Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Non-profit organisation

Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 8559 7777

Address: 305 Grattan Street 3000 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: www.petermac.org/foundation

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• Medical and health
• Non-profit organisation
• Community organisation

25.01.2022 Since 2015, Camp 4 Cancer has been hosting some amazing fundraising events for Peter Mac. What usually would be a camping festival in November has now been converted into 'Camp4Cancer Live Event' tonight from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Organiser Ben Roarty is encouraging the Peter Mac community to tune into a LIVE event of great music and giveaways all for cancer research. Find more information and register for free at events.humanitix.com/camp4cancder-live-2020

25.01.2022 The Tour de Cure Peter Mac Ride 2019 wrapped up on Monday with the team arriving triumphantly in Hobart. Riders travelled over 460km across the four days, tackled over 5,000m elevation, visited six schools to raise awareness about cancer prevention and encourage kids to embrace a healthy lifestyle and of course raised important funds for cancer research. The ride brings together amazing people, united to help to find cures for cancer. On behalf of Peter Mac Cancer Foundation we want to thank the Tour de Cure team and participants for their amazing support with this years event. The event so far has raised over $674,000! Well done to all the riders and support teams on the Tour de Cure Peter Mac Ride 2019. It is now time to rest your legs knowing you have made a huge difference to those with cancer.

24.01.2022 Maria had always wanted to be a mum. Her dream finally became a reality when she and her husband were able to adopt two beautiful children. Two years ago, Marias dream life came to a worrying halt when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. My kids not having a mum. That was my biggest fear. Just not being there for my kids. ... Only half of people diagnosed with multiple myeloma survive beyond five years. Which is why your support of research at Peter Mac is critical to giving patients like Maria a greater chance of survival. Please donate today to accelerate cancer research at Peter Mac and give the gift of precious family time to people like Maria. foundation.petermac.org/maria

24.01.2022 When Jess first came to Peter Mac, she had been diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer conjunctival ocular melanoma. At just 22 years of age, Jess had to have her left eye removed, in the hope this would remove the cancer. Unfortunately, only a year later, the cancer was back this time in her brain. While her cancer was extremely rare, Jess was fortunate to be able to access the latest research insights and treatment at Peter Mac. ... In fact, she had quite the team of experts behind her as Jess explains, within a day of arriving at Peter Mac they had already created a huge plan. I had a team of 50 specialists working to find the best course of action for me, which made me feel very comfortable. We are happy to share that it has now been five years since Jess' diagnosis. Peter Mac is at the forefront of cancer research and they have given me a second chance. I get to create a beautiful life beyond what could have been a terminal diagnosis. Find out more about how Peter Mac is focused on improving outcomes for people with rare and complex cancers: https://act.petermac.org/jess/

23.01.2022 Last year we introduced you to Dr Arian Lasocki, one of our 2019 Foundation Discovery Partner Fellows. Arians research focuses on the use of MRI to better understand how melanoma cells enter the brain. After presenting his work at the World Congress of Dermatology in Milan last year, Arian recently published his findings in the prestigious journal, Neuro-Oncology. Arians key finding was that, in contrast to standard teaching, most small melanoma deposits initially develop ...in close relationship to the leptomeninges thin membranes which envelop the brain suggesting this as the entry point into the brain thereafter. It is hoped further research into the underlying biology will support the discovery of new treatment strategies. Thank you to our regular monthly donors for making Discovery Partner Fellowships for clinician researchers like Arian possible.

23.01.2022 Today is International Legacy Day and we want to say a big thank you to all those people who have, or are planning on, leaving a charitable gift in their Will to Peter Mac. Did you know around 30% of funds received by the Foundation each year comes from gifts in Wills? Without these generous donations our researchers’ amazing work would not be able to continue. ... #legacyday2020 #includeacharity See more

23.01.2022 Registrations are now open for Unite to Fight Cancer 2020! This year Unite is going virtual and you can do it your way. Choose to ride 200km or walk 60km between 15-24 October while helping to fund life-changing cancer research at Peter Mac. Will you join us for the fight in 2020 and help make a difference for families facing cancer?... Register for FREE here https://bit.ly/Unite_20

22.01.2022 What an inspirational day! The weather held out and 2,075 amazing people united with us to fight cancer. We cannot thank you enough - together we raised an outstanding $1.5m! This is huge and these funds are vital in helping the dedicated teams of researchers at Peter Mac continue to make new discoveries. By enabling life-saving research, you are giving new hope to people touched by cancer. Thanks again to all those who rode, ran, walked, cheered and volunteered - we think you are all brilliant!

22.01.2022 Dr Kara Britt leads the Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention Lab at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre where her team focuses on the development of effective preventative therapies to lower breast cancer incidence. Like so many Australians Dr Britt has been personally affected by the impact of breast cancer. She decided to become a breast cancer researcher because of her Mum, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when Dr Britt was 21, as she explained to us: "I was doing undergradua...te biochemistry and immunology when Mum was diagnosed. There werent all the extra treatments that we can give people now to make the chemotherapy experience a bit easier and seeing that made me really want to apply my science knowledge in someway to help with cancer research." Dr Britt has had a significant impact already in her career as a researcher. Her ground-breaking work has been recognised with a Centenary Medal from the Governor General and the Young Australian of the Year (Science and Technology) as well as numerous other scientific awards. Dr Britt is also a recipient of a Peter MacCallum Foundation Endowment Fund Grant which she is using to study immune changes early in breast cancer progression to try and determine what is driving the immune activation. While our understanding of the role that immune cells in promoting tumour progression and resistance to cancer therapy is rapidly expanding, we still know little about their role in the tumour initiation phase and the potential therapeutic options that may exist to help prevent the onset of cancer. If successful, Dr Britt's project will determine the specific immune cells that are activated during the early development of breast cancer and create pre-clinical breast cancer models to determine if immune therapy can be used in early lesions to block the progression to cancer. A very big thank you to our wonderful donors who support our researchers like Dr Britt and help them make important research breakthroughs.

22.01.2022 Theres just 176 spots remaining for this years Unite to Fight Cancer! Secure your place today and get ready to paint Melbourne purple in a few weeks with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation community. Register today: http://bit.ly/LastChance-Unite

21.01.2022 Today, our annual flagship event, Unite to Fight Cancer kicks off. Over the next 10 days, more than 3,000 participants will be challenging themselves to ride 200km or walk 60km to raise funds for cancer research. Having already raised an amazing $1million we are beyond grateful to have a community that unites behind us and the important work we do.... To all those beginning your challenge today, goodluck and thank you for your incredible support. If you would like to take to the pavement with us, there's still time to register at https://bit.ly/3dp2ZgM

21.01.2022 In case you missed it, last week Peter Mac researchers Professor Declan Murphy (urology), Professor Rod Hicks (nuclear medicine, RT & molecular imaging) and Professor Con Tam (haematology) were named as the nation's top researchers in their respective fields as part of The Australian's ‘Top 250 Researchers’ special report. A huge congratulations to Declan, Rod and Con for this significant recognition of their leading work to improve the health outcomes of people with cancer.

20.01.2022 Unite to Fight Cancer is one of the biggest days in our calendar. Its when we all come together to go the extra mile to enable Peter Macs researchers to find cancer cures. In light of the current situation many have asked us whats happening with Unite to Fight Cancer this year. Firstly, we thank you for your ongoing and vital support, especially through this difficult time. Your generosity enables us to support cancer patients who are some of the most vulnerable in our com...munity. With our ever-evolving situation, we are re-assessing our approach to Unite to Fight Cancer 2020 daily and will update you in due course. Thank you again for your support during this challenging time. Together we will continue to change the lives of people living with cancer. Please see our Unite to Fight Cancer website for an official statement from our Fundraising and Philanthropy Director, Carl Young, at unitetofightcancer.org.au

20.01.2022 Michelle has been baking up a storm, raising more than $1,000 for life-saving cancer research through Peter Mac Bake Drop. Ive known many people affected by cancer and I just wanted to do my bit to help while doing the thing I love most. The best part? I get to bring a little bit of joy to my family and friends stuck in lockdown. Were amazed by the support from hundreds of bakers, like Michelle, who have been baking a difference for people with cancer. A big thank you to all those who have been participating or donating in the Peter Mac Bake Drop.

20.01.2022 Alison was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma 11 years ago. A diagnosis which came as a complete shock. Given how advanced Alison’s cancer was, she was immediately placed on a clinical trial. This trial was developed based on research into new combinations of existing drugs. The trial gave Alison more time, but it didn’t cure her cancer.... Sadly, Alison’s cancer has now returned and she is hoping new research will lead to treatments that will help halt her cancer once again. The first treatment was able to put a little brake on the disease, even though it’s incurable. Now, we hope to get my cancer inactive again - it won’t be cured, but hopefully it can be managed. Your support of cancer research is essential to giving people like Alison new hope in their fight against cancer. Learn more: donate.petermac.org.au/appeal

19.01.2022 May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month. More than 1800 Australians were estimated to be diagnosed with brain cancer last year. The treatment of brain cancer can vary and may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.... In 2020, thanks to generous philanthropic support and a gift in a Will, a Gamma Knife was installed at Peter Mac the first of its kind in Victoria. Today, the Gamma Knife is fully operational and providing patients with complex brain cancers a non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery and whole brain radiation therapy. Your gift to Peter Mac helps to provide better treatments, better care and potential cures for all cancers. Donate today at foundation.petermac.org/donate-today

19.01.2022 This Sunday over 1000 passionate people will take to the streets and parks of Melbourne and Unite to Fight cancer with Peter Mac We can't wait to see you all out there on the course and cheer you along as as you run, ride or walk! Thank you to all our amazing fundraisers! Your efforts will support vital cancer research at Peter Mac and make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer and their families.

19.01.2022 Sending good vibes to all our Team Peter Mac runners lining up for events in the Melbourne Marathon Festival this Sunday. Alongside their running training, these dedicated Peter Mac supporters have also been raising funds to help give some of the brightest minds in cancer research access to the specialised resources they need to discover cancer cures. Thank you! Go well Team Peter Mac.

18.01.2022 Immunotherapy has been a game changer for many blood cancers, but so far, scientists have struggled to find a way for immunotherapy to be as effective in treating solid cancers, like advanced prostate cancer. That’s why Peter Mac researchers, Professor Joe Trapani and Professor Gail Risbridger, have joined forces. They believe that by combining their extensive research experience, they can find the breakthrough that will make immunotherapy a game changer for solid cancers too.... Prof Risbridger has identified the antigen called Lewis Y as a target for CAR T-cells, meaning that immunotherapy could be used to treat solid tumours like advanced prostate cancers. We've had some encouraging results, explains Prof Trapani. To date, some tumours have shrunk in size, but no patient with advanced cancer has had their tumours completely cleared. However, Prof Trapani has real hope for immunotherapy. He believes that when used in combination with other treatment methods, it can be effective. This initial discovery has both Prof Risbridger and Prof Trapani very excited about the possibilities of this research. Getting funding is critically important, because now we know that the approach can work, we’ve got to work out how to make it work for common solid cancers like prostate cancer, explains Prof Trapani. With further studies, Prof Risbridger and Prof Trapani are hopeful they will find the right combination of therapies that will make immunotherapy an option for more patients. Your support helps research like Prof Risbridger and Prof Trapani’s reach its full potential. Donate today: donate.petermac.org.au/appeal

17.01.2022 There is no doubt in my mind that it’s because of research that I’m here. Ten years ago, Vicky was diagnosed with a melanoma which was attached to the back of her eye. To make sure all of the melanoma was eliminated it was recommended that Vicky have her right eye removed.... A few years later, sadly Vicky’s melanoma had returned and spread. Vicky was given a new course of treatment developed through past research, which had proven to be very effective in many patients, but unfortunately it didn’t work for her. Thankfully due to ongoing research into different treatments, Vicky was offered a further option and soon found herself responding to a trial of a new drug combination. This new treatment gave Vicky months of relief, but now sadly her cancer has returned again and she is presented with another challenge. Vicky remains hopeful that this time she will beat her cancer for good. Now more than ever we need your support to give new hope to patients like Vicky. Learn more here: https://donate.petermac.org.au/vicky

17.01.2022 Congratulations to Foundation Director, Professor David Ball, AO, who has been made an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Radiology. A radiation oncologist and Director of the multi-disciplinary Lung Service at Peter Mac, Professor Ball received the prestigious honour last week in recognition of his global impact in lung cancer care. Professor Ball was appointed to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation Board of Directors in 2017, and in that time has helped the Foundation to strengthen its support of innovative research projects at Peter Mac to improve health outcomes for people with cancer.

17.01.2022 Today, our annual flagship event, Unite to Fight Cancer kicks off. Over the next 10 days, more than 3,000 participants will be challenging themselves to ride 200km or walk 60km to raise funds for cancer research. Having already raised an amazing $1million we are beyond grateful to have a community that unites behind us and the important work we do.... To all those beginning your challenge today, goodluck and thank you for your incredible support. If you would like to take to the pavement with us, there's still time to register at https://bit.ly/3dp2ZgM

16.01.2022 It seems almost everyone around us has taken to the kitchen while in isolation. From banana bread to sourdough, were baking up scrumptious treats that would do Maggie Beer proud! This winter, we invite you to share your love of baking with friends & family, and join us in baking a difference for people with cancer. All you need to do is bake for your friends, drop it on their doorstep and ask them to donate to Peter Mac in return. ... Register for the Peter Mac Bake Drop and raise funds for lifesaving cancer research. Register here act.petermac.org/bake-drop

16.01.2022 The 4th annual Tour de Cure Peter Mac Ride kicked off this afternoon where the team boarded the Spirit of Tasmania for the annual Bass Straight crossing. The tour will see the Peter Mac Team continue their journey around Tasmania, this time enjoying the stunning East Coast, taking in some of Tasmanias most beautiful wilderness, on the four day 460km ride. The 2019 Tour de Cure Peter Mac Ride has already raised over $600,000! These funds will support cancer research to helps... us find more effective treatments for people with cancer. Thank you to all involved with the tour and we wish you safe travels, excellent weather and plenty of energy for your four days of cycling.

16.01.2022 On International Nurses Day, we acknowledge the dedicated team of nurses at Peter Mac for their passion in delivering exceptional care to people living with cancer every day. Their considerate and professional approach has a huge impact on patients and their families during their toughest days. Thank you to the nurses at Peter Mac and across the world for all that you do.... #IND2020

16.01.2022 Cancer patients are among the most at risk from the coronavirus. Our researchers are urgently working to discover new treatments and help give every cancer patient the chance of surviving this pandemic. But they need your help. donate.petermac.org.au/help

15.01.2022 This National Science Week we want to thank our dedicated cancer researchers for their passion and determination to discover cancer cures. Ongoing research is the key to discovering kinder, more effective treatments and cures for cancer. And despite the disruptions of this year, our internationally recognised researchers continue to make advances in the fight against cancer. Learn more about some of the exciting research projects underway at Peter Mac: act.petermac.org/con/ #scienceweek

15.01.2022 This weekend, Kaylene will be running in this years virtual Run Melbourne event in loving memory of her dad. He was a patient at Peter Mac Bendigo for the last five years and sadly passed away six months ago. Taking part in Run Melbourne has been an outlet for me to grieve but also an opportunity to honour my father through raising money for much needed cancer research. Like Kaylene, our community of Run Melbourne fundraisers has been training and fundraising for Peter Mac... and we are very grateful for their support of life-saving cancer research. Join us in wishing our virtual Run Melbourne participants all the best for this weekend.

14.01.2022 Two years ago Maria was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She has already endured so much - months of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants. Maria believes shes still alive today thanks to advances in cancer research. I often find myself saying that I wouldn't have survived this long if this was five or ten years ago.... Your support of research at Peter Mac helps make new life-saving discoveries possible. Please make a tax-deductible donation today to help find cures for cancers like Marias at foundation.petermac.org/maria

14.01.2022 In June we shared the story of a Peter Mac patient named Michael and his experience of being diagnosed with bowel cancer at only 28 years of age. The response to his story was truly heart-warming with so many well wishes and messages of support coming in for Michael. In this video, Michael has kindly provided us with an update on how he is progressing and what life after cancer is looking life for him - including a wedding and a new home! ... Watch the video to see where Michael is at now. Thank you Michael so much for allowing us to share your story and for inspiring us!

14.01.2022 Lily was only 26 and pregnant with her first child when she first noticed a lump in her breast. Her doctor thought it was most likely a blocked milk duct - something very common in pregnancy - and that it would clear up once Lilys milk came in. After the birth of her son Sebastian, the lump had actually grown even larger and was causing Lily discomfort. At the time of removal the lump was six centimetres by eight centimetres. A biopsy was done, and only six weeks after givi...ng birth, Lilys worst fears were confirmed. She had an aggressive form of breast cancer called triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Lily began what ended up being months of chemotherapy radiation to keep her alive. Chemotherapy remains the standard of care for TNBC treatment, but unfortunately some patients develop resistance to the treatment. Chemotherapy resistance is a major barrier to the successful treatment of TNBC. For Lily to have the best chance in preventing her cancer from returning, she was recommended to have both her breasts removed. At 26, this was a painful and difficult choice to make. Dr Kristin Brown and her team at Peter Mac are researching how to prevent cancer cells from becoming treatment-resistant. They now understand that its the metabolic state of the cancer cells that causes resistance and they are investigating how to put a stop to this process. If Kristin and her team can find ways to stop this resistance occurring, chemotherapy will be more effective, helping more people like Lily survive this aggressive type of breast cancer. Through support from our generous donors, we are able to give researchers like Kristin access to the specialised resources they need to provide more effective treatments and cures for cancer. Thanks so much to those who give what they can to Peter Mac. You are helping give hope to those living with cancer. Find out more: https://donate.petermac.org.au/lily

12.01.2022 Introducing the PETER MAC LARAPINTA CHALLENGE 2021 registrations are now open! Challenge yourself on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the Australian outback on one of the most spectacular walking tracks in the worldthe Larapinta Trail. Over 5 days, you will journey along the most spectacular and rewarding sections of the trail, trekking over 60 kilometres. You will follow Aboriginal Dreaming tracks and explore the beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers and the drama...tic desert landscapes of the Red Centre. The best part? You’ll also raise vital funds for cancer research at Peter Mac. Register before 20th November to save $150 or find out more here: https://bit.ly/2TA2Tda

12.01.2022 Join Team Peter Mac at Run Melbourne this July! Run Melbourne is a fast, flat course, heading past some of Melbourne’s most famous landmarks. Give extra meaning to your run by supporting Peter Mac. Grab a friend and have some fun as you run, walk or jog to fight cancer.... Every dollar you raise will help fund life-saving cancer research. Learn more at shorturl.at/qBI06

12.01.2022 Last Wednesday, over 100 Peter Mac supporters and guests joined Professor Constantine (Con) Tam and patient Michael Michaltsis at a special morning tea. Prof Tam, Haematologist and Disease Group Lead at Peter Mac, spoke about his clinical focus in the development of targeted drug combinations for treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), with a long-term goal of achieving cures for these diseases. Michael shared his personal story of bei...ng diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 28 years of age, his subsequent surgery and treatment, and his life four years on. The inspiring presentations gave supporters who have included or are considering a gift in their will to Peter Mac the chance to learn more about our work, and the impact of their generosity. For more information on gifts in Wills visit: https://bit.ly/2OD3oRQ.

11.01.2022 We're very happy to announce our Executive Director, Jennifer Doubell, has received an Order of Australia Medal for services to the community through charitable organisations. Jennifer is one of Australia's leading specialists in fundraising, with over 30 years experience working to improve the lives of Australians. Over the last 10 years, Jennifers passion and dedication has inspired so many of our supporters to generously donate to Peter Mac. This support has contributed ...to research breakthroughs such as immunotherapy advances and better diagnostic methods, and helped provide the hospital access to cutting-edge technology like the da Vinci robot surgical system. With Jennifer's commitment and leadership, and your generous support, we have raised significant funds to accelerate and advance the search for better cancer treatments and more cures. Cancer never stops and our researchers always need the support of generous Australians to make their next big breakthrough and discovery. Together, let's see what's possible over the next 10 years. Congratulations Jennifer!

11.01.2022 We recently shared with you the story of Alison. After 11 years in remission, Alison’s cancer has now returned and she is hoping new research will again give her the gift of precious family time. To ensure people like Alison have the best chance of survival, Professor Simon Harrison and his team are working on a number of new approaches to myeloma treatment.... Because multiple myeloma weakens the immune system, our researchers believe keeping the immune system as strong as possible will have a significant impact on a patient’s health and quality of life. It's a disease that affects plasma cells which are the cells that normally make antibodies to protect you. And then it affects tissues, and kidneys, bones, and bone marrow, and can lead to serious infections, said Prof Harrison. It’s why a large part of his research focus is finding ways to keep multiple myeloma in deep remission, which will limit the risk of infections. Every donation to cancer research at Peter Mac helps accelerate the discovery of more cancer cures and kinder treatments. Please donate today at donate.petermac.org.au/appeal

11.01.2022 Dr Jeremy Lewin is the Medical Director of ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service and a Medical Oncologist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He is also a recipient of a Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation 2019 Endowment Fund Grant. Jeremy has extensive expertise in sarcoma malignancies and a keen interest in developing new therapeutic strategies for young cancer patients. Funding from the Foundations Grants Program will allow Jeremy to lead a s...tudy that aims to enable earlier and more accurate diagnoses, leading to more rapid treatment of patients with sarcomas. Sarcomas are rare cancers that affect bones or soft tissues such as muscles, nerves and other soft tissues that connect or surround joints. Sarcomas occur when abnormal cells in these types of tissue grow in an uncontrolled way. Sarcomas can develop anywhere in the body. Although sarcomas are rare across all age groups, they are more commonly seen in childhood and adolescents / young adults. Because sarcomas can be so diverse and represent less than 2% of new cancers seen each year, they are particularly difficult to diagnose. Recently, a number of reports have assessed changes in genetic codes seen in sarcomas that help accurately define their different subtypes. But current methods to investigate this genetic code have traditionally been slow, expensive and labour intensive. A possible alternative to this is called massive parallel sequencing using unbiased RNAseq. Jeremy and his team will investigate these genetic codes utilizing a novel technique where the codes can be investigated simultaneously, which will hopefully lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, and therefore more rapid treatment. It is hoped that this study will define a new standard of care for the pathology workup of patients with sarcoma which will in turn accelerate more accurate diagnosis, and thus improve both treatment and patient outcomes. Our deepest thanks go to the generous individuals who have enabled these annual Grants by donating to the Foundation's Endowment Fund.

09.01.2022 What a lovely post from one of our brilliant donors. Thank you Roy for your wise and caring words, and for your generous support of cancer research. With passion, dedication and kindness, we can make a real difference in the lives of everyone affected by cancer. As Roy says, stay healthy everyone and good luck.

07.01.2022 What an amazing effort! Thanks so much to the Team Peter Mac members who conquered the Melbourne Marathon Festival on the weekend and raised over $40,000. Your donations will help give some of the brightest minds in cancer research access to the specialised resources they need to discover cancer cures.

07.01.2022 Unite to Fight Cancer is now complete for another year and we can’t thank our amazing community enough! More than 3,200 participants united to cover 310,000kms and together with 25,000 generous donors, our Peter Mac community raised a magnificent $1.7 million for cancer research.... Thank you to everyone who participated, donated or spread the word. We are utterly blown away by the generosity, inspiring stories and community support despite the challenges of this year. We are so grateful to have amazing supporters like you fighting with us to discover cancer cures. THANK YOU!

06.01.2022 Two and a half years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Rosemarys husband passed away. Not long after that, she had to face her own diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It was a frightening time, without my husband by my side. One of my daughters is a nurse. She was my rock.... Thanks to ongoing research here at Peter Mac, Rosemary had access to a clinical trial and shes now doing well. She feels blessed to have the extra time with her family, particularly her eight grandchildren. Thats why Rosemarys made the thoughtful decision to leave a gift to Peter Mac in her Will, so others facing cancer will have access to better outcomes. This #worldcancerday, we want to recognise our donors, who have the vision and dedication to support essential cancer research well into the future by including a gift in their Will. Their kindness will benefit many generations to come. Read Rosemarys story and learn more about the impact of a gift in your Will: act.petermac.org/rosemary

06.01.2022 Cameron’s father, Roger, was only 55 when he passed away from advanced prostate cancer. At the time of diagnosis Roger’s cancer had already spread and he was told it was incurable. That’s why, when Cameron was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 46, he was worried. I'd had no symptoms, no reason to be concerned about it. Just what happened to Dad, says Cameron.... Almost 22 years to the day that he lost his father, Cameron was wheeled into the operating theatre to have his prostate removed. Had it not been for his timely check-up, Cameron’s cancer might have also been diagnosed too late. Cameron lost his father because, at the time, there were no existing treatments for such an advanced disease. A generation later and more than 3,100 Aussie men with advanced prostate cancer continue to be lost each year. It’s why we must continue to find ways to cure all cancers. Please donate today to help Peter Mac researchers make life-saving breakthroughs in cancer research: donate.petermac.org.au/appeal Pictured: Cameron with his daughter Christy

05.01.2022 Professor Con Tam is researching the exciting possibility of curing cancers that were once incurable. His team is shining a light on a new approach to treating cancer. This research is important as the current tools against cancer chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and targeted drugs are not sufficient to cure cancer in many patients. This #worldcancerday, we want to thank our generous supporters who make this kind of ground-breaking research possible. Thank you for y...our dedication to building a world without cancer. Read more about Cons research here: act.petermac.org/con Join the fight against cancer and donate to ground-breaking research here: foundation.petermac.org/donate

05.01.2022 Dr Kasmira Wilson is part of a research team consistently making discoveries that will improve outcomes for cancer patients. In 2020, Kasmira and her team will be investigating the effectiveness of new, specialised treatment options for colorectal patients that will save more lives. Bowel cancer is still the second largest cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, and more research is crucial to lifting survival rates.... Find out more here: act.petermac.org/kasmira Join the fight against cancer and donate to ground-breaking research here: foundation.petermac.org/donate

05.01.2022 This weekend participants and volunteers will have a chance to add a message to our Unite Tree of Hope If you can't make it this weekend we'd like to give you... the opportunity to put your name, or the name of someone you care about, at the heart of the Unite community this Sunday. We'll be hanging thousands of tags with the names of people to be honoured on the day, and messages of support on our beautiful Magnolia Tree of Hope in the centre of our Event Village. If you'd like to add your name, or that of someone you love - its easy, just make a donation to our Tree of Hope page at the link below, and put the details of your dedication in the Messages field. https://my.unitetofightcancer.org.au/tree-of-hope

04.01.2022 Tomorrow morning, running enthusiast Damien is embarking on a massive challenge as part of the inaugural Run for Joey. Damien is running 250km over six days from Craigieburn to Yarrawonga in loving memory of his dad, Joseph, who passed away in 2017 from a rare form of cancer called Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. For the past 12 months, Damien and his community have been training and fundraising for Peter Mac and we couldnt be more grateful to have their support of life-saving canc...er research. To show Damien your support, share your words of encouragement below to wish him all the best on this incredible endeavour.

04.01.2022 November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer, which is having a huge impact on the lives of tens of thousands of Australians. While there have been significant advancements in treatments for lung cancer patients, lung cancer still has one of the lowest cancer survival rates in Australia, with only 17% of patients surviving for five years after their initial diagnosis.... At Peter Mac we are working hard to change these statistics. A new and highly-targeted radiotherapy technique has been shown to produce greater survival rates in patients with inoperable early-stage lung cancer compared to conventional radiotherapy. Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) was found to be more effective for patients in the head-to-head CHISEL study, which was led by Peter Mac and run by TROG Cancer Research. The trial, which began in 2010, is the first to demonstrate a survival benefit from SABR in non-small cell lung cancer. Our trial found that for patients with early-stage lung cancer, SABR was more effective in controlling cancer growth, resulting in longer life expectancy. It is just as safe as traditional radiotherapy, has negligible side effects and the convenience of only 3 to 4 visits for treatment, says Prof David Ball who is the Radiation Oncology Lead for lung cancer at Peter Mac. After two years, 77% of the patients who received SABR treatment were surviving compared to 59% of those who received conventional radiotherapy. Cancer researchers at Peter Mac work hard every day to find more effective treatments for people with cancer and we are grateful to our wonderful donors who help support this work by our researchers. To find out more about how you can support research like this visit http://bit.ly/2Np6LKs

04.01.2022 Peter Mac patient, Carmine, shares how advances in cancer research helped give him a second chance at life. In 2013 I was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. And, after what we believed was a successful surgery, my cancer returned not just once, but three times. Thankfully, I was invited to join a clinical trial in the Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy program conducted by Associate Professor Shankar Siva at Peter Mac.... Following this treatment, and a further six months of immunotherapy, I am proud to say I am in remission. In the back of my mind, Im always scared that my cancer could return. But at the same time, I always have the hope that should that happen, everything will be fine because Peter Mac is paving the way, advancing different trials and doing all this research to find more treatments and cures. From me, my wife Chrissy, and our two beautiful children Hunter and Bijou, I want to say a big thank you for supporting the researchers at Peter Mac and bringing hope to families like mine.

03.01.2022 Registrations are now open for Unite to Fight Cancer 2020! This year Unite is going virtual and you can do it your way. Choose to ride 200km or walk 60km between 15-24 October while helping to fund life-changing cancer research at Peter Mac. Will you join us for the fight in 2020 and help make a difference for families facing cancer?... Register for FREE here https://bit.ly/Unite_20

03.01.2022 Current restrictions on social gatherings meant long-time Peter Mac supporter, Camp 4 Cancer, had to think of a new way to camp this year. Thinking outside the box, Camp 4 Cancer coordinated a backyard camping experience over the Easter long weekend. Campers across the country were encouraged to pitch their tents and camp in front yards, backyards, driveways, or even lounge rooms and stay in touch via the event on Facebook. Organiser Ben Roarty and his two sons, Kai and... Brayden, spent the long weekend camping in their backyard. By Easter Saturday, over 1000 campers from across the country had joined them in the virtual camp-out. Thank you to our incredible supporters for thinking of creative ways to continue supporting cancer research. Photo credit: Brett Gray

03.01.2022 There is no doubt in my mind that its because of research that Im here. Ten years ago, Vicky was diagnosed with a melanoma which was attached to the back of her eye. To make sure all of the melanoma was eliminated it was recommended that Vicky have her right eye removed.... A few years later, sadly Vickys melanoma had returned and spread. Vicky was given a new course of treatment developed through past research, which had proven to be very effective in many patients, but unfortunately it didnt work for her. Thankfully due to ongoing research into different treatments, Vicky was offered a further option and soon found herself responding to a trial of a new drug combination. This new treatment gave Vicky months of relief, but now sadly her cancer has returned again and she is presented with another challenge. Vicky remains hopeful that this time she will beat her cancer for good. Now more than ever we need your support to give new hope to patients like Vicky. Learn more here: https://donate.petermac.org.au/vicky

02.01.2022 Meet Dr Arian Lasocki! He is the third of our Foundation Discovery Partner Fellows for 2019, alongside Ben Tran and Grace Kong who we have already introduced to you. We asked Arian to tell us a little bit about the research he is doing:... "My work is focusing on the use of MRI to better understand the development of brain tumours. Obtaining tissue is challenging and frequently requires tumours to be larger, as well as only providing a snapshot in time. MRI thus provides a unique method of assessing tumours at a smaller size and visualising their growth and responses to treatment." Peter Mac is dedicated to discovering new treatments and cures for those with cancer, Arian explained to us how his research will work towards this: "MRI provides unique insights into the initial development of brain tumours (in particular in the case of tumours spreading to the brain from elsewhere) and allows us to observe this evolution. An improved understanding of how tumours develop in the brain has the potential to lead to the development of new treatments, by targeting these mechanisms." And Arian had a special message to our wonderful supporters who make regular monthly donations that make the Fellowships possible: "I am very grateful to Peter Macs donors for their support. A constant challenge as clinicians is the limited time available for research. The Foundation Discovery Partner Fellowships provides the ability to harness clinical expertise towards addressing the problems that are the most important for our patients." Congratulations Arian and we look forward to watching the progress of your research.

02.01.2022 Recent immunotherapy breakthroughs have given multiple myeloma patients like Maria hope that cancer cures will be found. At Peter Mac, Associate Professor Paul Neeson and his team have been exploring how they can use different combinations of drugs to stimulate the patients immune system, and boost the bodys own defences. A/Prof Neeson hopes that if he can find an effective way to stimulate the bodys own immune response, its possible that the body would be able to defend ...itself should the myeloma return. This would be a real breakthrough for patients like Maria. Please donate to help researchers at Peter Mac continue to better understand the immune system and discover new cures for cancers like multiple myeloma at foundation.petermac.org/immunotherapy

02.01.2022 This weekend, Kaylene will be running in this year’s virtual Run Melbourne event in loving memory of her dad. He was a patient at Peter Mac Bendigo for the last five years and sadly passed away six months ago. Taking part in Run Melbourne has been an outlet for me to grieve but also an opportunity to honour my father through raising money for much needed cancer research. Like Kaylene, our community of Run Melbourne fundraisers has been training and fundraising for Peter Mac... and we are very grateful for their support of life-saving cancer research. Join us in wishing our virtual Run Melbourne participants all the best for this weekend.

01.01.2022 This Brain Cancer Awareness Month we’re pleased to share an update on Lily. Lily was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer at age 5. Her treatment included almost 12 hours of surgery to remove the tumour. ... This was followed by radiotherapy to stop the tumour from returning. Today, Lily is 10 years old and thriving. She is in grade 5 at school and recently made it to district cross country. Something her mother, Alicia said Lily was stoked about. Lily has one more scan later this year before she can officially be classed as cured of the initial cancer. We are sure you will agree, it’s so wonderful to see children like Lily flourishing after a cancer diagnosis. Thank you for helping to enable life-saving cancer research at Peter Mac to give people like Lily a second chance at life.