On October 21, the Foundation for A Bloody Great Cause and The Bloody Great Committee hosted over 560 guests, dressed in sparkling, evening wear and wearing a splash of red for A Bloody Great Night Out! at Le Montage in Lilyfield in Sydney’s inner west.
Due to COVID-19, the 2021 dinner had to be postponed, so everyone was ready to have a fabulous night of dancing, entertainment and raise much needed funds for blood cancer trials and research at Concord Haematology Clinical Research Unit.
“We sincerely thank all the local community, businesses and patients and their families and all the medical staff that came along and generously supported our fundraising efforts. This wonderful result gives hope to our patients with blood cancer,” Professor Judith Trotman, Head of Department Haematology at Concord Repatriation General Hospital, said.
Dr Nicole Wong Doo, Director of the Clinical Research Unit, added: “We are thrilled that our target to raise $160,000 to fund two additional clinical research nurses, was smashed. Our amazing, generous supporters raised over $180,000! Now more patients with life-threatening blood cancers can participate in our clinical trials. Being able to fund two more nurses will allow us to access millions of dollars’ worth of innovative medicines, long before they are publicly funded.”
“For many patients, participating in a clinical trial is their only hope for a cure and a better quality of life. I sincerely thank every member of The Bloody Great Committee for their tireless voluntary efforts organising this event and supporting our important work and our patients,” Dr Doo said.
Since 2005, over 1000 patients with blood cancer have participated in clinical trials at Concord Hospital, but there are always many more patients with leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma who need help.
“It is our reputation for quality and independence that has made us an international research leader and ensures we truly deliver world-class care, locally. We are so encouraged by the community’s support as this ensures our financial viability and guarantee our independence,” a very grateful Professor Judith Trotman said.
Many of the trial patients attended the night and were involved in the fundraising activities and many shared their stories.
Masters of ceremonies, Christian Bracci and Lara Meli, both volunteers on the Bloody Great Committee, kept the audience motivated with their commanding style.
Entertainment was provided by Violin by Mel, acoustic guitar by Haematology registrar Dr Patrick Tunney, Ophir the Magician, a special performance by the Mary Nassibian Dancers and live music by the fabulous Party Latte. A beautiful tribute to Mary Nassibian, highlighting her contribution as a founding member of the fundraising committee, ended the night’s entertainment.
It was a wonderful night of friendship, celebrating partnerships between medical teams, patients, community members and volunteers. David Osborn a patient who has been on a clinical trial said “not only do these doctors, nurses, and their teams save your life but they become part of your family – I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me”
The local community can still help us raise funds by making a tax deductible donation at
www.abloodygreatcause.com.au/make-a-donation/
