ISSUE 4 - 2012

Guy Leech - Know Your Own Skin Ambassador

Partners ISSUE 4 - 2012

REAL OUTCOMES> Know Your Own Skin -

it could save your life> Great Brisbane Duck Race > Cornea Transplants -

restoring vision> How to stay healthy

over Christmas

CEO Message

Date claimers

BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER – Friday 15th March 2013Felicity’s Wish Foundation will be donating funds from their fourth Annual Cocktail Fundraising Party to help PA Hospital researchers in their search for better treatments and outcomes for women with breast cancer.

The Foundation was set up in honour of Felicity Purcell, who passed away from a rare form of cancer known as ER-, at the age of 33 in 2008.

To purchase your ticket and help support a great cause visit www.felicityswish.com.au

March 2013 COMMUNITY HEALTH FORUM - Tuesday, 12th March 2013 Russell Strong Auditorium, PA Hospital You’re invited to attend our FREE Community Health Forum on current research projects at the PA Hospital. Please join us for morning tea at 10am then hear about the amazing research being done at the PA starting at 10.30am.

To book a seat please call 3176 2359 or visit www.pafoundation.org

PA HIGH TEADuring the month of March the PA Hospital will be hosting its annual High Tea month to help raise funds for medical research.

If you would like to host a High Tea at your workplace, school or home please contact the PA Research Foundation for your Host Kit or visit www.pafoundation.org.au for more information.

This is an exciting time of the year for the Foundation. Not only are we preparing for the festive season, the entire team on the PA Campus is anxiously awaiting the announcement of our successful grant recipients. With over 100 applications received, the grants ensure that your support is dedicated to the projects that will provide the best outcomes for the health of the community. I look forward to announcing the successful projects early in the New Year.

I am always humbled by our dedicated researchers who often for-go so much to devote time to fi nding better health for all of us. Some of the work of last years grants recipients has already increased the availability of beds for the most critical of emergency patients, addressed weight gain issues for transplant patients and reduced the reliance on medication for heart failure patients.

Heart Disease continues to be one of the greatest health burdens, claiming one Australian life every 11 minutes. Our recent appeal asked for your urgent support to continue the incredible work of our researchers as we hope to raise $200,000 to help them move forward with their discoveries.

I sincerely appreciate the commitment our donors, corporate and community partners have made to enabling medical discoveries. We have all had someone close to us suffer from serious illness or life changing accident. Working together we can continue to provide better outcomes for those close to us. On behalf of our research team and the staff at the Foundation, I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Recent UpdatesNew Vaccine for Professor Ian FrazerCongratulations to Professor Ian Frazer and his team who are now a step closer to releasing a vaccine to treat Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common precursor to cervical cancer.

Professor Ian Frazer, who developed the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil, now hopes the Coridon vaccine will combat existing HPV infection and stop cancer onset. There is hope this new therapy can assist patients who have already contracted HPV.

Olympians inspire the Spinal Unit Australia’s Paralympic Rugby team made a special visit as part of their gold-winning victory tour to inspire PAH spinal injuries patients. Custom built rugby wheelchairs showing the scars of battle were brought along with four members of the Australian Olympic team and four members of the Queensland team.

Gold medalist and captain of the Queensland Wheelchair Rugby team, Ben Newton, was proud to show off the gold medal.

“We just want to show the patients that life doesn’t end with being in the rehab unit. They need to get stuck into something and not be scared,” he said. “There is a life out there - go for it!”

International Award for RadiologistRadiologist and Visiting Medical Offi cer at PAH and Mater Children’s Hospital, Dr John Earwaker, is the fi rst Australian ever to receive an international award from the International Skeletal Society.

The Medal is presented to persons who have provided outstanding support to the endeavours of the International Skeletal Society.

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Damian Topp

Looking after your eyesight

More than half of us will develop a sunspot that if left untreated will lead to some form of skin cancer. We should all get in the habit of checking our skin – and our family’s skin.

The “Know Your Own Skin” campaign encourages us all to take a good look at moles and spots on our bodies. The web site has simple tips www.knowyourownskin.com.au

Guy says these days most of us have smart phones– why not take a photo of a spot you think is a bit suspicious so you can track changes to show your doctor.

In fact the PA Research Foundation is helping to fund work into why some people get skin cancer from the sun and others do not. The research is hunting for the viruses behind nasty and life threatening skin cancer caused by the sun.

Ground breaking work by Professor Peter Soyer and his team will one day save lives – making it convenient and easy for Australians every where to “Know their Skin”.

Sun damage is cumulative and it can take years- even decades to appear. By being vigilant now – we can take immediate action in the case of melanoma – it really is a matter of life or death.

The PA Research Foundation has partnered with the ‘Know Your Own Skin’ campaign supported by LEO Pharma and was lucky enough to interview their ambassador Guy Leech to talk about looking after your skin this summer.

Guy is one of Australia’s most successful ironmen having started training for ironmen events at the age of 17 – that meant hours and hours in Australia’s harsh sun.

“The beach was my backyard so coming home with a red face and red skin was pretty normal, but I hated the way it felt so I knew it couldn’t be good for you,” Guy said.

“So I started to be more aware. ‘Slip, slop, slap’ was making inroads, but my biggest fear was sunscreen would make my hands slippery and it could jeopardise my chances in a race.

“Unfortunately because I wasn’t sun safe back then I have had three minor skin cancers removed in the last fi ve years which were clearly a sign of damage during those years.”

As the father of two girls, who also live outdoors most of the year, Guy is vigilant about their sun exposure and has insisted sunscreen is like brushing your teeth – it has to be used every day – and should become automatic in our lives.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world with more than 380,000 Australians treated for skin cancer every year. Skin cancer is our most common cancer with two in three of us diagnosed with a form of skin cancer before the age of 70.

Despite this only 3 in 10 Australians get their skin checked by a health professional annually.

Know Your Own Skin – it could save your life

The risk of most eye diseases increases with age - it is vital that you have regular eye tests. Make an appointment today with your general practitioner (GP) if you are worried about your eyesight.

Eye tests for women-• Women of any age should visit their GP if they are concerned

about their eyesight.• Women aged 50-65 years should have an eye test every two years.• Women aged over 65 years should have an eye test yearly.

Eye tests for men-• Men of all ages should visit their GP if they are concerned

about their eyesight.• Men aged 50-65 years should have an eye test every fi ve years.• Men aged over 65 years should have an eye test yearly.

A word on Glaucoma and CataractsGlaucoma - Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which can lead to blindness. Most types of glaucoma symptoms are rarely noticed until considerable damage has been done. For this reason - it is imperative to have regular eye checks.

Some people with glaucoma may notice the following symptoms: losing your place when reading; a feeling that your eyesight is not as good as it used to be; poorer night vision and clumsiness.

Risk factors for glaucoma -• Anyone aged over 40 • Diabetics • People with high blood pressure • Family history of glaucoma

Cataracts - Cataracts are the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataracts cause painless blurring of vision, making it diffi cult to see clearly over distances. Typically sufferers complain about diffi culty in reading, recognising faces and watching television. Cataracts develop as a normal part of the ageing process. They are most prevalent in people aged over 60 years.

Computer use and your eyesightWorking at a computer can increase your risk of eyestrain. Focusing your eyes at the same distance point for an extended period of time can cause eye fatigue.

If you are experiencing problems at your computer have a look at the distance you are sitting from your monitor. The ideal distance for the monitor is an arm’s distance away from you.

Guy Leech

A big thank you to everyone who supported “The Great Brisbane Duck Race 2012”.

The fundraiser was one of Queensland’s largest Family Fun days celebrating life and the fi ght against cancer, to raise $300,000 for cancer projects at the PA Hospital, home of the world’s fi rst cancer vaccine.

The winning duck on the day was #05617 belonging to Nick from Brisbane who bought a family of ducks online. Nick and his family are now the proud owners of a brand new car from Motorama who were the major sponsor of the event.

The Great Brisbane Duck Race 2013 will be held on Sunday 20th October - so mark this date in your calendar. We will keep you posted when ducks go on sale.

If you are interested in putting a team together for next year please contact the Foundation to register your interest.

More than 20 years of research is being put to the test by a group of medical researchers at the PA Hospital who are looking for a cure for a disease affecting around one in four Australians - a disease few want to talk about, but one with no cure.

Almost a quarter of the population suffer from Gastrointestinal Disorders, such as IBS, with one in two requiring medical treatment. While many affected have only mild symptoms, some suffer from debilitating symptoms.

Professor Gerald Holtmann, Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at the PA Hopsital, and his team are currently studying a potential infectious cause that could lead to a cure, after receiving funding from the PA Research Foundation.

“There are two questions we are looking at regarding IBS. Firstly, does how clean we live affect our tolerance to different bacteria’s? Or was there a childhood outbreak of gastro that triggered something in the body’s immune system that makes it more susceptible to IBS?” Professor Holtmann said.

“Approximately 25% of all sufferers have a history of an acute infection - they may have developed chronic diarrhoea following an overseas trip – recovered but then relapsed: the result severe IBS because the immune system has been compromised so there is now a signifi cant change in the immune function.

RESEARCHER Profi le Professor Gerald Holtmann

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Professor Gerald Holtmann

Tammy’s Story….For 25 years I had worked at the PA Hospital alongside some of the countries leading Professors, so I wasn’t immune to being at a hospital on a daily basis, but little did I know that I would become one of their patients after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would have breast cancer? I was worried but tried not to think of my mother who had passed away of cancer in 2007, only 8 weeks after being diagnosed.

As I lay in the doctor’s room alone, all I could think of were my two beautiful boys, my husband and my family. Everyone was in shock.

I discussed my options with the doctor and we agreed that a mastectomy of my right breast was the right way to go, which also meant that I would require chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

I had 6 cycles of chemo, 25 cycles of radiation; I lost my hair, cried for hours, hugged my family, kept up my strength, and made life long friendships. I have now returned to work at the hospital on a part time basis and with the love and support of my colleagues I get through each day, with a few breakdowns here and there.

DONOR StoryMy last mammogram and ultrasound were clear and I also had my follow up appointments in March with the Oncologist and the Surgeon. Finally, I felt like I had my life back.

Now it’s my turn to give back and try and help others who are battling this disease.

I was always interested in fundraising but now it’s my passion, and I have become a community fundraiser for the PA Research Foundation to help raise money for medical research.

If it wasn’t for the discoveries that have already been made I wouldn’t be alive today. I want to make sure that doctors continue to fi nd better treatments and hopefully a cure for cancer so that others don’t have to go through what I went through.

Every cent, every dollar makes a difference and helps save lives. If you want to be a community fundraiser for the PA Research Foundation please give them a call. It’s such a worthwhile cause and a great feeling knowing you can help bring researchto life and save lives.

Betty’s RecipeChristmas pudding recipe

Sieve the fl our, salt and spice. Add the sugar, breadcrumbs, butter and fruit. Mix well together. Beat the eggs and add as you do so. Then, add the ale and, if necessary, a little milk. The mixture should be fairly stiff. Put it into two small, or one large bowl, and cover with greased paper and a scolded fl oured cloth.

Steam for 6-7 hours. Take off the cloth and greased paper, and then cover with a clean cloth overnight before re-wrapping in fresh cloth for storage. When it’s time to enjoy, steam it for 1-2 hours - and then serve.

• 9 ozs self-raising fl our (250 grams)

• ½ gill ale (a gill is approximately 70ml). You can use Guinness as a substitute.

• 250g butter melted but cool

• 9 ozs sugar (250 grams)• 3 eggs• ½ teaspoon salt• 3 ozs bread crumbs (¾ cup) • 2 ½ lb mixed dried fruit

(10 cups)• ½ teaspoon mixed spice

How to stay healthy over Christmas...

One of the best things about Christmas is the mountains of gorgeous food that adorns our tables. Christmas is always a time where food and drink are plentiful. So how do you eat well and not over indulge on too many high calorie foods?

Below are a few tips to get you through the festive season without having to be the ‘silly season’.

• Eat breakfast on Christmas day as this will fi ll you up and you will be less likely to snack on Christmas choccies! Try poached eggs on wholegrain toast for a healthy start to Christmas day

• Serve Christmas lunch or dinner with salad and vegetables for a balanced meal. Half your plate should be made up of salad and veg!

• If you’re having sweet treats like sweets, cake and crisps, have them in smaller amounts. You don’t have to eat the whole cheesecake now ... there will always be cheesecakes in the world!

• During the party season, it’s easy to drink lots of sugary fi zzy drinks. Opt for water if you can or a diet soft drink.

• Avoid feeling uncomfortably full by eating more slowly. Always ask yourself ‘have I had enough’ before going back for more!

• Get active rather than slump on the sofa - take a brisk walk, play an indoor game or maybe just crank up the music and dance away those kilojoules!

Healthy tips with Dietician Jessica Abbott

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Tammy Lye-James

Jessica Abbott

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Please complete this form and post to PA Research Foundation Reply Paid 77401, Woolloongabba Q 4102 or fax (07) 3176 7303. Donate online www.pafoundation.org.au or phone (07) 3176 2359. Should you not wish to receive further updates from the Foundation please phone us on (07) 3176 2359.

Donation Form - Yes, I would like to support health research!

Cornea transplants restoring vision to PA patients

Over half of the Australian population has some form of visionimpairment. Eye problems are one of the most common healthissues experienced by many people regardless of age or gender.

Thanks to medical research doctors at the PA Hospital Eye Clinicare restoring the faith and the eyesight of hundreds of patientsevery year who previously thought their lives would be spent in darkness. Leading the way in the area of corneal transplants isOphthalmologist Dr Andrew Apel who performs the majority of procedures in Queensland and has also pioneered new surgicaltechniques to treat eye disease.

“Almost 450 corneal transplants are performed in Queenslandeach year. The success rate of this operation has risen dramatically because of technological advances, such as less irritating sutures,or threads, which are often fi ner than a human hair; and the surgicalmicroscope,” Dr Apel said.

Queensland Eye Bank, a Statewide service based at the PrincessAlexandra Hospital, facilitate a corneal donation service where over 580 corneal grafts are provided for Queensland and occasionallyinterstate patients. Approximately 90 of those corneas aretransplanted at the Princess Alexandra Hospital each year.

“The surgery involves replacing the clear, dome- shaped surfaceon the front of the eye and are generally performed either to improve vision, to preserve the eye through reconstructing the cornea or totreat painful diseases or trauma,” Dr Apel said.

“Thanks to research corneal transplantation has restored sight to many, who a generation ago would have been blinded permanently by corneal injury, infection, or inherited cornealdisease or degeneration.”

Craig Wicker knows very well the trauma of almost losingof his eyesight. “Sight is one of the things we take for granted. It’s only when you lose it that you appreciate just how precious it is,” Craig said.

At the age of 47, Craig’s eyesight was deteriorating rapidly. He could barely see with his left eye and his right eye was only slightly better. His GP referred Craig to the PA Hospital Eye Clinic where he met with Dr Apel.

It was soon discovered that Craig had two different conditions.

The fi rst, Keratoconus, is a weakness in the corneas at the front of the eye that leads to blurred vision. The other is ‘Fuchs’, which occurs in a very thin portion of the cornea responsible for maintaining its transparency. The specialised cells of this corneal layer are damaged and need replacing.

A technique, pioneered in Australia by Dr Apel called a DMEK (Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty) replaces these specialised cells on the back-side of the cornea. Through this technique Craig has improved his vision to within driving limits in less than a month. He has also been booked for a full-thickness transplant of the cornea in the other eye, which will treat the keratoconus.

“A special gift was given to me on that day and that gift was from a corneal donor. They gave me an opportunity to have a better quality of life.” Craig said.

Dr Apel and his team are now researching new ways to use the cornea more effectively by doing a ‘split cornea’ transplant; where the front half will go to one patient, and the back to another.

“By being able to use the entire cornea we will be able to help restore sight to many more patients and help reduce the waiting lists for corneal transplants,” Dr Apel said.

“It’s never been done before so once again we are at the forefront of eye disease research with new techniques that will benefi t those whose eyesight is failing.”

VING DONOR

It’s been said that the eyes are the windows of the soul and you can tell a lot about a person just by looking into their eyes. But for many who suffer from a corneal disease, looking out of their optical portal isn’t such a beautiful sight.