Former Origin Greats support Melanoma research
They’re known for their rugged exterior and on field scuffles but some of Queensland’s greatest sporting heroes were kicking goals and winning hearts during a visit to the PA Hospital.
Former Origin Greats (FOGS) Gene Miles, Steve Walters, Wally Lewis and Allan Langer in conjunction with the Mardi Jackson Foundation presented the PA Research Foundation with a donation of $45,000 for Melanoma Research at the PA.
Melanoma is the third most common form of cancer in Australian men and women, with more than 10 000 new cases diagnosed every year. While melanoma makes up just 2.3% of all skin cancers, it is responsible for 75% of skin cancer deaths with around 1 200 Australians dying from melanoma each year.
The donation will be used to fund the acquisition of a new microscope known as Lucid VivaScope 1500 multilaser.
This piece of equipment is a non-invasive diagnostic tool which can look through the many layers of skin to find the location, size and orientation of cancerous tumours without the need for a biopsy or surgery.
Furthermore this machine can follow a fluorescence drug administered to see how it works and its effects within the tumour in real time. This machine will allow PA researchers to study many alternative and non-evasive treatments to treat and cure skin cancer, as well as helping prevent the spread of melanoma by detecting the skin cancers in the early stages which a normal skin check may miss.
This contribution to medical research is a testament to the commitment of the FOGS and the Mardi Jackson Foundation to help advance treatments and cures in order to deliver better health outcomes and quality of life for people diagnosed with skin cancer.
“The fight against melanoma is something that’s very important to FOGS, as it’s a cancer that affects so many of us,” said FOGS Executive Chairman, Gene Miles.
“We’re very proud to be making this donation and continuing our partnership with the PA Research Foundation to support the PA Hospital’s Dermatology Research Centre.”
The Mardi Jackson Foundation was formed by Don and Lyn Jackson, who tragically lost his daughter to melanoma. The foundation has made numerous donations in support of melanoma treatment and research.
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