The Rotary Club of Werribee has donated $25,000 towards the Victoria University Immunology and Translational Research Lab towards its cancer research from proceeds raised during the club’s annual charity golf day held in March.
More than 125 players from the club and local businesses took to the Werribee Park Golf Course as part of its annual charity golf day on Friday, March 10, with more than 140 then enjoying a formal lunch and presentation.
Victoria University Werribee campus lead medical research scientist Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos received the money during the club’s meeting on Tuesday, April 11.
“This is amazing and I thank Werribee Rotary and all sponsors involved to make the charity golf day a success,” she said.
“Improving and understanding markers expressed on cancer cells and the cancer micro-environment is important to develop more effective drugs and treatments against cancer, as well as be used as markers for prevention/early detection of cancer.
“We have identified several novel markers expressed by pre-cancerous cells and cancer cells.
“The funds will progress our research considerably which will be used to develop new therapeutics against cancer.”
Professor Apostolopoulos has been the driving force behind the creation of various vaccines and drugs to tackle a number of health issues, including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer, with her work also including research into other diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Club president Ian Hovey said the club was “proud” to donate funds to the cause.
“As a way of thanking the club, Professor Apostolopoulos will return on a regular basis to deliver a series of health-related talks which will include cancer, diabetes, MS and dementia,” he said.
