For more than a decade, Philip Hartog has been committed to honouring the memory of his wife, Sylvia, by strengthening the care and support available to stem cell and bone marrow transplant patients and the nurses who look after them. Through the Sylvia Hartog Nursing Scholarship, Philip has enabled nurses from St Vincent’s Haematology Ward to pursue postgraduate study, attend specialist training overseas, and access essential equipment. Most recently, his generosity has also supported Arrow’s Patient Information Guides, ensuring patients and families have clear, compassionate information during an overwhelming time.  

Philip’s connection to Arrow is deeply personal. His wife Sylvia, a medical doctor and mother of three, was diagnosed with myelofibrosis in 2010 at just 49 years old. The rare bone marrow disorder progresses quickly in younger patients and resulted in Sylvia requiring two bone marrow transplants over the following years. 

Throughout her treatment at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sylvia and her family experienced the extraordinary compassion, skill, and humanity of the nurses and clinicians who cared for her. Their warmth and confidence made an immeasurable difference during the most challenging moments – something Philip has never forgotten. 

Sylvia passed away early 2013, but the impact of her life continues through the support Philip provides in her name. Their daughter Saskia has also contributed by fundraising for Arrow through marathon events, reflecting the family’s shared commitment to helping others facing a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. 

Philip served as a Director of the Arrow Foundation from 2013 to 2021 and remains an active volunteer across several charitable organisations, including a board position with Wesley Mission’s Aged Care Welfare Foundation, co-organising fundraisers for the homeless and Lifeline. He is also a long-standing Meals-on-Wheels volunteer. 

Born and educated in the Netherlands, his Christianity has given him ‘a heart’ for the disadvantaged, a dedication which is now woven into the legacy he has created for Sylvia. 

Reflecting on his enduring connection to Arrow, Philip said  

“Sylvia would be pleased to know of my long-time support of Arrow, knowing the great work Arrow does.” 

At Arrow, we are deeply grateful for Philip’s long-standing support. His generosity has strengthened nursing education, improved patient information, and created opportunities that simply would not exist without him.  

One of Philip’s proudest contributions, made alongside his family & partner Saskia Orgill has been to the modernisation of the bone marrow transplant ward at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. This gift enabled the refurbishment and upgrade of patient rooms to include HEPA filtration and negative pressure environments, significantly reducing the risk of cross-infection for severely immune compromised stem cell transplant patients. 

“The support of Philip’s Family Foundation has had a profound and lasting impact on the care available to stem cell transplant patients,” says Richelle Koller, Arrow’s CEO. 

 “Honouring Sylvia through meaningful, practical support for patients and nurses has touched countless lives. We are incredibly grateful for his compassion and belief in the work we do.” 

Through his generosity, Philip is ensuring that patients are empowered and that the nurses who cared so deeply for Sylvia can continue to grow, learn, and support future patients with the same compassion. His ongoing commitment is a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman and a gift that will continue to uplift others for years to come.