Foundation in Focus Christmas Issue 2017 IN THIS ISSUE
NOELA MCINNES’ LIFE WITH CANCER | CHRISTMAS APPEAL | FLAMINGO SYDNEY | GRIFFO’S RECAP
From Gayndah to Brisbane
Noela McInnes has lived with breast cancer for 14 years but despite the cards she’s been dealt, Noela continues to live a humble and fulfilling life with her husband in the regional Queensland town of Gayndah. She shares why being on a clinical trial keeps her happy. A routine mammogram in 2003 marked the beginning of Noela’s battle with breast cancer. After several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy she was given the all clear and went on to live her life in Gayndah with her loving husband, Ian, and helping out with their small business. But in 2013 the cancer returned and had spread. Since then, Noela has lived with metastatic breast cancer but feels healthy, happy and hopeful. “I was in someways relieved to get the diagnosis because you then know what it is, and you know you’ve got to just get on with the treatment. When it came back it felt familiar, I was ready to go through it again,” Noela said. This time around, her doctor gave her the standard treatment options of radiation and chemotherapy to consider, but also the choice of a clinical trial. Her medical oncologist explained the requirements of the trial and that early studies of the trial medication showed exciting and encouraging results. Noela didn’t hesitate and became a trial patient with Icon Cancer Foundation before Christmas 2013.
“I don’t regret my decision at all, I would do anything to stay on this trial” Every four weeks for the last four years, Ian has driven Noela down to Brisbane for her appointments and they spend the night in the city and will often visit their children and grandchildren. Noela admits sometimes the constant travelling can take its toll, but they’ve made it work and are grateful for this trial. “Sometimes it can be difficult for people who live in the country to get treatment let alone be on a clinical trial. Despite the difficulties, I don’t regret my decision at all, I would do anything to stay on this trial. I still feel generally in good health, and since being on the trial I haven’t got worse, I feel strong.” Noela and Ian fell in love with Gayndah when they moved there to run a small business. Now a retired teacher, she keeps active by helping Ian out at their rural supply store business. They couldn’t imagine leaving the tight knit community. “Gayndah is such a beautiful little country town, it’s a very supportive community. We all know each other and support one another. It makes me happy.”
Clinical trial opportunities
We are currently recruiting patients for clinical trials into the following cancer types: Breast | Myelodysplatic Syndrome | Multiple Myeloma | Ovarian | Pancreas | Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia | Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma | Urothelial | Prostate | Head and Neck Renal Cell | Lung | Endometrial | Gastrointestinal | Bladder | Heart | B-Cell Lymphoma | Graft vs Host Disease | Melanoma You can also keep up-to-date by following us on social media:
iconcancerfoundation.org.au
Scan the QR code for a list of current clinical trials
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According to The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one-third of the people affected by cancer live in regional and rural areas. Innovations such as telehealth is needed to better care for this community and help people like Noela. Icon Cancer Foundation CEO Fiona Jonker says the Foundation is committed to expanding clinical trial opportunities and participating in new projects that will help deliver greater access. “We’re passionate about improving convenience to new and existing clinical trial patients. We currently have some very remote patients who we help support through our fundraising to ensure they can travel to the closest centre for their trial treatment. Recently, Noela went on a holiday to Western Australia where our staff conveniently phoned Noela while on her holidays, ensuring we collected the necessary clinical trial data without any inconvenience to her. It’s cases like Noela’s that keep us eagerly working on new projects that will hopefully improve telehealth services.” Fiona said. Noela and Ian are looking forward to spending this Christmas with their children and grandchildren and continue to enjoy their semi-retirement by taking small trips and going bush camping. She says her husband has been a pillar of strength throughout everything. “He’s so positive. He’s absolutely convinced I’m going to outlive him!”
Help support cancer patients this Christmas Help make a difference this Christmas, and support our Christmas Appeal. Purchase a paper bauble at any Icon Cancer Care and selected Icon Cancer Centre and Radiation Oncology Centres (ROC) site receptions, write your message on the back and hang it up for all to see. Alternatively, please make a donation at Icon receptions, via our website or complete the donation form on the back page. Everyone at Icon Cancer Foundation would like to wish all our supporters a Festive Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for your support.
Cycle Cambodia with this Survivor and Support Research
Journey with Aurora Adventures, Icon Cancer Foundation and TV’s Survivor contestant Mark ‘Tarzan’ Herlaar to cycle for a cause through the heart of Cambodia. The challenge aims to raise funds for the Foundation and help maximise cancer patient outcomes through clinical trials and programs. By the end of the challenge you will have helped out local schools and medical centres, meet awesome locals and make some firm new cycling friends, all while seeing the best of Cambodia from the back of a bike. A 12-week pre-adventure training and fitness package will be included in your cost as you prepare for long mountain cycling distances of up to 50km. You’ll not only complete a personal physical challenge but will also be part of a team raising important funds for an amazing cause that will help change people’s lives.
Anthonys Fine Jewellery boasts over 30 years of designing and manufacturing world class jewellery. Designed and made for Australians. CEO, Rick Jobson is highly respected in the jewellery industry for his high standards, design flair and eye for detail. Rare and exotic gems of the highest quality are sourced from the far corners of the world providing inspiration for unique Jobson designs. Anthonys Fine Jewellery is a family owned Queensland-based business with retail locations throughout Brisbane. In Australia it is important to support local companies who manufacture; which is why I am proud to work for Anthonys, and I am so thankful when our customers support us and buy local. Proudly supporting Icon Cancer Foundation
Our Gift To You
$500 Anthonys Dollars* to spend in store for any purchase over $2500
*Terms and conditions apply. Cannot be used on existing repairs/laybys/makes. Cannot be used with any other offer.
Details: Dates: 13-24 July 2018 Price: $5,800pp (including international flights) $4,800* [excluding international flights] Minimum fundraising: $2,500 For more information, or to register please visit: iconcancerfoundation.org.au/events/ cambodiacycle2017 * Accommodation and flight upgrades are available.
LAMINGO a cocktail evening
in support of NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION and ICON CANCER FOUNDATION
DATE AND TIME Thursday 22 February, 7.00pm VENUE
Flamingo Lounge, 33 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point, Sydney
TICKET PRICE
$150
Join us for what promises to be a fabulous evening. Scan the QR code to purchase your tickets. bit.ly/flamingoevening Sponsored by
Griffo’s Lunch 2017
On Friday 3rd November friends, family and supporters of the great Damian ‘Griffo’ Griffin came together again to mark five years since the inception of Griffo’s Challenge and reflect on its success in supporting brain cancer research. Icon Cancer Foundation [ICF] CEO, Fiona Jonker took the opportunity to highlight the work of the Foundation, particularly within brain cancer research, announcing funds raised from Griffo’s would go towards the BRACE study. BRACE is an exercise physiology study in collaboration with between ICF, Queensland University of Technology [QUT] and Aspire Fitness and Rehabilitation. The study will aim to explore the impact of exercise intervention for patients with brain cancer. The study has received ethics approval and will look to begin recruitment of first patients in the new year. The day also saw the announcement of the Griffin Family as the first Icon Cancer Foundation Ambassador Family. The Griffin family are more than just supporters, they are family; it’s an absolute privilege and honour to welcome them as ambassadors.
Remembering a loved one
With the loss of a loved one some families find comfort in asking for charitable donations in lieu of flowers or gifts. Icon Cancer Foundation graciously accepts gifts in memoriam to support cancer research and patient support services. Please email foundation@iconcf.org.au or phone 07 3737 4500 to discuss further. Any messages received with donations will be presented to the family in a card approximately six weeks from the first donation.
Help support cancer patients this festive season and donate to Icon Cancer Foundation At Icon Cancer Foundation, 100% of donated funds go directly to supporting research initiated by our clinicians and patient support services. Name Address Suburb Postcode Phone Mobile Email I wish to contribute a: Other: $
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Credit Card Number Expiry Date Signature As a Registered Charity (CH1854) your donations of over $2 are tax deductible. A receipt will be posted to the above address for donations of more than $2. For enquiries, please phone 07 3737 4500. Icon Cancer Foundation | PO Box 3787 South Brisbane QLD 4101
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