Support My Ride to Conquer Cancer

Why am I participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer? Well there are many reasons.

First, I passionately believe that research will solve our most pressing medical problems, like cancer. As Director of the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR), I know how hard our committed research teams work to solve the riddles of cancer. New solutions to problems don?t mysteriously fall from the sky ? only research allows you to understand the problems, then develop new solutions. Cancer is a very complex disease, which requires a variety of different approaches. Some of these new approaches have led to fantastic discoveries in recent years, all based on detailed research. These include new treatments for melanoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, leukemia (which are cancers of the blood system), and many, many more. So, the funds raised from this ride will go to the generation of new knowledge, which will lead to better treatments for cancer. Research is a slow, painstaking process, but you have to start somewhere ? if you don?t tackle the problem, however hard it might seem, it won?t magically disappear.

Second, I have had family and friends die of cancer. Lung cancer took the lives 3 people I was very close to. I met with them often once they were diagnosed, and spent precious time with them before they passed away, but I felt impotent that I couldn?t help them. In recent years, new drugs have been developed which are very effective against specific forms of lung cancer ? who knows if these new treatments might have helped them? I also have relatives who have survived cancer because of revolutionary new developments. We just have to keep working on new treatments, and that only comes from research.

Third, I have also been hit with a cancer. Two years ago I was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma. Fortunately, it was removed early and with a second lot of surgery things are looking positive. Although an amazing new drug has been developed to treat melanoma, the mutation in my DNA means that this drug would not be effective for me. So, I am hoping that my melanoma doesn?t rear its ugly head again, and I really want lots of great researchers working on melanoma because I might just need them one day.

So, please, please get behind this Ride to Conquer Cancer. I am riding because we really need your support to do the research that will reduce our suffering from cancer. Please help our dedicated researchers make those crucial discoveries that unlock the causes of cancer, and allow us to overcome this dreaded disease. The funds raised from this Ride will allow our teams to explore uncharted areas of cancer research, purchase vital new equipment, and hire the brightest young talent in WA. Your support will make a huge difference !!

Thank you in advance for your help.