6th Annual Breakfast for Brain Cancer in Sydney: A morning of hope and progress

·

On Friday, May 24, the White Pearl Foundation hosted its 6th Annual Breakfast for Brain Cancer at the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Point Piper, Sydney, in support of The Brain Cancer Group (TBCG). The event brought together supporters, medical professionals, and special guests to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research and treatment.

The morning began with morning tea and refreshments, followed by a series of impactful speeches.

brain cancer fundraiser

Suzane Peponis-Brisimis, Founder of the White Pearl Foundation, opened the event with a warm welcome. She acknowledged special guests, including Dr James Drummond, Neuroradiology Chief at The Brain Imaging Laboratory, TBCG; Dr. Jackie Yim, Radiation Therapist Supervisor (Neurooncology) at RNSH and Head of Operations and Research at TBCG; Tracey O’Donoghue, Company Secretary and Director of TBCG; Consul General of the United States in Sydney, Christine Elder; and major donors to TBCG, Barbara Cohen and her family, Pamela Roussis and Jenna Brennan, Evan and Margaret Shonk, Jane Recny and Nigel Stoke, Ed Apon and Elaine McCarron, and the Lewis Foundation.

brain cancer fundraiser
Suzane Peponis-Brisimis.

Ms Peponis-Brisimis paid tribute to the family of Tim Cohen, to the family of Peter Georges and TBCG Ambassador Matthew McCarron, who had secured a significant $450,000 donation to The Brain Cancer Group over three years.

Dr Yim expressed gratitude to the attendees and outlined his role at TBCG. He detailed the group’s focus on 3 pillars brain cancer Research, Education, and Support, and highlighted the establishment of an advanced Imaging Laboratory at the North Shore Medical Campus, funded by generous donations from the Family of Tim Cohen and the White Pearl Foundation.

brain cancer fundraiser
Dr Jackie Yim.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Drummond who highlighted the advanced infrastructure at The Brain Imaging Laboratory’s North Shore campus, emphasising its blend of public and private hospital resources. He discussed the Brain Lab’s efforts in clinical trials and the challenges in treating aggressive brain cancers, particularly glioblastoma. Dr Drummond stressed the importance of optimising existing therapies and making incremental improvements rather than relying on breakthroughs like immunotherapy. He outlined the need for a personalised and precise approach to each patient.

Dr Drummond showcased the evolution of medical imaging from basic CT scans to advanced MRI and PET scans, noting that the North Shore campus is a pioneer in PET imaging. He elaborated on innovative imaging techniques that map brain functions and tumour characteristics, aiding in precision surgery and tailored radiotherapy. One notable project involved measuring oxygen levels in tumours to enhance radiotherapy, and he also mentioned a technique called “dose painting” to target resistant tumour areas more effectively. Dr Drummond highlighted the future of quantitative MRI and Artificial Intelligence in planning treatments, emphasising the need for research funding due to limited government support.

brain cancer fundraiser
Dr James Drummond.

The upcoming Chimera project aims to integrate advanced imaging methods into routine clinical care and share data globally to improve brain cancer care. Dr Drummond concluded by underscoring the value of incremental progress in enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

The programme also featured Joanne Hüging, a guest speaker and patient carer, who attended with her husband. Ms Hüging shared her experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of support for brain cancer patients and their families.

brain cancer fundraiser
Joanne Hüging.

Following the speeches, lunch was served and raffle prizes were drawn, marking yet another successful White Pearl Foundation event in support of brain cancer research and patient care.

brain cancer fundraiser
brain cancer fundraiser

$25,000 profit was generated with donations still being received. Funds will be donated to TBCG’s Imaging Laboratory. There is still an opportunity to support this initiative by donating at the following link: www.whitepearlfoundation.org/donate

The 2025 Breakfast for Brain Cancer will align with International Women’s Day and is planned for Sunday, March 9th, 2025.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Celebrate the 113th anniversary of Lesvos’ liberation at Mytilenian House in Sydney

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW is set to celebrate the 113th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Island of Lesvos.

Luncheon raises $95,000 for Holy Monastery of St John in Western Australia

The Greek Orthodox Diocese of Perth hosted a fundraising luncheon on Sunday, October 12, at the Archdiocese Conference Room in Dianella.

‘Kapetan Mihalis’ opens 30th Greek Film Festival in Melbourne

The 30th Greek Film Festival, presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), officially opened Tuesday, October 14.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos strengthens bilateral ties in Canberra

Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, has continued his official visit to Australia in Canberra.

Family fun and football as Sydney Olympic FC set for first Australian Championship home game

Sydney Olympic FC are set to host their first home game of the Australian Championship season this Sunday, October 19.

You May Also Like

Greece orders investigation into fires and deaths of migrants in Evros

Supreme Court Prosecutor of Greece, Georgia Adeilini, has called for an investigation into the origins of the wildfires in the Evros region.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is being marketed to overtake LeBron James as the NBA’s most famous player

Antetokounmpo is so serious about basketball, he didn’t sound entirely thrilled about receiving the most fan votes (more than 5.9 million) among Eastern Conference...

Victoria’s Liberal leader and Steve Dimopoulos MP clash over neo-Nazi claims

Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin has rejected claims by Steve Dimopoulos MP that he failed to strongly condemn neo-Nazis.