Cancer Council Queensland CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO reflects on the highlights of cancer control in 2016 and how the generosity of Queenslanders is helping save lives.
A breakthrough breast cancer discovery that could save lives. A brave father who can keep his young family together while he beats bowel cancer.
These are just two of the many inspiring things that your community has helped make happen with your support for Cancer Council Queensland this year. We couldn’t be more grateful for your compassion and generosity.
Here are some of the great things you’ve been a part of.
A home away from home for a struggling family
Kurt and Ally were on holiday in Brisbane – 1000kms from their hometown of Aramac in Central Queensland – when Kurt was diagnosed with life-threatening bowel cancer.
They were really worried about how they would get by, and keep their young family together, while he received months of treatment in Brisbane.
But thanks to you and other kind Cancer Council Queensland supporters, Kurt and his family had a place to stay at our Ellis Lodge. A home away from home available to people and families who need to travel long distances from their homes to receive cancer treatment.
We’re delighted to report that Kurt responded really well to treatment and is back at home in Aramac with his family. He asked us to pass on a huge ‘thank you’ for helping them through a really difficult time in their lives.
An exciting breakthrough
Your support has helped fund 37 promising cancer research projects this year. One of these projects is closing in on a new treatment for breast cancer.
A University of Queensland based research team has identified a gene that can increase a patient’s chances of surviving breast cancer. I’m really inspired by this breakthrough, which has the potential to save countless lives.
The team are now conducting trials on drugs that may be able to boost the activity of this gene. Your ongoing support means they can continue their search for a better way to beat breast cancer.
An anniversary to celebrate
This year, we celebrated the 20th birthday of Cancer Council Queensland’s 13 11 20 helpline. In the two decades since the line opened, the team has taken more than half a million calls from people seeking support and information about cancer.
13 11 20 has become a vital service for our community. It gives all Queenslanders impacted by cancer an opportunity to connect with health professionals, and get much-needed emotional, psychological and practical support.
Your generosity has been absolutely vital in keeping 13 11 20 going, and helping people understand and cope with cancer.
Together we have transformed lives, giving Queenslanders hope for a cancer free future.
Thanks to you, we can continue to fund promising research and vital support services.
Together we are taking great steps to beat cancer, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the difference you are making. To get involved in 2017, simply go to www.cancerqld.org.au or visit your nearest local Cancer Council office.
And if you or a loved one are affected by cancer this Christmas, please don’t hesitate to call Cancer Council 13 11 20 for information, care, and support.
With my very best wishes,
Professor Jeff Dunn AO
Chief Executive Officer
Cancer Council Queensland