Researchers show donors how support fuels their work.
 

Supporters of Concord Hospital’s Haematology Department gathered at the hospital recently to learn more about how their support is driving the department’s research.

Haematology and the Foundation for a Bloody Great Cause hosted the Supporters’ Night to thank their generous donors and show how that support has led to world-leading research, including clinical trials of new CAR T-cell therapies.

Dr Emma Verner, Head of Department, Haematology, said the donors’ support was pivotal to the work of the department’s Clinical Research Unit, funding roles such as fellows, clinical nurse consultants and study coordinators.

“The evening allows supporters and potential supporters of the Foundation for a Bloody Great Cause to come to the hospital and have a behind-the-scenes look at how the unit runs,” Dr Verner said.

“We showed them through the laboratory, pointing out what happens with blood transfusions and what blood cancers look like under the microscope.

“Without their support, we wouldn't be able to offer trials to all these patients.”

Deb Willcox AM, District Chief Executive, and Anthony Dombkins, Concord Hospital General Manager, joined the team and the supporters for the evening, which included tours of the laboratory and talks from key Haematology staff members.

Foundation for a Bloody Great Cause Chair Marie Piccin said she was very proud of how the Supporters’ Night went.

“Every donation, no matter the size, helps advance new treatments, improve quality of life, and brings us closer to finding a cure for blood cancer,” she said.

“We are deeply privileged to partner with this extraordinary team of clinicians and researchers, and we are equally grateful to our supporters whose compassion fuels their work.”

Marie said it had been “amazing” to see how the Haematology Clinical Research Unit had expanded with the Foundation’s support and said the group remained dedicated to getting the message out on its work.

Dr Verner said a few supporter volunteers had a particularly immersive demonstration of what it is like to participate in a clinical trial.

“We sat them in the treatment chair in our Day Therapy Unit and showed them what it was like to be a patient” she said.

“We did a set of observations, applied cleaning solution on the skin and showed them what a cannula would look like. We gave them a sense of what it's like for a patient who's going through intravenous therapy on a trial is like.”

Dr Verner paid tribute to the Foundation for a Bloody Great Cause for all the work it does to support the Haematology Clinical Research Unit.

“It's not just about fundraising, they raise awareness of blood cancers and blood disorders in the local and wider communities,” she said. “They are staunch advocates.”

If you would like to support the work of Concord’s Haematology Clinical Research Unit, please visit the Foundation for a Bloody Great Cause website at https://www.abloodygreatcause.com.au/make-a-donation/