Katarina Slavich
4 December 2019: University of Canberra alumni, staff and donor community gathered at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra last week for the annual Women’s Celebration Breakfast in support of the UC Cancer Research and Recovery Fund.
The breakfast shed light on the unseen and often overlooked issues of cancer and brought into focus by the progressive rehabilitation work taking place at the University.
Over $40,000 was generously raised through the event, with the funds to go directly towards the Cancer Recovery and Research Fund to support the University’s existing rehabilitation program. The funds will either subsidise the cost of participants’ involvement in the program or towards engaging further researchers to support program.
Hosted by the University of Canberra Foundation, guests at the breakfast heard from Director of the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation Virginia Haussegger, Kate Munari, who spent 18 years in the Defence Force in active combat, and Dr Kellie Toohey, the founder of the cancer rehabilitation program at the University.
The breakfast highlighted the incredible work of Dr Toohey and her team for the cancer rehabilitation program featuring dedicated exercise classes led by an accredited Exercise Physiologist and supported by exercise physiology students.
“We are blown away by the generosity of the community,” said Dr Toohey.
“This money will not only improve outcomes for cancer patients through research, it will also assist people in accessing the program for free as part of their treatment.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for improving the lives of those diagnosed and living with the consequences of this debilitating disease.”
The program has seen over 500 patients successfully complete the program, an increase in treatment success rates for patients, a reduction of side effects such as bone loss and pain and increases in quality of life.
To support this program or to learn more, click here.
