Australia’s only paediatric brain cancer research centre, The Children’s Brain Cancer Centre, has received a vital funding boost thanks to our partners at The Lott by Golden Casket.
In a powerful collaboration between world-leading institutions, the best clinicians, researchers and facilities are creating the perfect storm to change the future for children living with the realities of brain cancer.
Despite advances in many other types of childhood cancer, survival rates for brain cancer have barely changed over the past 30 years. Currently, one Australian child dies every nine days from this disease.
Co-director of the Centre, Professor Brandon Wainwright is one of the passionate people helping lead this unique program.
“To get big things done, you not only need big support, but you also need somebody who’s going to commit to the long term,” he said.
“We want to shift survival by years, not by months. In order to do that, you have to think differently, and you have to be prepared to be brave.
“The centre and its supporters like The Lott by Golden Casket give us a runway where we can try to do long-term things,” Professor Wainwright said.
Among the national and international collaborators that make up the Centre’s research team are four leading directors: Dr Tim Hassall (Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service), Professor Brandon Wainwright (University of Queensland), Professor Bryan Day (QIMR Berghofer), and Professor Greig de Zubicaray (Queensland University of Technology).
Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO, Rosie Simpson, said that these researchers were bringing hope to what has historically been an underfunded research area.
“It’s leading international collaborations like this that will help bring the world’s most promising brain cancer discoveries directly to Queensland,” Ms Simpson said.
“I’m delighted to see the unwavering support of The Lott and their commitment to helping our sickest kids.”
The funds came from Golden Casket unclaimed prize money, and will assist the Centre in its visionary work as the researchers look for improved treatments and survivorship outcomes.
This is The Lott’s third year supporting the Centre, having donated $1.5 million in total.
To help us continue to work wonders for sick kids through ground-breaking research, donate here.