Helping pave the way for the discovery, development and trial of breakthrough lung cancer therapies.
Freemasons Victoria (FMV) has donated $100,000 to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute - embedded within the ONJ Centre - to help develop new lung cancer therapies.
Associate Professor Tom John, who leads the lung oncology clinic within the ONJ Centre and lung cancer drug trials explains, “Lung cancer isn’t often talked about when people look to fundraise for research, but this money is an important step in the journey to develop new, and better therapies.”
Currently, lung cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in Australia and is the most common cause of cancer death; the current lung cancer five-year survival rate is only 14 per cent. Around 20 per cent of all people diagnosed with lung cancer in Australia are non-smokers.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Freemasons and to Amicus Lodge for this generous donation”, A/. Prof. John said. “Without funding and support, the Centre would be unable to undertake research and develop the breakthrough therapies that the ONJ Centre is renowned for”.
FMV member Tony Bucca requested the foundation raise money for lung cancer research conducted at the ONJ Centre where his wife, Mon, is currently receiving treatment. FMV’s Bruce Stockdale said the committee was completely supportive of Tony’s idea and “took half a second” to all agree.
FMV hosted a ‘Carnivale’ gala including auctions and raffles that raised a combined total of $56,000. The remaining $44,000 was donated by the Freemasons Foundation of Victoria.
An incredible contribution – thank you!