At the present time there is no blood test to detect early stage ovarian cancer and no
screening program.
The GO Research Fund is a registered charity and a sub-entity of the Royal Hospital for
Women Foundation Limited. We raise money for awareness, treatment, education and
research into gynaecological cancers.
Currently, GO Research Fund’s major allocation is its commitment to the Ovarian
Cancer Project, a collaboration between the Gynaecological Cancer Centre at the Royal
Hospital for Women and the Cancer Research Program at the Garvan Institute of Medical
Research. This brings together an internationally renowned treatment centre and an
internationally renowned research centre.
The major aim of our $1 million fundraising campaign is to develop a blood-based
screening test to diagnose ovarian cancer while it is still confined to the ovaries. The GO
Research Fund decided to formulate a plan to enable us to stay at the forefront of ovarian
cancer research. Hence the initiative to GO 4 One Million Dollars!
We are the only centre in Australia focusing on serous ovarian cancer which is the most
common ovarian cancer and the one with the worst prognosis.
Ovarian cancer is expected to increase by 23% within Australia by 2011.
The GO Research Fund is dependent on the generous donations from independent
sources to support the vital cancer research being undertaken.
History
The GO Research Fund began its journey in 1985 when the Benevolent Society of New
South Wales and the medical staff of the Royal Hospital for Women decided to establish
a multi-disciplinary Gynaecological Cancer Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women
in Paddington. They recruited an Australian, Professor Neville Hacker, Director of
Gynaecological Oncology at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), to head
the Centre, which opened in November 1986.
Since then “GO” has evolved and changed, but the original concept to prevent the
unnecessary deaths of Australian women is still of the highest priority.On Monday 5 May our Executive invited their corporate contacts and major donors to attend a Cocktail Party at the Garvan Institute to launch our GO 4One Million Dollar Campaign.
Campaign Launch
On Monday 5 May the GO Research Fund launched our “GO 4 One Million Dollars”
Campaign. The Executive invited their corporate partners and major donors to
attend a Cocktail Party at the Garven Institute for Medical Research.
It was a wonderful evening, a fantastic, supportive group, surrounded by masses of hot pink gerberas and all bathed in pink lighting, gathered in the impressive foyer at the Garvan.
Malcolm Turnbull proved yet again his support for us by launching the campaign with passion, illustrating his knowledge of “The Silent Killer and what we have already achieved.
Dr Phillipa O’Brien, who is head of the Research Department at the Garvan Institute, delivered an informative and absorbing update on our progress. Earlier in the evening some of the guests took advantage of a tour to observe the facilities at the Garvan, where Pip and the other researchers work, all very impressed.
Another highlight of the night was the two wonderful women, Daphne Sauvage and Veronica Mastellone who talked about what happened when they were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. How the experience affected them and how it changed their lives. It was most engaging to hear of the differences between each of their journeys. What a tremendous impact, both intellectually and emotionally this had on our captive audience.
One of the most surprising comments of the night was: “I thought a pap smear diagnosed ovarian cancer?” No, it does not. It seems that for many years women have been under this misconception.
We would like to thank those of you who have already donated very generously to this campaign.
Questions & Answers
Why is this campaign necessary?
The only way we can continue with the vital research into ovarian cancer (often called
“The Silent Killer”) is to raise substantial funding.
Why are you concentrating on ovarian cancer for this fundraising campaign?
Ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynaecological malignancy. A woman dies every 10 hours
from this disease. 850 women die of ovarian cancer every year in Australia.
What is the survival rate for women with ovarian cancer?
The 5 year survival for ovarian cancer is only 40% compared to a 5 year survival of 88% for breast
cancer. 80% of women with advanced disease will die within 5 years.
What is the reason for such a poor prognosis?
Because 70% of women are diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease.
How can I help to find a diagnostic blood test for ovarian cancer?
By making a pledge to contribute an amount of money to the fundraising campaign. It can be
in one payment by cheque, or credit card, or the payment can be spread over a two year period.
When do I make my first payment?
It will help the fundraising campaign if your first payment is received as soon as possible, but
any time during the two years is acceptable for the pledged amount.
Is my gift tax deductible?
All campaign donations are tax deductible. The GO Research Fund (a sub-entity of the
RHW Foundation) has DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.
Are costs being incurred in this campaign?
The GO Research Fund Executive is very mindful of the need to raise much-needed funding
for ovarian cancer research. A number of pro bono sponsors support much of the work involved
in this campaign. There are moderate printing and postage costs. Over 95% of funds raised will
directly benefit ovarian cancer research.
Are gift pledges binding?
Pledges are not legally binding, if donors’ circumstances change, then gifts may be varied.
Is there any other way I can help with your campaign?
Volunteering to serve on our fundraising committee and encouraging others to support
the campaign.
