ISSUE 3 - 2012

Cathy Bartlett and kids

Partners

REAL OUTCOMES> Great Brisbane Duck Race

presented by Motorama> Breast cancer research

receives a boost> Spring fruits and vegetables> Research into new treatment

for kidney patients?

CEO Message

Date claimersNovember

The Noosa Triathlon The Noosa Triathlon will take place on Sunday 4th November 2012. If you’re entering the Triathlon and would like to raise funds for the Foundation through Everyday Hero follow the link below, choose the ‘PA Research Foundation’ as your charity and you’ll be on your way- www.everydayhero.com.au/event/noosatriathlon2012

World Diabetes DayRaises global awareness of diabetes - its escalating rates around the world and how to prevent the illness in most cases. Wednesday 14th November.

October

The Great Brisbane Duck Race presented by Motorama

Tickets on sale NOW!!

The Great Brisbane Duck Race will be off and racing on Sunday, 14th October. For your chance to win a car from Motorama and support cancer research at the PA Hospital buy a ticket in the race that quacks the nation. Visit www.duckrace.org.au to purchase a ticket.

Art For Spine Aims to raise funds for much needed resources in Spinal Injuries Units at the PA Hospital. An art and fashion auction will be held in Brisbane on Sunday 14th October at 4pm at Lightspace (30 Light St, Fortitude Valley). Visit www.pafoundation.org.au for more information.

With the colder months behind us it’s great to be able to shake off the winter blues and start enjoying the outdoors a bit more. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining and the weather is getting warmer, which means it’s also time to get ready for our signature event, the race that quacks the nation – “The Great Brisbane Duck Race.”

This year’s duck race will be our biggest in the history of the event with more ducks racing to help raise funds for cancer research. I’d like to invite you and your family to be a part of the race by either buying a duck or putting together a team. All funds raised go towards research projects at the PA Hospital which have already contributed to a healthier community and better outcomes for our patients, and for that we thank you. So mark the date in your calendar and I do hope you can join us!

It’s always inspiring to hear about young people becoming involved in fundraising, so when I received a call from the Deputy Principal of John Paul College at Daisy Hill letting us know they had some money for us, it was a nice surprise. I was even more surprised when I found out that the students who did the fundraising were only seven years old and in Grade Two!

The two girls, Charlotte & Kate, raised an amazing $75 for medical research at the PA Hospital, by baking and selling 150 cupcakes and treats at the school. Well done!

The girls are already looking at what they can do at Christmas to raise even more money.

On behalf of the Foundation I would like to say Thank You to the girls, their family and the school for encouraging the girls to start thinking about fundraising and helping our researchers save lives. As we know, big patient outcomes are achieved through small investments.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the ALH Group. Their Breast Cancer Fundraiser has again proven to be a success with funds raised supporting ground breaking PA Breast Cancer projects. Well done to everyone who supported the campaign.

From everyone at the Foundation we hope you enjoy the spring newsletter and if you have a feel good story that you’d like to share with our readers then we’d love to hear from you.

Yours in good health.

Damian Topp.

Going quackers for cancer research

“The Duck Race is a wonderful family event but it has a serious side to it.

“We now have a cervical cancer vaccine thanks to research and every day we get closer to a cure – I hope my kids never have to know anyone else touched by this insidious disease. Past scientifi c breakthroughs are today’s medical treatments that we often take for granted.”

Money raised from previous duck races have paid for a CellSearch circulating tumour cell (CTC) test system which has become a national resource for monitoring treatment response and predicting survival in patients with metastatic prostate, breast and colorectal cancer.

International recognition for a world fi rst in melanoma treatment has also come about thanks to funding from the duck races.

The project has become the fi rst of its kind to prove the effectiveness of radiation therapy in curing melanoma – benefi tting patients across the globe.

This year’s 12th annual Great Brisbane Duck race will be on Sunday October 14 – with 100% of the proceeds going to cancer research.

There will be a family fun day as well as the race where 40,000 ducks will be dropped into the river for the race at Riverside Drive, West End, with the fi rst duck over the line winning its owner a $25,000 car from Motorama.

PA Research Foundation Chief Execuitive Offi cer (CEO) Damian Topp says even though the race is in Brisbane anyone in Australia can be a part of it and buy a duck.

“It doesn’t matter where you live, you can be a part of the Duck Race and make a difference to cancer patients and their families by helping researchers fi nd a cure and save lives.”

To buy your duck in the race that quacks the nation visit www.duckrace.org.au call 07 3176 2359 OR fi ll out the coupon on the fl ysheet and send it back to the PA Research Foundation.

What started out as a nickname for getting run out for a duck at cricket has become the symbol not only of Chris Colwell’s business but his � ght against cancer.

The owner of Duck’s Plumbing at Loganholme decided the PA Research Foundation’s Great Brisbane Duck Race sponsored by Motorama would be his platform to help raise money when his mate died of cancer in May, at only 26 years of age.

Ben Cotton was diagnosed with fi bro lamellar – a rare cancer that affects 200 young adults worldwide every year.

“Everyone around Ben was amazed by his courage,” Chris said.

“He was so good about it. He didn’t shy away from talking about the cancer and said he didn’t want anyone to treat him any differently.

“Doctors didn’t give him long when he was diagnosed in 2010 but he just kept pushing those boundaries and survived longer than anyone would have expected – he was able to get married and have a baby. He had a great sense of humour and would talk about other patients’ battles when he would visit the cancer ward for treatment at the PA Hospital.

“So it made sense to try and help researchers win the fi ght against cancer especially for Ben, his family and thousands of other families everywhere.”

Cathy Bartlett also knows about the pain of losing someone to cancer – her mother passed away last year of cancer and her brother is battling prostate cancer.

If you add to that her father also died of cancer you can see why the Motorama After Sales Manager is taking her company’s commitment to the Great Brisbane Duck Race for cancer research to heart.

Cathy hopes the fun event will have serious consequences in raising funds to save lives through the PA Research Foundation.

“Cancer is not a word anyone wants to hear,” Cathy said,” too many lives are touched by it.”

Going quackers for cancer research

Jenny Martin - Associate Professor

Researchers at the PA Hospital are working on developing individualised breast cancer treatments using targeted drug therapy in the hope that it will save lives.

Research is needed to identify at both a genetic and pharmacological level why some people respond to cancer treatments and others do not.

Associate Professor Jennifer Martin and a team of renowned PA scientists are currently researching personalising treatments for breast cancer patients.

“Focus has shifted to the genetic differences in patients and the way they metabolise or break down and clear cancer drugs from the body,” said Associate Professor Martin.

“An increasing number of women diagnosed with breast cancer are also overweight which unfortunately correlates with a poorer survival rate.

“For some people the drugs remain much longer in the blood and can therefore target the cancer cells longer. This may be related to cure, but also cause more side effects.

“Using treatments in a more individual way will improve clinical cancer outcomes, and reduce the use of expensive drugs that are not likely to be useful for a specifi c patient.”

The research will focus on comparing the levels of cancer therapies circulating in the blood, as well as using the genetic fi ngerprint of breast cancer patients to predict and personalise their chemotherapy treatments.

Black and grey may be the traditional colours of winter but in Queensland the colour of choice was pink as hotels and staff from the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) helped raise funds for breast cancer research projects at the PA Hospital.

During the month of July the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) joined forces with the PA Research Foundation, raising more than $200,000 for breast cancer research.

Breast cancer is still the most common cancer affecting Australian women, and over the past few decades its incidence has been on the rise, with 1 in 9 women being diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85.

But a large and growing proportion will survive due to improved detection and treatment as a result of dedicated research.

PA breast cancer research receives a boost

RESEARCHER Pro� le

Medical researchers at the PA Hospital are constantly looking into new treatments and better diagnosis daily making our mission to fi nd a cure so important.

World renowned singer Katie Noonan and Network Ten news presenter Georgina Lewis gave their support to the campaign again this year as both have had family members

PA Research Foundation CEO Damian Topp said cancer doesn’t discriminate so we need to continue to research this disease and help save lives.

“The good news is that we can all be a part of making a real difference to these statistics by raising awareness of breast cancer and funds for cutting edge research,” Mr Topp said.

Black and grey may be the traditional colours of winter but in Queensland the colour of choice was pink as hotels and staff from the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) helped raise funds for breast cancer research projects at the PA Hospital.

During the month of July the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) joined forces with the PA Research Foundation, raising more than $200,000 for breast cancer research.

Breast cancer is still the most common cancer affecting Australian women, and over the past few decades its incidence has been on the rise, with 1 in 9 women being diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85.

But a large and growing proportion will survive due to improved detection and treatment as a result of dedicated research.

Medical researchers at the PA Hospital are constantly looking into new treatments and better diagnosis daily making our mission to fi nd a cure so important.

World renowned singer Katie Noonan and Network Ten news presenter Georgina Lewis gave their support to the campaign again this year as both have had family members fi ght breast cancer.

PA Research Foundation CEO Damian Topp said cancer doesn’t discriminate so we need to continue to research this disease and help save lives.

“The good news is that we can all be a part of making a real difference to these statistics by raising awareness of breast cancer and funds for cutting edge research,” Mr Topp said.

ALH Breast Cancer Golf Day Fundraiser

Georgina Lewis (Network Ten) and ALH State Manager Stephen Clarke

Following a freak accident whilst on holiday in late 2009, Jocelyn Bartlem found herself and family thrust into the world of spinal injury and the mountain of challenges it presents.

DONOR Story

Spring has fi nally sprung and there’s a whole new crop of fruit and vegetables coming into season. As the temperature warms up following what was a cold winter (Brisbane standards of course!) it brings with it gradual changes in eating styles, think less of the hearty soups, casseroles and heavy puddings to a much lighter fare.

In spring there are so many different fruits and vegetables to choose from. Fresh greens burst onto the scene while a variety of fruits are in abundance.

Some of the more exotic fruits available during spring include cumquats, yellow pawpaw and red papaya.

The ‘King of Spring’ vegetable, asparagus, signifi es the arrival of the season. Rich in antioxidants, folate and quick and easy to prepare, asparagus is a great way to boost your daily vegetable intake. Remember, the daily goal for veggies is 5 serves– that’s equivalent to 2 and a half cups of cooked veggies.

Some other wonderful seasonal foods to watch out for and incorporate into diet include:

Healthy tips with Dietician Jessica Abbott

Spring has fi nally sprung and there’s a whole new crop

temperature warms up following what was a cold winter (Brisbane standards of course!) it brings with it gradual changes in eating styles, think less of the hearty soups, casseroles and heavy puddings to a much lighter fare.

In spring there are so many different fruits and vegetables to choose from. Fresh greens burst onto the scene while a variety of fruits are

The ‘King of Spring’ vegetable, asparagus, signifi es the arrival of the season. Rich in antioxidants, folate and quick and easy to prepare, asparagus is a great way to boost your daily vegetable intake. Remember, the daily goal for veggies is 5 serves– that’s equivalent

• artichoke• asian greens – such as bok choy, choy sum

• avocados • beans• broccoli• cucumber• garlic• lettuce• peas

• silverbeet• spinach• watercress• strawberry• cumquat• grapefruit• lemon• orange – Valencia• pineapples • starfruit

Jocelyn broke her neck and was transported to the PA Hospital where she spent most of 2010 rehabilitating in the Spinal Injuries Unit experiencing fi rst hand the dedication and professionalism of the hard working team.

Inspired by her own injury and the positive role technology played, Jocelyn and her father John created ART for SPINE in 2011, which aims to raise funds for much needed resources for spinal patients.

“At the time of the accident, I thought I had lost everything – in particular, my independence. Unable to move my hands or body below my chest, undertaking the simplest of tasks seemed impossible,” Jocelyn said.

“One week before I left hospital, I was given an iPad & iPhone which changed my life. Rather than rely on others to type for me, turn pages of a book, play music and games, I could now do this myself without a splint or any help.”

Over 100 pieces of art have been donated, which will be auctioned on the day and they range from a variety of canvas art styles, pencil art, street art, graffi ti art, sculptures and ceramics to fashion and jewellery.

“All the funds raised from the art auction will allow the PA Research Foundation to purchase the technology to help patients who have lost the ability to do some of the simplest actions that we take for granted, like moving their fi ngers to type and press buttons .“

2012 Art for Spine art auction will be held in Brisbane on Sunday 14th October at 4pm at Lightspace (30 Light St, Fortitude Valley). For more information visit www.pafoundation.org.auJocelyn with artwork to be auctioned

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Research underway into new treatment for kidney patients

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an increasingly common health condition. Early detection and treatment can help prevent kidney failure and the need for dialysis or transplant treatment.

In Australia 1 in 3 adults have an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 1 in 7 adults have at least one clinical sign of existing CKD, which is why it is called the silent disease.

Associate Professor Nikky Isbel from the PA Hospital’s Nephrology Department says sometimes there are no symptoms of CKD until up to 90% of kidney function is lost.

“Our kidneys are amazing! They play a major role in maintaining your general health and wellbeing but if both kidneys fail, as happens in end stage kidney failure, then the next step is to have dialysis or a kidney transplant,” said A/Prof Isbel.

“However, it’s not all bad news because if detected early chronic kidney disease can be slowed or even prevented with lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and in some cases medication.

“With the help of the School of Human Movements at UQ we have developed an exercise training program for patients with CKD that has been very successful. Not only do they feel better and have a better quality of life, there is some early evidence that it has a benefi cial impact on their heart function.”

PA kidney transplant patient Paul Stavrou, who was diagnosed with kidney failure, praises the benefi ts of research conducted by the PA, which saved his life.

In 2002, Paul, a healthy man with no symptoms, had a routine blood test and was shocked to be told his kidneys were functioning at only 15% and 25% respectively.

Paul received a kidney transplant in 2007, but in 2012, Paul’s body started rejecting his new kidney. With reasons for transplant organ rejection still not fully understood, and diffi cult to monitor and treat, Paul’s only treatment option is regular infusions of IVIG – a blood product that dampens the immune system attacking his own body’s cells and tissues.

The treatment is working, but its demand on Paul’s time and body – and on current blood supplies is tough. Alternatives are desperately required with research needed to make these discoveries.

“Research into optimising immunosuppressant drugs for transplant patients is a priority to avoid chronic rejection and other complications such as infection or cancer,” said A/Prof Isbel.

“Over the years the acute rejection rate has dropped from 30 percent to about 10 percent however we still need better tools to monitor the drugs and how they affect the patient.

“We’ve mastered the transplant technique, now we need to learn how to use the drugs smarter so that patients live longer and with fewer complications.”

As for Paul, he is grateful for his life-saving treatment.

“I can’t thank the doctors enough for saving my life that’s why I now personally make monthly donations to the PA Research Foundation because I believe that every little bit helps towards fi nding new treatments.”