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YOU’RE HELPING TO FUND GAME-CHANGING CAREERS IN RESEARCH
As a researcher Associate Professor Samantha Oakes has made life-changing breakthroughs in breast cancer research. Read more about her journey from the lab to becoming Director of Research Investment at NBCF.
When she was only a little girl, Associate Professor Oakes witnessed first-hand the effects of breast cancer when her aunty was diagnosed and sadly passed away from the disease. At the time very little was known about the disease and this experience has influenced Associate Professor Oakes’ direction and has led her to dedicate her entire career to learning as much as she can about breast cancer.
She spent her early years of research studying the breast, its glands, tissues and development. During her PhD thesis, she discovered that prolactin, a pituitary hormone, is crucial in the growth and development of triple negative breast cancer at its very early stages.
Associate Professor Oakes then focused on building her understanding on what helps breast cancer cells survive in the body. She showed that using new therapies called BH3 mimetics, triple negative breast cancers cells could be sensitised and killed by routine chemotherapy. Now, these drugs are being investigated in combination with standard of care in clinical trials for advanced breast cancer and potentially hold promise for the treatment of other types of cancers as well.
During the course of her 20 year research career, Associate Professor Oakes was awarded funding from NBCF and can speak first-hand about the difficulties researchers face in securing funding early in their careers, and beyond.
“As an early-mid career scientist, it’s incredibly difficult to secure funding. It’s a rigorous and extremely competitive process and there is only a small amount of funding to go around. Sadly I’ve seen many brilliant minds leave the field and that means we can’t make discoveries as quickly for those who need it most.
“I am so thankful to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for recognising the funding gaps that exist and providing grants that help so many researchers like me continue our important work. I’m even more grateful to the wonderful supporters who understand the power of research. Breast cancer research funding has enduring outcomes, not just at the end of the grant, but many years into the future.”
Today, Associate Professor Oakes has moved her passion to the other side of the desk, joining the NBCF team in 2021 in the role of Director of Research Investment, where she continues to dedicate her career to have a positive impact on breast cancer research. Only now it’s about driving new strategies and innovation to continue funding more game-changing research that can deliver the maximum impact for the community we serve.
NBCF-funded researcher
"We should never be afraid of the unknown, we should always innovate and push the boundaries of what we can achieve. I hope we can fund the very best research into the future and get closer to ending deaths from breast cancer."
- Associate Professor Samantha Oakes,
NBCF's Director of Research Investment
17 YEARS OF A PROFESSIONALS PARTNERSHIP
RAISING $4 MILLION!
Professionals Real Estate are a pro-people, pro-support, and pro-results business – which is why they they are proud to support breast cancer research.
Professionals Real Estate have been providing real estate services with a difference since 1976. The team believe in empowering and supporting each other across all 170 Australian offices – and that starts with a strong commitment to social responsibility.
Many in the Professionals community have been touched by breast cancer in some way. So the real estate giant’s 17-year partnership with NBCF is close to the team’s heart.
Every October, Professionals offices go all-out to raise funds within their community, hosting breakfasts, movie nights, barefoot bowls, morning teas and more. Even the entire Professionals website turns pink for the month.
Year-round, Professionals offices donate a portion of the commission from each property sale to NBCF. Today they’re an NBCF Diamond Partner and this year they’re celebrating an incredible milestone – having raised $4 million for game-changing breast cancer research.
We’d like to wholeheartedly thank Professionals for their vital and loyal support, their generosity fuels life-changing research and brings us closer to Zero Deaths from breast cancer by 2030.
LSKD’s PINK PRODUCTS ARE FUELING HOPE
LSKD is a function sportswear brand with a street aesthetic that believes in making a difference. Since starting their business in 2007, they’ve fostered a community united by a love of sport, fitness and adventure. Breast cancer has affected many of LSKD’s community members and loved ones - so the brand decided to launch an NBCF line of sportswear to help show support and raise awareness about the disease.
The 23 item collection is full of cosy pink hoodies, tees, and hot pink active sets, and 5% of its sales are donated to NBCF, helping to fund life-changing breast cancer research. Today they dub it their breast release ever.
We’d like to thank LSKD for their support. Thanks to partnerships like theirs tomorrow is brighter for all Australians impacted by breast cancer.
"The relationship we have with the National Breast Cancer Foundation is one we hold close to our hearts. We appreciate all the support everyone shows towards this fantastic cause and we look forward to working with them in the future."
– LSKD, NBCF Corporate Partner
HAYLEY’S PINK PLEDGE
Everyone is inspired to make a pink pledge for different reasons. Hayley made hers for her family, and many others like hers.
Breast cancer has entered Hayley’s life multiple times. Sadly, her mother Michelle was diagnosed with the disease twice before passing away at age 58.
In 2016, her sister Sarah was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Recently Sarah underwent her five-year check-up and is cancer free – news that Hayley is incredibly grateful for.
Hayley, her mum and her sister all tested positive to a BRCA1 gene mutation – mutations in this gene increases a person’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Because Hayley is aware of her risks, she has taken a number of preventative measures including a double mastecotomy and continues to have regular check-ups.
Hayley made her pink pledge by shaving her hair to help fuel research for more early detection, prevention and treatment options to make the future brighter for families like hers.
June is just around the corner and it's nearly time to GO PINK. Will you pledge to raise funds for game-changing breast cancer research like Hayley?
Make a pledge to Wear it, Shave it, or Colour it – the choice is yours in how you GO PINK. But the outcome is the same – you’ll be helping to fund breast cancer research that ultimately saves lives. To register visit fundraise.nbcf.org.au/event/go-pink
“Without research, our family would not have known about the BRCA1 gene mutation and our increased risk of developing breast cancer. I am so grateful for the preventative measures I have been able to receive. I think about passing the gene mutation onto my son, but with ongoing research I feel optimistic for his future.”
- Hayley, GO PINK participant
