Renowned Australian performer Lucky Starr has been honoured with a special presentation for his years of contribution to cancer patients.
Through his support of the Crestani Cancer Foundation’s fundraising, there has been significant advancements in education for students and medical professionals on the Central Coast.
Starr toured the University of Newcastle Research Institute in Gosford, which houses state-of-the-art learning areas including simulation wards and laboratories.
He met researchers who were pleased to discuss their current work.
With financial assistance from Bendigo Bank and Gosford Masonic Centre, the Crestani Cancer Foundation is funding research into pancreatic cancer by the Central Coast Cancer Research Group of the University of Newcastle/Gosford.
Led by Dr Jude Weidenhofer and Professor Chris Scarlett, the research group is focusing on discovering new treatments for pancreatic cancer, “the most challenging of all cancers,” Dr Weidenhofer said.
Also assisting the researchers in their endeavours are three students currently doing their PhD, masters, or undergraduate studies.
This essential work is only possible if funding is made available to “maintain the patient sample collection, purchase consumables and reagents required for the work,” Dr Weidenhofer said.
“Funding is key to having skilled personnel to accelerate the research,” she said.
Simultaneously, the Cancer Research Group continues with its investigations into breast and prostate cancers.
These areas of research have also received significant financial support from the Crestani Cancer Foundation.
“We are extremely grateful to the Gosford Masonic Centre and the Bendigo Bank for making it financially possible for us to collaborate with the University Research Team,” Yvonne Crestani said.