You have returned to the top of the page.
TOWARDS
ZERO
REVEALING NEW GENETIC TARGETS FOR RNA THERAPEUTICS IN THE BATTLE AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Associate Professor Juliet French became a scientist because of her love for biology. And she is still blown away by the complexity of our DNA. Working as a NBCF-funded researcher, Associate Professor Juliet French heads her own research group which focuses on discovering novel genes that drive the development of breast cancer with the aim to identify new therapeutic opportunities.
Using genetic evidence from 200,000 breast cancer survivors and healthy controls, Associate Professor French and her colleagues discovered 850 new potential breast cancer risk genes. These genes belong to an under-studied class of genes, called long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that produce RNA messages that act to fine tune cell activities.
Associate Professor French will now use sophisticated large-scale laboratory tests to narrow these 850 new candidates down to a few genes responsible for breast cancer and with the potential to be used as targets for RNA therapeutics.
RNA therapeutics is a rapidly emerging field of biotherapeutics that is cost effective, and simple to develop and manufacture. What makes this research exciting is its potential to use RNA-based therapeutics for tailoring treatments, ensuring benefits across all subtypes of breast cancer. This research is expected to have profound implications for the 3,200 Australians who lose their lives to breast cancer each year.
Associate Professor French’s dedication to breast cancer prevention and treatment, supported by two previous NBCF Fellowships from generous donors like you, is driving her towards her greatest achievement and moving us closer to our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Her discoveries, enthusiasm and commitment inspire confidence that breakthroughs in RNA-therapeutics could change the face of breast cancer treatment.
With determination, Associate Professor Juliet French and her team are paving the way for a brighter future for those affected by breast cancer.
NBCF-funded researcher
“I’ve discovered several new breast cancer risk genes, some which are now being pursued for new therapeutic development. I think the research I am doing now will be my greatest achievement. I'm very excited for what is to come.”
- NBCF-funded researcher,
Associate Professor Juliet French
THE THREE SISTERS UNWAVERING LEGACY
“We three sisters are survivors of breast cancer, but we lost our beautiful mum Margaret to the disease in 2022. Mum cared passionately about giving back to her community and so do we. Adding a gift to NBCF in your Will to support research gives us hope that no one else in our family will go through this.”
- Julia, Di and Kathy
Over one in three Australians have considered the powerful act of adding a gift to charity in their Will. Such an incredible gesture could make a life-changing impact on research and ensure your legacy lives on. With Include a Charity Week having run from 4–10 September, the spotlight shone on the heartfelt decision made by three courageous sisters – Julia, Di, and Kathy.
These three sisters share a remarkable journey as breast cancer survivors, but their hearts bore the weight of losing their beloved mother, Margaret, to
the disease in 2022. Inspired by Margaret’s unwavering dedication to community service, the sisters sought to continue her legacy by adding a gift to NBCF in their Wills.
Include a Charity Week is a poignant reminder for those considering adding a gift in their Will to start an open, heartfelt conversation with family and solicitors, ensuring their wishes are honoured and their gift of hope stands to testament.
We are so grateful to those who have already decided to leave a gift to NBCF in their Will. Your kindness gives hope to thousands of Australians affected by breast cancer and their families – and will propel us towards our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
If you wish to become a Research Guardian and add a lasting legacy, or if you simply want to know more about adding a gift in your Will, please contact Diana Morison on 02 8098 4848 or email diana.morison@nbcf.org.au
GILDAN’S STEPPING UP IN STYLE
The Australian team at Gildan Brands Australia are stepping up their commitment to breast cancer research well – with some ambitious fundraising initiatives.
For Gildan Brands Australia, breast cancer is personal. After several team members were impacted by breast cancer, the company recently decided to give something back and partner with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Gildan Brands Australia are supporting NBCF by providing gift in kind merchandise to be used across the NBCF merchandise store. Gildan Brands will continue this support throughout October, by running a Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign and donating a percentage of every order to NBCF. It doesn’t end here, with the team at Gildan Brands Australia taking to the streets and within their warehouse to Step-Up to Breast Cancer this August. The team is eager to raise additional funds for NBCF by having a collective goal of 10 million steps for the month.
Thank you to Gildan Brands Australia for your commitment to supporting NBCF and raising much-needed funds for breast cancer research!
“Breast cancer does not discriminate. It can and does affect all of us in some way. An individual can be powerful, but the power of a team is.”
- Gildan Brands Australia
TREKKING TOWARDS ZERO DEATHS: TUSCANY 2024
Limited spots are available so reach out to the amazing team
at Inspired Adventures to learn more about NBCF’s Trek towards Zero Deaths, Tuscany 2024, here inspiredadventures.com.au/event/nbcf-tuscany-2024. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team.
Together, we can make
a difference!
The NBCF Tuscany Trek 2024 is now open for registrations, and we would love for you to join us as we walk 100km across the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany for our Trek Toward Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Walking over 100 kilometres in five days along the famous Via Francigena, you’ll pass through Tuscany’s breath-taking scenery. Soak up Italy’s rich culture as you walk along cobbled streets and through historic villages. The trek will see you cover the distance of over two marathons in five days and create friendships to last a lifetime.
Join Caroline, a remarkable and inspiring woman, who faced setbacks when her 2020 Tuscany trek was cancelled, followed by an overwhelming breast cancer diagnosis in 2022. Yet, her determination shines through as she jumped at the chance to take part in the Tuscany Trek in 2024. “Having now experienced breast cancer myself, this has brought the purpose of the trek even closer to my heart.”
For Caroline, the trek’s fundraising aspect holds profound meaning as she believes that the research being done and the treatments available now are truly life-changing. Having benefited from cutting-edge treatments herself, she understands the importance of world-class research and how it can impact countless lives.
Caroline is so excited to embark on the trek that she has roped in her high school friend to share in the adventure and is looking forward to experiencing the Tuscan scenery, culture, and the food.
GIVING BACK – THE PROFESSIONALS WAY
Professionals Real Estate has been supporting NBCF for 19 years, working together across the country to raise much-needed funds for breast cancer research.
As a diamond partner, Professionals Real Estate is committed to helping achieve Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Their motivation to support breast cancer research comes from their strong community focus and a belief in doing their bit to support others. Each office hosts their own fundraising throughout the year, choosing which events and challenges to participate in.
Over the last 19 years, the Professionals team have supported NBCF through a wide range of activities, from turning their offices pink every October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to hosting Pink Ribbon Breakfasts and participating in challenges including the Step-Up to Breast Cancer Challenge. And if that wasn’t enough, Professionals also donate a portion of their property sales to breast cancer research.
We want to say a huge thank you to Professionals Real Estate for your continued support and tireless fundraising efforts over the years. You’re helping us change lives by powering world-class research to bring us closer to Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
“We take our social responsibilities within the community very seriously, and we are proud to have worked closely with NBCF for 19 years, helping raise much-needed funds for breast cancer research.”
- Professionals Real Estate
GUIDING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WITH COURAGE
Diagnosed with ER+ (estrogen receptor positive) breast cancer on the day her first grandchild was due to be born, Sheila’s path was unexpectedly altered. Like many, her journey stands as a testament to the power of the human spirit.
Despite the challenges, Sheila broke her silence, shared her journey, and began raising breast cancer awareness, including hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast event for breast cancer research. Her event united her community. “We raised $14,000,” she proudly shares.
Sheila’s story is inspiring for her community, to speak up and break the silence about breast cancer. Breast cancer, Australia’s second most diagnosed cancer, with over 20,000 people diagnosed annually. Sadly, nine lives are lost each day, a stark reminder that every loss is one too many. Increased funding means we can fund more breast cancer research that helps save lives and enables more precious moments with loved ones.
This October let’s come together and unite with Sheila in raising funds for world-class research to end deaths from breast cancer. With supporters and fundraisers like Sheila and you, we inch closer to our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Every research discovery, every contribution, every voice, makes a difference. Join us this Breast Cancer Awareness Month and help pave a brighter future for those impacted by breast cancer.
