A RENOWNED cancer researcher praised local efforts at the Limestone Coast Relay for Life launch event on Monday night.
Professor Ross McKinnon said fundraising events were critical for research teams focused on improving cancer drug treatments.
“To do research we apply for grant funding and that’s tough – for every 10 grants that go in only one is funded,” Professor McKinnon said.
“Money from Cancer Council allows us to keep going and that’s really critical because cancer research needs momentum and momentum can only be achieved if the money keeps flowing.
“What you are doing when you participate in events like Relay for Life is critical and we are incredibly grateful.”
Funded by Cancer Council SA’s Beat Cancer Project, Professor McKinnon said his research was focused on improving quality of life for cancer patients.
“Adelaide is really important in the global cancer space,” he said.
“Previously cancer causing agents were used to treat cancer, which is an issue for children cured of Leukaemia, because we used toxic chemotherapy to treat them and that has side effects down the track.
“We are focused on developing new drugs that are more targeted and less toxic and using the drugs we have better, so there is significantly less toxicity and treatment is a less miserable experience for the patient.”
Cancer Council SA campaign manager Rachael Snedden said the Limestone Coast Relay for Life was one of the largest regional relay events in South Australia.
“For a small community you are punching above your weight in terms of the number of participants and the amount of money raised each year,” Ms Snedden said.
“1500 Limestone Coast locals stayed at the Cancer Council accommodation lodges in the last 12 months – these services wouldn’t be possible without incredible relay participants.”
Saints Netball Club presented a $1000 cheque to Cancer Council SA at the event following the club’s annual “Blue Day” fundraiser.
“We have the Blue Day fundraiser each year to support prostate cancer,” club president Sam Primmer said.
“My husband was diagnosed and that’s how it came about – we wear blue on court and host a cake stall.
“This year we raised $1500 – we donated $500 to our local cancer support group and wanted to donate this $1000 to Cancer Council.”
Registrations for the 2018 Limestone Coast Relay For Life are now open.
Call Maxine Tuffnell on 0418 838 930 or visit relayforlife.org.au to register.
