It takes a certain kind of person to make a difference in the world. To choose to help others. To push for change and not accept that where we are now is good enough. Thank you for being one of them!
I’m excited to share with you just a handful of the many examples where your kindness is driving positive change, and there’s plenty of good news to celebrate.
Did you know children come across at least 25 unhealthy food and drink ads each day on public transport or close to their school? This spring, we launched a new phase of Food Fight, a campaign calling for the removal of unhealthy food and drink advertising in these spaces. More than 11,000 people have already joined the Food Fight so we can set our kids up for a healthier future.
Striving for, and achieving, life-saving change spurs us on. We have made huge gains in cancer survival rates which are at their highest level ever with 71 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer in Victoria surviving beyond five years. But there is still so much more to do. This is exactly what Professor Matthias Ernst’s donor funded research is focusing on. One of the biggest challenges to treating pancreatic cancer is the advanced stage at which patients are diagnosed, often making treatments less effective. Professor Ernst is hoping the discovery that the HCK protein plays a critical role in the development of cancer will lead to new hope for pancreatic cancer patients worldwide.
Your support is saving lives, giving people hope for cures and improved, less invasive therapies. Whether you give regularly through our monthly giving program, support us through one of our fun and important events like Girls Night In, Relay for Life, or The Longest Day Golf event, or have pledged to leave a transformational gift in your Will, we are so grateful for your support.
As we enjoy summer and the UV climbs, don't forget the five golden rules for sun protection: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide! And remember, if you or a loved one is affected by cancer then please call our Cancer Nurses on 13 11 20. No one should face cancer alone this holiday season.
Thank you for your continued kindness. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year.
Todd Harper AM
CEO, Cancer Council Victoria.
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