Ambassadors:
Claire Hooper
Comedienne, Sideshow, ABC TV
Comedienne, Good New Week Channel 10
Claire became an Ambassador for The ATF after her enlarged thyroid was noticed by ATF committee members watching Sideshow, ABC TV. Claire had a goitre which was noticeable. After Claire met the ATF, her health changed for the better.
At 25 Claire noticed her throat looked puffy and consulted her doctor who assured her it would have been growing for ages. Claire suffered Glandular Fever at 17 and did not manage stress very well at the time. Claire also had a sudden change to a high soy diet a year before she noticed the goitre. These are all reasons Claire believes contributed to cause her thyroid problem.
After 5 years of procrastination, noticing how restricted her windpipe had become, and with support and education for The ATF, Claire decided to have surgery during a film break in 2007, and now cannot believe how much better she feels. Claire believes her endocrine surgeon is “the best endocrine surgeon in Australia.”
Claire attended The ATF ‘Big Breakfast” event in Martin Place, Sydney 2007 and attracted passing traffic to the marquee with her fantastic personality and humour..
Bree Amer
Big Brother 2004 Housemate
Big Brother Friday Night Live Host 2005/2006/2007
Big Brother Sunday Night Up Late Host – 2007
During 2005 Big Brother “Friday Night Live” a doctor watching the show noticed a lump in the region of Bree’s thyroid gland. He was concerned enough to try and contact Bree through the show, without success. One year on, the doctor had a patient who knew Bree through Big Brother and passed on the doctor’s advice to get her thyroid investigated.
Bree was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and has recovered extremely well after two operations and radiation treatment.
Bree has accepted her Ambassadorship with open arms and wants to do whatever she can to help The ATF and raise awareness of our important messages. Many members of Bree’s family have thyroid disease and she has become a campaigner and educator to them with all the information she has received from The ATF.
Kamahl
Singer/Entertainer/TV Personality
Kamahl was introduced to The ATF by our medical advisor, Professor Leigh Delbridge in 2005. Kamahl had a total thyroidectomy after becoming seriously ill and diagnosed with an enlarged thyroid gland which had put his life in turmoil. Kamahl could no longer sing and was very unwell, also being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, which seemed to be related to the size of his thyroid gland.
After surgery, Kamahl had a complete recovery, his voice now better than ever.
Kamahl is a fine example of how proper diagnosis is so important and Kamahl has made a full recovery. Kamahl is a wonderful Ambassador to The Australian Thyroid Foundation Ltd –he sang a favourite song at our 2005 Thyroid Information Day, to show us all, how well he had recovered.
Michael Vella
Parramatta Eels Premier League Player
Michael became an Ambassador to The ATF after Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club 2005 Community Awareness Program chose The ATF to be their beneficiary. It was a great shock to hear a young Parramatta Footballer was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after a blow to the neck during a football game.
Michael’s voice became very husky, so tests were ordered resulting in thyroid cancer.
After having his thyroid totally removed and radiation treatment, Michael has recovered extremely well and has continued with his football career. That lucky blow to the neck probably saved Michael’s life, without it, it would have not been diagnosed and Michael’s life, may have been in danger.
Michael helped The ATF sell Gold Bows at a home game at the Parramatta which was a great success and televised on The Footy Show. The Eels also presented The ATF with a donation following fundraising events organized by the club. Michael has gone onto become a father and is now playing rugby league in the UK.
Thank you to Claire, Bree, Kamahl and Michael for their generous support and contribution as ambassadors for the Australian Thyroid Foundation, and helping to raise awareness of the importance of good thyroid health.