Local Lions back cancer research

SINCE its establishment in 1998 the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute has relied on the generosity of service clubs, community groups, bequests, fundraising events, philanthropic trusts, scientific bodies, and individual donations.

The money goes towards supporting the Ballarat-based programs to continue research into more effective ways to diagnose and treat cancer.

One of those groups that recently supported FECRI was the Lions Club of Buninyong Mt Helen.

Members presented FECRI with $2000, the funds coming from the Lions Club Bookshop and Opportunity Shop.

Club president Malcolm Freeman, along with members John Campbell and Cathy Maguire presented the donation to FECRI head Professor George Kannourakis who said community funding and belief in the Institute’s work was the backbone of FECRI.

“This support goes to financially supporting our ground-breaking work that the team is doing into the immunology of cancer,” Professor Kannourakis said.

“Our program is building great momentum and will continue to produce outcomes.”

The Lions Club members then took a tour of the Institute, where they met scientists and staff and learned more about the importance of cancer research and the need for ongoing funding.

The Institute currently has three PhD students and 17 staff who are working on key projects in immunology, breast cancer, bowel cancer, ovarian cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, renal cancer, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and brain tumours.