"The time to turbocharge our commitment and investment in brain cancer research is now."
Dr Katie Nicoll
Brain Cancer Australia joined over 350 patients, carers, clinicians, researchers, advocates and supporters at Brain Tumour Alliance Australia’s Head to the Hill event at Parliament House in Canberra on 14 October.
The event called for greater investment in brain cancer research and patient care, and raised awareness of the devastating impact of the disease.
Keynote speaker Dr Katie Nicoll, whose husband Professor Richard Scolyer AO died from brain cancer in June, shared her experience as a partner, carer and advocate.
In her speech, she explained that the illness profoundly altered Richard’s day-to-day life.
“Richard openly shared his experiences on social media, but what you may not realise is that it wasn’t always easy. Richard encountered a broad range of difficulties including fatigue, managing seizures, the inability to drive, loss of employment and eventually cognitive impairment and communication and mobility difficulties – like so many with brain cancer.”
Katie said Richard was passionate about the need for investment in brain cancer that recognises the impact of the disease on individuals and families.
“Brain cancer requires a sustained, coordinated, national commitment. The time to turbocharge our commitment and investment in brain cancer research and the time to step in and provide specialised, compassionate support for those that may only have a short time left is now.”
Other speakers included Carrie Bickmore OAM, Andrew Wilkie MP, Dr Mike Freelander MP, Dr Kim Wark from Robert Connor Dawes Foundaion, Professor Mike Fay from the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer, and Fiona Hassmann from Peace of Mind Foundation.
At the heart of the event was a powerful shoe installation in the Great Hall, with thousands of pairs of shoes representing people who have lost their lives to brain cancer and many who are currently living with the diagnosis.
Brain Cancer Australia thanks Brain Tumour Alliance Australia and everyone who took part for bringing the community’s experiences and calls for change to Parliament House.
Dr Katie Nicoll, Gail O’Brien AO (Patient Advocate and Patron of Mission, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse), Brain Cancer Australia Founder and Director Robyn Leonard OAM, and Philanthropy Manager Laura Henry.
Dr Katie Nicoll, Ross Bowles (Brain Cancer Australia fundraiser and advocate), Robyn Leonard OAM, Craig Cardinal (Chair, BTAA), Amanda Redford (Executive Officer, BTAA) and Professor Mike Fay (Director, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, University of Newcastle).
Guy Tancock (Medical Lead, Oncology and Haematology, Servier Australia), Mélanie Chamaux (General Manager, Servier Australia and New Zealand), Robyn Leonard OAM, Bay Warburton, (Director, Brain Cancer Australia Charity), Professor Hui Gan (Chair, COGNO).
Over 1000 pairs of shoes represented people who have lost their lives to brain cancer, and many who are currently dealing with this devastating diagnosis.
Stories like Nate's raised awareness about the lives lost to this cruel disease.
Jonathan Godin (Director, Trials, Research, International Policy, Cancer Australia), Robyn Leonard OAM, Professor Hui Gan (Chair, COGNO) and Adam Lambert (Head, Evidence, Priority Initiatives and Communications Branch, Cancer Australia).
Robyn Leonard OAM, Susan Pitt (founding member, BTAA) and Liz Dawes OAM (Founder and CEO, Robert Connor Dawes Foundation).
Fiona Hassmann (Head, Programs and Services, Peace of Mind Foundation), Chris Fintan (Director and Acting Chair Peace of Mind Foundation, Bec Mallett ( Founder and Head of Operations, Peace of Mind Foundation) and Robyn Leonard OAM.
