FOGS Help With Fight on Melanoma

Once we were happy just to beat New South Wales, but now FOGS have another enemy in their sights – melanoma.

FOGS, in conjunction with the Mardi Jackson Foundation, have teamed up with the good sports at the PA Research Foundation to throw a hefty $70,000 at the cancer killing more Queenslanders than anywhere else in the country. The disease kills 1270 Australians a year.

The PA Research Foundation raises funds for research and equipment. Their money has contributed to valuable breakthroughs including Dr Ian Fraser’s cervical cancer vaccine and now they have targeted melanoma.

“We have been fund raising for a Vivascope – a piece of machinery that WILL save lives,” PA Research Foundation Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Allen said.

“This is a non-invasive imaging tool allowing doctors to see microscopic changes in skin tissue so they can detect early onset of melanomas as well as know the size, location and shape of the cancer cells.

“It will lead to improved patient outcomes via early, accurate detection and will also be able to detect microscopic changes in the skin tissue prior to clinical onset of melanoma symptoms.

“With so many projects needing our funding, combined with the tough economic climate of 2009, this donation can only be described as amazing. Everyone who has contributed in some way should know – they will have helped save lives.”

FOGS raised the funds in conjunction with the Mardi Jackson Foundation from their Annual FOGS Lunch over the past two years.

Melanoma is personal to these two organisations who have picked up this ball in the hope the score one day will be melanoma, zero.

“We established the Mardi Jackson Foundation after our daughter lost her life to melanoma,” Broncos Director Don Jackson said.

“Melanoma like any other cancer is a tragic waste of life and we must all be vigilant because it is despicably fast how a melanoma can go from something that can be removed to a situation that is dire – you just have to look at the statistics.”

“Whether you play sport professionally or for recreation, or simply go to the beach or park with your family – we are all at risk,” FOGS Executive Chairman Gene Miles said.

“Don’t waste time – if a mole or a spot looks suspicious see your family doctor – they won’t think it’s over reaction- they will respect you for being cautious.

“The earlier a melanoma is diagnosed the better the outcome and if we can help raise the awareness along with assisting medical research – then that’s a good day on the paddock.”

The Vivascope imager will be used by the Dermatology Research Centre at the PA Hospital.

The PA Research Foundation provides funding for the many projects based at the hospital – the state’s largest research campus.