REPORT 2021 - The Hospital Research Foundation
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REPORT 2021
Thank you for your support of
The Hospital Research Foundation Group.
Together, we are having an
EVEN BIGGER IMPACT
SUPERCYCLE
We are proud to fund research and patient care activities at the
following hospitals and healthcare providers (and more):
Royal The Queen Lyell Jamie Flinders Women's and
Modbury South Australian Noarlunga
Adelaide Elizabeth McEwin Larcombe Medical Children's
Hospital Country Hospitals Hospital
Hospital Hospital Hospital Centre Centre Hospital
We also provide funding for lifesaving clinical and scientific research
at the following research institutes and universities:
Table of contents
Thank You 4 Infectious diseases 52
Highlights 6 Equipment 53
Cancer 10 Gut health and nutrition 54
Breast cancer 12
Inflammatory bowel disease 55
Prostate cancer 16
Pregnancy and birth 56
Bowel cancer 18
Proton therapy 20 Childhood disorders 58
Other cancers 22 Creative health 60
The Longest Table 24
Palliative care 64
Gift of hope 27
Volunteers 69
Under Our Roof 28
Mental health 70
Heart disease 30
Military and Emergency Services Health 71
Stroke 34
Arthritis and pain 74
Parkinson’s 35
Sleep 75
Dementia 40
Surgery 76
Aged care 42
Indigenous health 77
Diabetes 44
Country health 78
Kidney disease and pancreatitis 46
Improving care for all 80
Biospherix chamber 48
How can you join the fight? 82
Partnerships 49
COVID-19 50
| 3
THANK YOU
Thank you for joining our mission for a healthy
community and wellbeing for everyone
With your generous support in 2021, you have brought
hope to the many people fighting cancer, heart disease,
dementia and more than 50 areas of medical research
and healthcare. Thank you!
Our promise to you:
PRIVACY
Always respect your privacy and never
share your data with anyone. 100%
of YOUR
donation
CONTACT
Keep you updated on the impact and outcomes of
your support, in the manner in which you prefer.
When you give to THRF Group,
100% of your donation, plus
FEEDBACK
Welcome your feedback at all times.
more, goes directly to research
and patient care grants!
This is because our administration
TRANSPARENCY costs are covered by our commercial
Be open and transparent with how your gifts are used, business activities which also boosts
and use them carefully and cost effectively as you intend.
our funds to research and patient
care each year. So as a supporter,
THANK YOU you can feel proud that all of your
Always say thank you, no matter donation gets to the intended cause!
how big or small your contribution.
4 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021
THANK YOU
How you joined the fight
Donations
in Memory
31% Gifts in Wills
Events
22% Major Giving
(donations over $5,000)
Monthly
Giving
19% Community Fundraising
(includes The Longest Table Gifts
and Mercer SuperCycle) in Wills
Individual
15% Individual Giving
Giving
Thank
you!
8% Monthly Giving
Community
Fundraising
3% Donations in Memory Major
Giving
2% Events
Sadly though, a number of medical
research and patient care projects
miss out on funding every year.
It is only together with your help that we can
continue the fight for cures and improved
treatments for our loved ones. We look forward
to your ongoing support in 2022 and beyond.
| 5
HIGHLIGHTS
Disease doesn’t stop for COVID
That’s why in 2021 we’ve been busier than ever fighting for your health!
Proton
therapy
Breast cancer
researcher A/Prof
Phil Gregory
$3.25 million for NEW
cancer-fighting projects
Announced a $2 million grant to the revolutionary
Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and
Research, plus many new projects in breast,
prostate and childhood cancer.
Services expand for New grants for the
Parkinson’s and stroke diseases most important
A Clinical Nurse Consultant joined to YOU!
the team, plus an additional Exercise
Provided translational grants which will
Physiologist and Occupational
be patient-ready sooner in heart disease,
Therapist! More activity groups and
dementia, aged care, mental health,
wellbeing support are also available.
endometriosis and more!
Nurse Jo Dalton Dr Jiawen Li,
(left) working with heart research
client Kate grant recipient
6 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021
HIGHLIGHTS
More highlights >>>
COVID crisis support THRF Group's Paul Flynn
with Dr David Panter, ECH
Organised gifts for frontline hospital staff,
plus care packs for families waiting in
lengthy testing lines. SA-based research
also continued, with a world-first ‘one year
later’ immunology study published.
New partners
joined the fight!
Welcomed more corporate partners in
2021 including ECH, Woodville West
Torrens Football Club, Hither & Yon and
the Adelaide 36ers, joining existing
partners Drakes, Zorich Group and
Scott Salisbury Group.
Support for grassroots
charities
Provided significant grants to grassroots
charities such as the Childhood Dementia
Initiative, HAS Foundation (palliative care),
Woodville West
Treasure Boxes (disadvantaged families),
Torrens Football Club
Taboo (period poverty) and more.
Adelaide
36ers
Greta (middle) lives
with Rett Syndrome
| 7
HIGHLIGHTS
Miniature horse Biospherix Chamber
service saved built
Secured the future of Nolton Park Opened a $1.4 million state-of-the-art
Horses Healing Hearts pet therapy Biospherix Chamber to treat chronic
service to bring comfort to people pancreatitis, cementing Adelaide as
in hospitals, hospices and aged a leading centre of excellence for
care facilities. a unique pancreatectomy and islet
transplant procedure.
Kimberly
Bartlett with
miniature
horse Moét
Professor Toby Coates
with pancreatitis patient
Chelsea Holloway
Art prize inspired by healing
More than 400 artworks were submitted for the
inaugural Centre for Creative Health Art Prize,
which had $51,000 in prizes available. All works
focused on healing, with 40 finalists exhibited.
Artist Jasmine Crisp
with Ruby Allegra,
and artist
Ida Sophia (left)
8 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021
HIGHLIGHTS
Dr Sharon Mascall-Dare (left),
More support for and the Invictus team
service members
The StoryRight and MindRight
programs were added to Military
and Emergency Services Health
Australia’s offerings, plus a
$250,000 grant secured the future
of the Invictus Pathways Program!
Getting close to
our community
Launched new ‘Together.Fight.’ adverts,
involving 100+ community volunteers!
World-first Parkinson’s WATCH
projects Scan the QR code VIDEO
to watch the video
Developed a world-first app for
people with Young Onset Parkinson’s,
plus funded research to test spider
venom on live brain neurons to stop
degeneration of the disease.
We also loved meeting
you all at our events
throughout the year!
| 9
CANCER Thanks to your
donations
our hard-working and
passionate researchers
can continue the fight
against cancer.
10 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021CANCER
Everyone knows someone In 2021, your support extended
affected by cancer. In fact, across many different cancers:
nearly one in two Australians • Breast cancer
will be diagnosed with cancer • Prostate cancer
by the age of 85. • Bowel (colorectal) cancer
• Brain cancer
The good news is that survival
• Childhood cancers
rates are improving, thanks
to earlier diagnosis, better • Leukaemia
treatments and improved care • Lung cancer
that is only possible with the • Neuroendocrine cancers
support of people like you. • Abdominal cancers
(liver, pancreas, ovarian)
• Oesophageal cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Cancer treating equipment
• Revolutionary proton therapy
Dr Zeyad Nassar and team
| 11CANCER
One in seven women
in Australia face a breast
cancer diagnosis in
their lifetime.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer affects mostly women over 50 years old,
however it is also the most common type of cancer in
young women. Thanks to you, our dedicated researchers
are working hard to find new breast cancer treatments and
protect those most at risk of deadly forms of the disease.
Your impact in 2021:
Progressed work to improve the diagnosis Educated women and influenced policy
of triple negative breast cancer to about breast density and its implications
enable earlier treatment options and for identifying breast cancer
prevent the spread of this most deadly
form of the disease Explored a number of different inhibitors
which show promise in blocking a protein
Found new targets for chemotherapy- called Aquaporin 1, which has been proven
resistant breast cancer, focusing on a to play a key role in helping breast cancer
little-known protein called Basconuclin-2 cells moving to other parts of the body
Helped identify whether other medications
Designed future clinical trials to test a list
often being taken by breast cancer
of new and existing drugs which show
patients will interfere with their cancer
promise in changing an offending
treatment
hormone receptor from cancer-promoting
to cancer-inhibiting
Continued investigations into a protein
called Creld2, which causes breast cancer
Progressed investigations into a lesser-
to develop and grow more quickly, and
studied physical force experienced by
discovering agents which can destroy or
breast cancer cells known as compressive
block this protein
force, to find ways to slow, stop or reverse
rapidly growing cancer cells.
Central Adelaide
Local Health
Network
12 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021CANCER
Who your donations help!
At only 36 years old, Michelle
(pictured) fought a terrifying battle
with triple negative breast cancer –
the deadliest breast cancer type.
Having supported her mum through
the same battle a few years earlier,
Michelle endured surgeries, chemo-
therapy and an intense fear of leaving
behind her four-year-old son, Nate.
“I felt desperate and hopeless. I just
needed somebody to fix me so I could
stay here for my son,” she said.
Fortunately, because of your support,
researchers like Associate Professor
Phil Gregory (right) are on the verge
of an exciting breakthrough in the
treatment of triple negative breast
cancer, bringing hope to women like
Michelle and her family! Thank you!
Do you understand what breast density is?
Dense breast tissue is normal and common,
but it can hide cancers and increase cancer risk.
Thanks to your donations, Associate Professor
Wendy Ingman has developed an animation to
help women better understand breast density and
how it can complicate mammogram screening.
Scan the
QR code to
watch the
video
WATCH
VIDEO
| 13CANCER
“We can’t thank you enough for your support!
Thanks to you, we’ve been able to continue our
investigations into why breast cancer cells become
resistant to chemotherapy and hope to use these
insights to identify a new target for therapy or
enhance the effectiveness of current therapies.”
Dr Cameron Bracken,
Centre for Cancer Biology
Beverley’s loyal support
Beverley is a long-term and loyal donor to
The Hospital Research Foundation Group.
And after a breast cancer scare in 2007, just
before her 70th birthday, she saw firsthand
how medical research can save lives.
Thank you Beverley for your kind support!
If you would like to join Beverley in the
fight against deadly diseases, simply
contact us on (08) 8244 1100
or visit www.HospitalResearch.org.au
14 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021CANCER
Fundraising in honour of a friend
Nicole Steigen was confronted with the stark “Having just lost Tash, we knew it would be
realities of breast cancer when she lost her a great opportunity to honour her memory
close friend Tash, who had also left behind a and create awareness for breast cancer and
husband and two young children. raise funds for research. The dress code
was of course pink and on the day, it was so
"What hit home the most was if anyone could rewarding seeing this massive sea of pink no
have fought off cancer, it would have been matter which direction you looked.”
Tash. To watch her be taken so quickly, despite
all of the treatment she had undergone, was If you would like to hold a fundraiser in
devastating," Nicole said. 2022, we would love to hear from you!
Please contact us on (08) 8244 1100 or
Nicole decided she wanted to do something to visit www.HospitalResearch.org.au
help so held a Ladies Day fundraiser at her local to find out more.
Nedlands Rugby Union Football Club in Perth,
raising an incredible $2,200!
This lifesaving research is supported through our Group charity
Australian Breast Cancer Research, which is focused on the
prevention, detection, management and treatment of breast cancer.
www.AustralianBreastCancer.org.au
a charity of THRF Group
| 15CANCER
One in six Australian men
will develop prostate cancer
before the age of 85.
Prostate cancer
Advances in research have improved prostate cancer
survival rates, however sadly 3,000 men still die each year
from the disease. With your support, improving treatments
and preventing the disease from progressing to advanced
incurable stages has been a focus of our research.
Your impact in 2021:
Progressed pre-clinical work to improve Started developing a unique prostate
the performance of common prostate cancer ‘report card’ which outlines
cancer medication Zytiga, to speed up the outcomes of various treatments to
the drug’s digestion and enhance help patients make informed treatment
absorption in the body choices upon diagnosis
Explored how prostate cancer cells Designed clinical trials for an exciting
become resistant to existing therapies, with list of new and existing drugs which
insights being used to identify biomarkers show promise in changing an offending
for patients who may respond best to a hormone receptor from cancer-
promising drug called Ribociclib promoting to cancer-inhibiting
Progressed work on improving the early Supported the South Australian Prostate
detection of patients whose cancer is likely Cancer Clinical Outcomes Collaborative
to spread to advanced, incurable stages (SA-PCCOC) database which now holds
by establishing biomarkers which can data for more than 18,000 men to
distinguish high-risk patients assist research insights and inform best
approaches to care.
Tested a new class of drugs called CDK9
inhibitors in the hope they show promise in
stopping prostate cancer from spreading
Central Adelaide
Local Health
Network
16 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021CANCER
Maggie’s fight for all the men in her life!
Dr Maggie Centenera’s research is driven
by a deeply personal link to the disease.
Sadly, her grandfather died with prostate cancer,
and her dad and four uncles all have prostate
cancer; which makes her very worried for her
brother and son who are at a much higher risk.
“During my dad’s cancer journey, his biggest
frustration has been that his doctors aren’t
definitive in how he should be treated,” she said.
“Prostate cancer patients are fortunate to have
a few treatment options and drugs available to
them, but it is currently unclear which would
work best for which patient.”
“My research will focus on identifying biomarkers
to determine which patients Ribociclib (a
promising new drug) will work best for, in order
for doctors to be better informed when making
treatment decisions and ultimately improve
survival rates for men with advanced prostate
cancer," Dr Centenera (below) said.
Kieran Anderson (above left) raised
“Thank you to all
an outstanding $3,680 for prostate the donors who are
cancer research by shaving his supporting my work!”
beard and hair in memory of his
best friend Patrick.
“We have known each other since we
were four years old. He died at 62 after
not picking up on the cancer early
enough and it spread to other parts of
his body,” Kieran said.
“I wanted to raise awareness of the
necessity to have physical checks on a
regular basis. Don’t just rely on blood
tests - whilst they can be a good guide,
you can’t beat the physical examination.”
These ground-breaking studies are supported through our Group
charity Australian Prostate Cancer, which is dedicated to the
detection, treatment and management of prostate cancer.
www.AustralianProstateCancer.org.au
a charity of THRF Group
| 17CANCER
Bowel cancer (also known as
colorectal cancer) affects about
15,500 men and
women each year.
Bowel cancer
Worringly, half of all bowel cancer diagnoses will spread
to the liver, where it is often unresponsive to current
treatments. Thanks to you, we are improving awareness for
screening, earlier diagnosis and better treatments to help
prevent the disease progressing to these deadly stages.
Your impact in 2021:
Trialled a more personalised treatment Collaborated and analysed the outcomes
approach to aggressive bowel cancer called of thousands of bowel cancer surgery
Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (pTNT) with patients to learn best practice for quality
50 patients from across SA, Alice Springs, of life
Broken Hill and Darwin. This included
Discovered the mechanisms responsible
follow-ups and data capture, to improve
for some bowel cancers progressing more
outcomes for these patients
rapidly than others, involving a protein
Funded the Jodi Lee Foundation’s called ROCK and its recruitment of white
awareness campaign and workplace blood cells to form invasive tumours
prevention program to increase awareness
Continued to build a biobank of liver
in the community of the importance of
metastatic bowel cancer tissue to analyse
taking a bowel cancer screening test
and identify biomarkers to help predict
whether bowel cancer is likely to spread.
Central Adelaide
Local Health
Network
“Our research is very patient-centred and the first question
we always ask ourselves when we’re thinking about a research
project is – is there a direct benefit to the next patient we see?"
Associate Professor Tarik Sammour,
Royal Adelaide Hospital
18 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021CANCER
“I was very lucky because
even though the tumour was
a decent size, it wasn’t very
advanced and hadn’t spread to
the gut or the lymph system.”
How the poo test saved Clive’s life!
Professor Clive Prestidge is a self-proclaimed
“poster boy” for the poo test.
Three years ago he received a positive result from “I was very lucky though because even though
the bowel cancer screening kit mailed to over the tumour was a decent size, it wasn’t very
50s, which triggered him to see his GP and have advanced and hadn’t spread to the gut or the
a further colonoscopy. lymph system.”
“I wasn’t worried at first because Now, having won his personal battle against
those poo tests can bring a lot of cancer, he can continue the fight where he is
more comfortable – in the lab conducting world-
false positives… but I got my results
leading cancer research. He also represented his
back and they said they’d found a journey in our 2021 ‘Together Fight’ commercials.
tumour in my bowel,” he said.
“Cancer diagnoses are unfortunately increasing,
“My life was thrown completely upside down. but with research, we can play a role in saving
Three weeks later I was having surgery, a full hemi- people’s lives. And that’s what ‘Together Fight’ is
colectomy where I had half my colon removed. all about,” he said.
| 19CANCER
Proton therapy given $2 million boost
Imagine being a young person with cancer in the brain or spine, and the
best treatment option is only available on the other side of the world?
Soon, this will be a thing of the past with Adelaide
set to become home to the first proton therapy
centre in the southern hemisphere.
The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy
and Research will transform the way cancer is
treated, particularly for young people whose
rapidly growing and developing cells are more
susceptible to damage from radiation.
Due to open in 2023, the facility will see about
800 patients a year.
And with your kind donations, The Hospital
Research Foundation Group has contributed $2
million to the centre’s critical start-up operations!
Thank you!
How does proton therapy work? Who will it benefit?
Proton beam therapy is a type of radiotherapy Nurse Kate Pagnozzi was
that targets tumours with high-energy, positively 20 years old when she
charged particles (protons). It is a more precise discovered “out of the blue”
alternative to X-ray (photon) radiation therapy, she had a tumour the size of
which is more commonly used to treat cancers. a tennis ball in her brain.
The precise nature of proton therapy, with the Brain surgery removed 98% of the tumour, but 18
ability to target cancer cells at a specific depth months later she received the frightening news
inside the patient, means there is less radiation that the tumour was growing again. With options
delivered to healthy tissue surrounding the exhausted locally, Kate did her own research and
tumour. found state-of-the-art proton therapy available in
the United States.
This enables treatment with less side effects for
paediatric, adolescent and young adult patients “Having proton therapy in Adelaide
and those with rare cancers.
will be a game-changer,” Kate said.
Scan the QR code to see
how proton therapy works
“People will no longer have to pack
their entire belongings and move
halfway across the world to access
this life-changing treatment.”
WATCH
VIDEO
20 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021CANCER
What will the $2 million go towards?
Key medical specialists will be recruited as part Some of the specialists have already started
of a $1.4 million grant over three years, including (pictured above with Paul Flynn, THRF Group
a Clinical Project Manager, Medical Physicist, CEO). They are thrilled to be part of the team
Radiation Therapist, Paediatric Medical transforming the cancer treatment landscape
Oncologist and part-time Radiation Oncologist in Australasia!
for the SAHMRI-based facility.
A further $628,000 over two years will establish
the Australian Proton Therapy Clinical Quality
Registry. The registry will collect and record
cancer treatment details and patient outcomes
from across the country, providing further
information on the types of cases that would
benefit from proton beam therapy.
How you can help!
Monthly giving is one of the simplest ways you can support Scan the QR code
lifesaving research and patient care like revolutionary to learn more
proton therapy. By choosing a tax-deductible amount to LEARN
give each month, you will help provide a consistent stream MORE
of funding our researchers can count on!
Learn more at www.HospitalResearch.org.au
| 21CANCER Cancer does not
discriminate.
It affects people of any
age and background.
Fighting rare and
common cancers
We are proud to fight against many rare and common cancers,
across children and adults, to give hope through research, care
and equipment to everyone suffering from these awful diseases.
Your impact in 2021:
Childhood cancers Neuroendocrine cancer
• Supported research into new therapeutic • Supported the treatment and ongoing
targets for young children with high-risk evaluation of patients with neuroendocrine
neuroblastoma, as an important alternative tumours, including an important data registry
to current toxic treatments which have side which captures clinical and quality-of-life
effects that often leave them with life-long information on recipients of LuTate therapy.
impairments
• Started developing an online tool to enhance Abdominal cancers
routine follow-up care for children recovering • Delivered six applications of pressurised
from solid cancers and better manage their intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC)
ongoing quality-of-life assessments for patients with bowel, ovarian, stomach and
• Completed important immune profiling for a pancreatic cancers.
new CAR T-cell therapy to progress to phase 1
clinical trials in children with diffuse intrinsic Lung cancer
pontine glioma (DIPG).
• Continued research into ways to inhibit a family
of 14-3-3 proteins which are found in abnormally
Blood cancers
high numbers in lung cancer cells.
• Made significant findings in ways to starve
cancer cells to death, particularly cancer Brain cancer
cells with IDH1 gene mutations such as IDH1-
• Continued pre-clinical trials on a new
mutated leukaemia
CAR T-cell therapy for adults and children
• Continued to investigate new targeted with relapsed Glioblastoma.
therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML),
with promising results for a specific SK1 Indigenous cancer care
enzyme inhibitor showing to kill AML cells
• Supported an Aboriginal Cancer Healing Centre
• Recruited 80 newly-diagnosed multiple
to improve the uptake of services closer to
myeloma patients to participate in a study
people’s home communities, their health and life
focused on a protein called DSG2 which is
expectancy outcomes, with an evidence-based,
thought to be overexpressed in patients with
cost-effective community-approved model.
the poorest prognosis.
22 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021CANCER
TQEH team saving lives: A/Prof Gabrielle Cehic AM,
Jessica Mercurio and Davina Nicholls
10 years of life-changing
cancer treatment
2021 marked 10 years of Lutetium Octreotate
(LuTate) therapy being available in South
Australia for people with neuroendocrine
tumours (NETs).
LuTate is a targeted internal radiotherapy
treatment for NETs, given intravenously (via a
drip) to help deliver a targeted high dose of
radiation directly to the cancer cells.
More than 177 treatments have been delivered
to patients at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
during this time – helping people like Tayla
(pictured left), who was first diagnosed at just
12 years old, live a better life!
| 23CANCER
Thank you
from our
ambassadors
The Longest Table
raises $303,886
Thank you to all of the outstanding Longest
Table hosts who raised $303,886 for cancer
research in 2021!
Cancer doesn’t stop for COVID-19 and our
passionate Forkstars held a fantastic array of
events to #ForkCancer within their communities.
Ambassadors Adelady and G-Fresh held their
fourth consecutive event and raised an incredible
$55,000!
Loyal hosts Trish Fuss, Sarah Waldron and Michelle
Mackman, along with first-time hosts Estelle Green
and Erin Launer, each raised exceptional totals of Jo Lambrakis
over $16,000 in honour of their loved ones.
Thank you to everyone who participated! Big or
small, your donation makes a huge difference to
the cancer projects supported by The Hospital
Research Foundation Group.
You can help too!
The Longest Table is THRF Group’s annual
cancer fundraiser where you and your friends
get together for a night of food, fun, friendship
and fundraising to save lives from cancer.
You too can host a Longest Table in 2022 – visit
www.TheLongestTable.com.au to find out more!
24 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021Cancer
Thank you to our outstanding
Longest Table hosts who
raised a record $303,886 for
cancer research in 2021!
Thank you to all
of our hosts!
| 25CANCER
Furry fighter
Arlo comforts
people with
cancer
Meet Arlo, one of our cutest
and proudest ambassadors!
Arlo is a cancer therapy dog who loves
visiting patients and hardworking
hospital staff to brighten up their day.
He has already saved one life, that
of his owner Nick, who recently
battled an aggressive tongue and
throat cancer which also took a
big toll on his mental health.
Now they work together to bring joy to
people who are undergoing treatment
for cancer.
Arlo is becoming a huge celebrity
in his own right – amassing a huge
Instagram following at
@arlo_the_cancer_service_dog
He is also selling his own doggie
bandanas to raise money for THRF
Group! If you’d like to purchase a
bandana or support Arlo’s fight,
learn more at www.arlo.raisely.com
Scan to check
out the full Arlo
SUPPORT
merch range
ARLO
26 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021HOPE
“I’ve been through quite a few health
issues myself and with our family, so
with this gift, maybe we can avoid a
few of these things in the future.”
Barry Hankins, 75, and wife Wendy
The gift of hope for
future generations
“I see the value of medical research
as clinical trials kept my son alive
for five more years. I won’t always
Leaving a gift in your Will is one of be here, so leaving a gift in my Will
allows me to help future generations.”
the most significant ways you can Sylvia Bridgman, 91
have an impact on the health and
wellbeing of future generations.
A charitable bequest ensures you will be You will also be joining our esteemed Basil
remembered as someone who is committed Hetzel Society, made up of generous and
to helping others. compassionate people like yourself who value
medical research.
Your Will should always take care of your
loved ones first. However after this, you may People like Sylvia Bridgeman, Barry Hankins
wish to leave a gift to The Hospital Research and wife Wendy who are profiled above. As
Foundation or the charity within our Group members of our Basil Hetzel Society, they also
you feel most connected to. enjoy special events throughout the year to learn
about the impact of their gifts.
A gift of as little as 1% of your estate can make
a big difference to lifesaving medical research For more information about leaving a lasting
and patient care in hospitals. legacy through a gift in your Will, speak to one of
our friendly team members on (08) 8244 1100.
| 27UNDER OUR ROOF
Even more regional cancer
patients helped in 2021
More country cancer patients are being helped than
ever before through our Under Our Roof accommodation!
Four homes were available for the first
time in 2021 thanks to the opening
of two family-style apartments at
Bowden, joining two existing homes
at Woodville West.
This allowed 20 cancer patients and
their families or support networks to
stay in 2021 – the most we’ve ever had!
It brings the total number of patients
helped since 2016 to 80.
Under Our Roof offers family-style
accommodation to country cancer
patients travelling to Adelaide for
their treatment.
A huge thank you to the riders and
support crew from the Mercer
SuperCycle multi-day cycling event,
who raised more than $2.8 million over
10 years towards Under Our Roof. We
couldn’t have done it without you!
10 years, four homes and $2.8 million!
That’s the incredible achievement
of the team from Mercer SuperCycle
– a multi-day charity bike ride around
regional South Australia.
More than $270,000 was raised in 2021
– the ride’s 10th year – to bring the total
to $2.8 million!
Thank you to everyone who has made
this possible! You are truly changing
the lives of cancer patients and their
families now and into the future.
28 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021UNDER OUR ROOF
Cancer doesn’t stop for COVID
All four Under Our Roof homes were fully Lisa was finishing her final week of treatment
occupied during South Australia’s COVID-19 when the lockdown hit, but was able to finish
lockdown in July 2021 – much to the her treatment and get a medical exemption to
appreciation of patients. travel home to be with her partner and three
daughters.
This included Mount Gambier mother Lisa
Hawkins who stayed in one of the new homes “It’s such a stressor trying to think of a place to
in Bowden during her three-week radiotherapy stay while dealing with a cancer diagnosis and
treatment for breast cancer, along with her these homes definitely ease that burden for
sister Tracy for support. rural cancer patients,” Lisa said.
Mercer House Dr Jones & Partners House Mercer Apartment
These three homes are kindly supported by our sponsors:
If you would like to partner with us, chat to our friendly team on
(08) 8244 1100 or visit www.HospitalResearch.org.au
| 29HEART DISEASE
Heart disease is Australia’s
biggest killer, with someone
dying from the disease
every 12 minutes.
Working hard to
beat heart disease
More than four million Australians live with a cardiovascular disease,
with many of the risk factors preventable. Thanks to your support,
we are working hard to stop you or your loved ones from falling
victim to heart disease.
Your impact in 2021:
Progressed the development of the Continued to analyse sleep data in
world’s smallest 3D printed catheter people with obstructive sleep apnoea to
to improve the diagnosis of heart determine whether wearing a CPAP mask
blockages in narrow arteries can reduce the risk of them developing AF,
with promising early results
Expanded a world-leading clinical
trial into the care provided to people Continued managing a biobank to
with atrial fibrillation (AF), through the enhance cardiovascular research
ongoing delivery of a personalised and and identify biomarkers responsible
integrated “iCare” clinic for heart disease to aid more research
Evaluated how many patients Studied whether sub-clinical AF
continue to experience chest pain is associated with risks of dementia
after elective coronary stenting to and whether the screening guidelines
gain important insights into best care for AF need to be adapted
and avoid unnecessary complications
Progressed research to identify predictors
Assessed whether an aggressive for which patients are at risk of an
approach to weight and lifestyle emergency tear in the aorta during surgery
management can decrease AF to greater inform treatment options
symptoms and reduce hospitalisations
Improved care and outcomes of patients
Recruited participants to trial a diabetes with cardiac implantable electronic
drug which shows promise in treating AF devices by investigating additional areas
of service delivery and new technology.
Central & Northern
Adelaide Local
Health Networks
30 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021HEART DISEASE
New tech to find heart blockages
in narrow arteries
In a huge breakthrough for diagnosing heart
blockages, the world’s smallest 3D-printed
catheter is being developed to enable the
high-quality imaging of narrow arteries!
Thanks to your donations, we are proud to
be supporting teams from the University
of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital to
progress the micro-catheter technology
which will be able to detect cholesterol
crystals which accumulate in the fatty
plaques that form in heart arteries.
Designed by engineer and inventor
Dr Jiawen Li (pictured), the device could
be a game-changer in helping prevent
coronary artery disease!
Thank you Zorich Group
for fundraising for heart
research in 2021!
If you or your business would like
to give back to a disease area
close to your heart, contact us
on (08) 8244 1100 or visit
www.HospitalResearch.org.au
Our mission to beat heart disease is enhanced by our Group charity
Australian Heart Research which is focused on prevention strategies,
treatment and hospital care for patients with heart disease.
www.AustralianHeartResearch.org.au
a charity of THRF Group
| 31HEART DISEASE
Do you experience heart palpitations
or shortness of breath?
If you do, you could be at risk of atrial
fibrillation (AF) – a dangerous heart arrythmia
characterised by a rapid and irregular
heartbeat, and causing issues such as
fainting, dizziness and chest pain.
Danny Daminato thought he was just unfit
WATCH
when he was often out of breath.
Danny’s story!
Instead, he was diagnosed with AF and
needed immediate surgery. He and wife Sandy
are now managing his condition through
lifestyle changes and regular check-ups.
WATCH Your donations are vital to helping us find new
VIDEO
ways to treat and prevent AF to save the lives
of people like Danny. Thank you!
32 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021HEART DISEASE
Landing the knockout blow against
atrial fibrillation!
Cardiologist Associate Professor Chris Wong
has spent a lifetime training for the fight –
the fight against deadly heart condition
atrial fibrillation (AF).
With you in his corner, he now has the
power to land the knockout blow!
He is conducting a clinical trial of a new drug
to treat AF’s common risk factors of high
blood pressure, excess weight and diabetes.
He hopes that by focusing on prevention,
rather than treatment, then the deadly
risks and complications arising from AF
will be eliminated.
He was also happy to give back and volunteer
his time for THRF’s 'Together Fight' campaign.
“Medical research benefits us all, we will all
be affected by disease at some point in life.
Volunteering was the least I could do for an
organisation that has supported researchers
like myself and others.”
| 33STROKE
One person
has a stroke every
10 minutes
Stroke care, services in Australia.
and research expand
Stroke often attacks without warning, rapidly killing two million
brain cells every minute and highlighting the huge need for
support in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.
In 2021, we are proud to have increased our focus on stroke through a merger with Stroke
SA. Our new division The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Stroke is committed to
enhancing patient care, services and world-leading research for people impacted by stroke.
In 2021, our care team and researchers:
Provided allied health services Continued investigations on what causes
(occupational therapy, counselling and Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA), or mini
nurse consultations), specialised support strokes, to develop a diagnostic test for
groups, social activities, exercise and TIAs which could prevent a major stroke
education sessions for people impacted
by stroke and their support networks Progressed the Adelaide Stroke Incidence
Study to identify stroke trends in Adelaide
Participated in world-leading clinical and evaluate future care and resource
trials which focus on stroke treatment in allocation, recruiting 300 patients a year
the hyper-acute phase using advanced
clot-busting medication, as well as the Continued the investigation and optimal
subacute phase, secondary prevention model of a regional stroke coordinator to
and recovery improve stroke outcomes in rural SA
Investigated an algorithm for predicting Prepared for a study involving therapy dog
stroke recovery to assess whether it visits to the RAH’s Stroke Unit to improve
would help allied health professionals the mood of stroke patients, their visitors
provide optimal therapy for patients and stroke unit staff.
Central, Southern
& Regional Local
Health Networks
Together with our charity extension The Hospital Research Foundation
Group – Stroke, we are committed to improving the prevention, diagnosis,
acute treatment, care and ongoing support of people impacted by stroke.
www.stroke.org.au
a charity of THRF Group
34 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021STROKE/
PARKINSON'S
Meet our
Stroke and Parkinson's allied health team! To access these
services, please call:
For the first time, The Hospital Research Foundation Group is Stroke
expanding its scope to deliver allied health services to the community. (08) 8352 4644
Parkinson’s
This includes occupational therapy, counselling and nurse (08) 8357 8909
consultations for people impacted by stroke and Parkinson’s.
Olivia Nassaris Tamika Perrott
Executive Director Social Worker
Olivia is a hands-on director, assisting clients in Tamika provides counselling for clients and
their care and wellbeing and continually their families, helping with trauma, stress,
improving the support and services on offer. relationships, building confidence and wellbeing.
Simone Ridge-Cooke
Joanne Dalton
Client and Community
Clinical Nurse Consultant
Engagement Manager
Jo offers clients a compassionate and holistic Simone coordinates all our valued group
health assessment, culminating in a personalised programs, such as art classes, singing groups,
care plan and ongoing advice and care. and more both in Adelaide and across the state.
Christian Burden & Toby Yeung
Hannah Tavian Speech Therapist
Occupational Therapists
Christian and Hannah help maximise choice Toby treats speech, language and swallowing
and independence through a complex challenges to help clients maintain their
assessment of client needs, service communication, relationships and overall wellbeing.
development and interventions.
Tayla Haslam &
Narelle Lee
Sophie Edwards
Wellbeing Officer
Exercise Physiologists
Responsible for client education and support, Tayla and Sophie love helping clients
Narelle assists clients to better manage their achieve their fitness and cognitive goals
condition and access appropriate support. through Brain x Body Fitness Studio’s
popular, evidence-based exercise programs.
| 35PARKINSON’S Did you know one Australian
is diagnosed with Parkinson’s
every three hours?
Living well with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s can affect anyone, from all walks of life. But
with the right team, you can live well with Parkinson’s!
The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Parkinson’s (formerly Parkinson’s
SA) is committed to providing support, education, services and research for
those living with the progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
In 2021, our care team and researchers:
Provided allied health services Investigated whether faecal transplants
(occupational therapy, counselling and can help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s
nurse consultations), specialised support by improving people’s gut health and
groups, social activities, exercise and addressing areas such as constipation
education sessions for people living with
Parkinson’s and their support networks Released a world-first app and website
to support people with Young Onset
Supported new research aimed at preventing Parkinson’s (aged under 50) called YOP-X
the degeneration of Parkinson’s by
investigating whether spider venom can help Established an SA-first MRI imaging
restore and repair brain cell energy levels centre which specialises in advanced
F-DOPA scanning to facilitate research
Progressed trials into Infrared Light Therapy for Parkinson’s disease
as a promising treatment for Parkinson’s to
improve gut microbiome and symptoms Delivered health and wellbeing programs
including balance, gait, cognition and fine and specialised neuro-physiotherapy,
motor skills crisis counselling, wellness coaching
and occupational therapy to people living
with Parkinson’s and those on the NDIS
in regional areas.
Australasian Central Adelaide
Research Local Health
Institute Network
“The support from the whole team has been
extraordinary. You couldn’t ask for a better service.”
Kate, newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s
36 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021PARKINSON’S
Can spider venom be used to treat Parkinson’s?
A cure or ways to stop the progression spend on the business-as-usual activities such as
of Parkinson’s is the holy grail of research repairing themselves,” A/Prof Bardy said.
into the disease.
“Artificially raising the energy in brain cells is not
Now, thanks to your contribution to a global easy, but what if we could give the cells a break
research and funding collaboration also involving from too much activity? A few hours break each
the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Shake It Up day could be enough to give these brain cells a
Australia, this holy grail could be one step closer! chance to restore their energy levels and repair
themselves from all the extra work.”
Adelaide neurobiology expert Associate
Professor Cedric Bardy is leading a trial This is where natural venoms come in, which
which aims to address the ‘tug of war’ that is have shown to be full of ion channel modulators
experienced by the brain neurons of people with that could be effective in re-prioritising cellular
Parkinson’s. signalling.
“In Parkinson’s disease, fewer dopamine cells are If successful, a therapeutic breakthrough
left behind to do the work of thousands of cells that can slow down neurodegeneration in
that died too early. This in turn stresses those Parkinson’s disease will change the lives of
remaining cells and gives them less energy to millions of people worldwide!
| 37PARKINSON’S
Brain x Body Fitness Studio
The Brain x Body Fitness Studio at Unley is the
first exercise physiology service of its kind to
focus on body and brain health through exercise
and encourage neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to
grow and change in response to physical and
mental activities throughout life. By consistently
challenging the brain with exercise and fresh
mental activities, the brain continues to
restructure, rewire and build new connections
– perfect for people with movement disorders
but also anyone advancing in age.
Run by our Parkinson’s team, it is particularly
useful for people with a neurodegenerative
disorder like Parkinson’s and those recovering
from stroke.
Want to become a member?
Call 0499 088 725 or visit www.bbfs.com.au
Good news! A new Brain x Body Fitness Studio
will be opening in Woodville in 2022!
38 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021PARKINSON’S
Brain and body fitness a game-changer
for Crows champion WATCH his
journey
Adelaide Crows inaugural Club Champion
Mark Mickan knows the benefits of regular WATCH
exercise. But when he was diagnosed with VIDEO
Parkinson’s in 2016, he struggled to find the
motivation to stay active.
That was until he found the Brain x Body
Fitness Studio at Unley.
“It’s really special coming here,
everything’s geared towards your
own situation. This place has been
a saviour, not only for myself but for
everyone else who comes here too.”
In the prime of his life
As a father-of-two and successful school
principal, Todd Murfitt was only 35 years
old when he was suddenly diagnosed
with Young Onset Parkinson’s (YOP).
With no known family history of the disease,
Todd had mistakenly attributed his initial
tremors to stress and drinking too much coffee.
“It's not easy to hear you've been diagnosed
with what is commonly perceived as an ‘old “An elderly person diagnosed with
person's disease’, especially when you're in the Parkinson's is in a very different stage of
prime of your life,” Todd said. life compared to a person living with YOP.
The YOP-X app, which brings all of this
There was a distinct lack of information
information together, will become a go-to
available for people with Young Onset
resource for people with YOP.”
Parkinson’s, so when Todd was asked to
participate in developing the world-first YOP-X Search YOP-X in your app store or visit
app, he knew it would be life-changing. www.YoungOnsetParkinsons.org.au
We’re proud to be providing support and information to people
living with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders, their carers,
family, community and health professionals through The Hospital
Research Foundation Group – Parkinson’s.
www.FightingParkinsons.org.au
a charity of THRF Group
| 39DEMENTIA
An estimated 472,000 people
live with dementia in Australia,
and a further 1.6 million
people care for someone with
the progressive condition.
Helping our loved
ones with dementia
While the fight for a cure continues, research focusing on the
prevention and care of people with dementia can also help
the many families dealing with this devastating disease.
Your impact in 2021:
Supported a state-wide screening clinic Planned the upgrade of the Whittaker
to allow South Australians at risk of dementia ward at Noarlunga Hospital
dementia more access to clinical trials to provide a more adaptable space
and early diagnosis which caters for the special needs of
people with dementia
Helped people who are newly diagnosed
with dementia to ‘take charge’ of Progressed the design of new trauma-
their condition, with evidence-based informed guidelines to improve care
interventions for the first few weeks and in hospitals for people with dementia,
months following diagnosis and also for reduce patient distress and prevent
the long-term challenging behaviours
Commenced a project to help older Continued an evidence-based ‘Eat
adults reduce their likelihood of getting Walk Engage’ program in hospitalised
dementia, including guidelines on sleep, elderly people to improve their health
diet and physical activity outcomes, particularly in regards to
delirium and functional decline.
Continued research into whether a
common heart disorder is associated with
a higher risk of dementia and whether
screening guidelines need to be adapted
Central, Northern
& Southern Adelaide
Local Health Networks
40 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021DEMENTIA
Can you prevent dementia?
Yes, according to the latest research!
“How people use their time (ie. sleeping,
sitting, being physically active) and what
they eat can increase or decrease their
future dementia risk,” Dr Ashleigh Smith said. Dr Smith and her team are co-developing
“Previously, these factors have been a ‘Your Best Day’ tool to be used by older
considered independently – but they adults and their primary care team to
are not independent. Instead, daily provide tailored, evidence-based and
activity and diet interact with each personalised dementia prevention advice.
other to influence dementia risk. Thank you for supporting this important tool!
New dementia screening
clinic improving care
Thanks to your support, a new state-wide screening
clinic is available for people to access the latest
dementia treatments and early interventions.
The SAHMRI-based clinic offers state-of-the-art
diagnostic scans, which can help detect people at risk
of Alzheimer’s 15 to 20 years before symptoms appear!
More than 100 people have already been screened
by the clinic, which is part of the national Australian
Dementia Network (ADNet).
THRF Group has provided a $106,000 grant to support
the clinic, where people undergo MRI and PET scans,
interviews, neuropsychological assessments, blood
collection and a discussion of personal results and a
potential referral to clinical trials.
Contact (08) 8128 4202 or
adnet@sahmri.com for more information.
| 41AGED CARE
With people living longer, our
quality of life
as we age has never
been more important.
Living your best
life as you age
Your support has been vital in helping fund
projects which enhance the physical, social and
mental health of older Australians and help reduce
their time spent in hospitals or care. Thank you!
Your impact in 2021:
Supported older people’s transition Improved aged care residents’ access to
from hospital to home through a trial rehabilitation following a hip fracture to
at the RAH which delivers person-centred improve their long-term outcomes
follow-up care after an unplanned
presentation or admission Investigated whether a Mediterranean diet
can have a positive impact on the health
Evaluated the care and services delivered of people in residential aged care
by ECH’s new short-stay and respite Care
Hotel to determine if it can prevent hospital Investigated the health economic
admissions and improve patient outcomes implications of aged care quality
and safety
Continued to evaluate the wellbeing of
people in aged care through the Registry Continued healthy ageing research
of Older South Australians (ROSA), and developed a frailty-risk index to
informing key policies within the Royal inform the equitable and effective
Aged Care Commission provision of health services.
Central & Southern
Adelaide Local
Health Networks
42 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021AGED CARE
ECH partnership focusing on healthy ageing
In 2021, we were proud to begin a partnership
with ECH to pioneer new technologies and
models of care for older Australians.
At the heart of this is the evaluation of ECH’s
new Care Hotel at College Grove, Walkerville
(pictured above), which provides a range of
options for short-term care and respite needs.
The Care Hotel, named Dandelion, is the
first of its kind in Australia and aims to change
the landscape of how people can be supported
as they age.
Providing a similar experience to a hotel stay,
it has been specifically designed to challenge
the current limitations in existing care models,
minimise hospital visits and to empower and
treat people as individuals.
Do you or a loved one live in an ECH community
or use their services? Contact us on (08) 8244
1100 or visit www.HospitalResearch.org.au to
find out ways you can support this work. THRF Group CEO Paul Flynn and ECH
CEO Dr David Panter
| 43DIABETES It is estimated
280 people
develop diabetes each day
in Australia, contributing
to one of the nation’s most
concerning health issues.
Reducing the
diabetes burden
With many serious health problems linked to diabetes, we are
committed to finding new ways to treat and prevent diabetes
and ultimately eliminate this disease from our community.
Your impact in 2021:
Continued making advancements in 3D Progressed insights into how ‘good
printing islet cells for transplant into people cholesterol’ or high-density lipoproteins
with severe Type 1 diabetes, to avoid the improved wound healing in diabetics
reliance on a deceased donor
Showed positive results in whether
Found a promising new target to promote bitter supplements can reduce people’s
blood vessel growth in people with diabetes appetites and become a therapy for Type 2
who are more prone to impaired wound diabetes and obesity
healing and amputations
Continued research into time restricted
Discovered how telehealth can improve eating (also known as intermittent fasting)
the treatment of chronic foot wounds for and whether it can prevent Type 2 diabetes
diabetics in rural and remote areas, to help
reduce the disproportionately higher rates Conducted important phenotyping
of amputation in these areas work and community engagement to
address diabetes inequality in Indigenous
Discovered that low-calorie sweeteners Australians
actually worsen blood glucose levels in
patients with Type 2 diabetes, rather than Continued studies into life-threatening
alleviate them diabetic ketoacidosis (when a person’s
blood sugar is very high and acidic
ketones build up to dangerous levels in
the body) for people undergoing surgery.
Central Adelaide
& Regional Local
Health Networks
44 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021DIABETES
Did you know?
Worldwide, a limb is amputated every
30 seconds because of diabetes.
This is a very scary statistic, but one PhD
student Emma Solly (right) hopes to fix by
finding new ways to help the body grow
new blood vessels – a process which is
often hampered in people with diabetes.
Thanks to your support, she is targeting a
microRNA called miR-181c that has shown
promise in regulating blood vessel growth
but has not yet been tested in diabetes.
Home Lottery boosts funds
to research and healthcare
Thank you to all our ticket buyers
in The Hospital Research Foundation
Home Lottery!
Proceeds from the Home Lottery go
directly to funding medical research
and improved healthcare initiatives
across all public hospitals and
communities in South Australia.
You can feel proud knowing your
support makes a huge impact to
the health and wellbeing of our
community. Thank you!
| 45KIDNEY DISEASE People with chronic
AND PANCREATITIS
kidney disease face many
life-long health battles.
Better treatments for kidney
disease and pancreatitis
Kidney disease can be caused by genetic factors or conditions
such as diabetes, pancreatitis and high blood pressure. Together
with your support, we can enable new and better treatments to
those suffering from these debilitating conditions.
Your impact in 2021:
Established a state-of-the-art Biospherix Investigated various diet recommendations
Chamber in Adelaide to enable faster and to improve the overall gut health in kidney
safer Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Auto transplant recipients and prevent diarrhoea
Transplantation (TP-IAT) procedures to cure immediately after transplant
people of debilitating pancreatitis
Finalised research into the prevalence of
Supported women with kidney disease to hereditary pancreatitis and its gene profile
overcome their challenges to become mothers and will use these insights to lobby for
TP-IAT to be added to the Medicare
Delivered key milestones in research which Benefits Schedule
aims to reduce the need for anti-rejection
medications for transplant patients Discovered people who are deficient in the
gene Nedd4-2 are more prone to kidney
Progressed ways to improve the dialysis disease particularly when their salt intake
experience for patients and support a is excessive.
sustainable renal nursing workforce
Central, Southern
& Regional Local
Health Networks
As part of THRF Group, Kidney, Transplant & Diabetes Research
Australia supports medical research aimed at developing new
therapies to enhance organ transplantation, treat diabetes and
kidney disease, and ultimately eliminate these diseases.
www.KidneyDiabetesResearch.org.au
a charity of THRF Group
46 | The Hospital Research Foundation Group Impact Report 2021You can also read
