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10-6-08 Unlocking the tragedy of brain cancer

UNSW and the Cure for Life Foundation are tackling the rising incidence of brain cancer by establishing a research facility in neuro-oncology.

Two million dollars will be spent over the next five years in establishing a Chair in neuro-oncology and strengthening research in the field at the new Lowy Cancer Research Centre at UNSW.

“It’s important for Australians because unfortunately brain cancer incidence is increasing here as well as in developing countries. We have an opportunity to 'nip it in the bud' so to speak before it becomes an even greater health issue,” says renowned neuro-surgeon and the founder of the Cure for Life Foundation, Dr Charles Teo.

“This is an important initiative because historically a lot of ground breaking research has come from centres of excellence. This happens because these centres enable many great minds to gather in one place and create a 'think tank' where resources that are essential to scientific research can be maximized,” says Dr Teo, who is also a conjoint senior lecturer at UNSW.

“We are proud that the Cure for Life Foundation will become an integral part of the research team here at UNSW,” says Professor Peter Smith, Dean of UNSW's Faculty of Medicine. “Initially the research will focus on brain tumour causes and treatment, with a particular emphasis on Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), one of the most aggressive brain tumour cancers.”

The Lowy Cancer Research Centre will be an Australian first, bringing together childhood and adult cancer research at one site. Housing up to 400 researchers from UNSW and the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA), the Centre will be one of the largest dedicated cancer research centres in the Southern Hemisphere.

Construction of the $100 million-plus facility is now underway, with the Centre to be completed by late 2009 

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8-6-08 Zemanek's hope to quell the rise of brain tumours
Sarah Price, Sydney Morning Herald 

THE fight against the rising incidence of brain tumours has been boosted by a $2 million donation to pay for a new research professor at the University of NSW.
A chair in neuro-oncology will be established at the $100 million Lowy Cancer Research Centre now being built at the university.
The donation came from the Cure For Life Foundation, founded by renowned brain surgeon Charles Teo.
Dr Teo said the incidence of brain tumours in Australia was growing. About 300 children each year are diagnosed with brain cancer.
"We have an opportunity to nip it in the bud, so to speak, before it becomes an even greater health issue," Dr Teo said.
Marcella Zemanek, who lost her husband, Sydney radio talk-back personality Stan, to a brain tumour last year and who sits on the foundation's board, hopes the donation will help those struggling with the painful disease.
"All cancer is horrendous," she said. "But I just think this is such a great step forward for neuro-oncology. With brain cancer, most people die from it.
"My story's no different to anyone else who's going through this."
The dean of the faculty of medicine at UNSW, Peter Smith, said it was not known why the incidence of brain tumours was increasing.
"The Lowy Cancer Research Centre will be the largest cancer research facility in the southern hemisphere," Professor Smith said.
"Brain tumour surgery has been very difficult and complex and even in the best of hands, [the tumours] often come back and lead to the death of the patient.

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13-3-08 Latest Gala Ball sponsors announced

We are proud to announce that Emirates, Palazzo Versace, Australian Technology Park, Sydney Cricket Ground Trust and Angove's Wines will be supporting Cure for Life Foundation at our 2008 Gala Ball Music for Life.  The event will feature Marcia Hines, Mental As anything and a host of Australian performers in what should be another fun night of fundraising for the Foundation. For more details or to reserve your table click here

With the support of DDB Advertising, Cure for Life Foundation commenced advertising on television throughout NSW in early 2008.

This is an exciting new phase in the growth of Cure for Life as an important charity, and we hope that this will help us reach our goal of creating a brain tumour research centre of excellence within the next 2-3 years.

More details about the campaign will be available very soon.

Aaron McMillan, internationally renowned Australian pianist and composer has passed away at 30 years of age.

After leaving school in 1996, Aaron gave over 500 solo recitals and concert performances in Australia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

In August, 2001 Aaron’s life was devastated when he was diagnosed with an extremely large brain tumour. He was told that an operation was essential with the possibility that he might never play the piano again. The high-risk operation was undertaken by neurosurgeon Dr Charles Teo. Just four weeks later he was performing with the Canberra Youth Orchestra. more 

The Spice for Life Gala Ball exceeded expectations by selling out 2 weeks prior to the event and raising $300,000 from the night. Organisers wish to thank all those who kindly offered donations and supported this event.

• New TV ad campaign
• Cranes for Brains Day results
• Travel Challenges
• Fundraiser news
• ’08 Fundraiser Calendar
• Brain Tumour Sample Freezer purchase 

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