Children’s Cancer Institute has announced the launch of its inaugural Philanthropy Board, bringing together a group of highly connected leaders across philanthropy, business, investment, communications and community networks to help build new momentum behind the Institute’s mission to cure every child of cancer.
The Board will be chaired by Tom Dery AO, an experienced board and marketing communications adviser, founder of M&C Saatchi in Asia Pacific, and the long-serving former Chair of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. He will be joined by Paul Curnow, Vivien Phung, Natalie Nadel, Simon Ingram and Justine Morton as founding Directors.
The Philanthropy Board has been established to open new conversations, deepen relationships and connect Children’s Cancer Institute with individuals, families and organisations who share its ambition to transform the future for children with cancer.
Children’s Cancer Institute has recently opened the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre (MCCCC) in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and UNSW.
The MCCCC offers a compelling proposition for philanthropy, with a clear purpose to ‘move the dial’ for kids with cancer through collaboration and innovation, nationally and internationally.
The CCI Philanthropy Board will help raise funding for cutting edge translational research vital to the success of the MCCCC.
Children’s Cancer Institute Executive Director Professor Louis Chesler said the Board would play an important role in helping the Institute reach new audiences and build the philanthropic partnerships needed to accelerate discovery and breakthroughs.
“Every year in Australia, more than 1,300 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer, with many children facing lifelong health complications caused by the very therapies that save their lives. At Children’s Cancer Institute, we are working every day to change that.
“The launch of our Philanthropy Board is about bringing more people into our mission — people who can help us build the relationships, resources and momentum needed to find safer, more effective treatments for every child,” Professor Chesler said.
Incoming Chair Tom Dery AO said he was honoured to help lead the inaugural Board.
“Children’s Cancer Institute has a powerful and urgent purpose. This Board brings together people with different networks, experiences and perspectives, but a shared belief that philanthropy can help unlock the next generation of cancer research.
“Our role is to help connect the Institute with people who want to make a meaningful difference for children and families,” Mr Dery said.
The launch reflects strong support for Children’s Cancer Institute’s mission and growing interest in purpose-led giving that is personal, connected and impact-focused.
