19 January, 2009: Lions Australia and Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA) joined together at NSW Parliament House to celebrate a remarkable 12 year partnership combating children’s cancer.
District Governors, District Governors-elect and Cabinet Secretaries from around the country came together to reflect on the significant progress CCIA researchers have made in childhood cancer as a direct result of the collaboration.
Mr Joe Collins, Executive Chairman, Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research said the partnership commenced in 1996 and has been a mainstay in the Institute’s continued success.
“While enormous advances in medical research have been made over the past 40 years, cancer claims the lives of a staggering three Australian children every week.
“Lions Australia and CCIA have a shared vision to serve all families affected by childhood cancer by one day finding a cure and eliminating their suffering,” Mr Collins said.
The Australia-wide Lions fundraising efforts have supported the Institute’s research into the improved treatment, prevention and cure of childhood cancer. Lions funds have most recently supported the Molecular Epidemiology Program, a program studying genes and factors in the environment that determine the risk of developing disease.
“The significance of this ongoing local Lions campaign is that everyone can be involved in the fight against childhood cancer,” said Mr Bob Buckley Lions Australia Council Chairman.
“Among childhood illnesses, cancer remains the most common cause of death in Australia. Lions want to turn this around,” said Mr Buckley.
“Just over 600 children are diagnosed with childhood cancer each year in Australia. Children's Cancer Institute Australia sees its research responsibilities as part of a real community partnership. Lions Australia have taken on the local community leadership in this partnership to eliminate childhood cancer,” said Mr Collins.
Donations can be made through Lions Australia or online at www.ccia.org.au
