You have returned to the top of the page.
TOWARDS
ZERO
May 2025
T-CELLS TO TREAT BREAST CANCER
USING T-CELLS TO TACKLE TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER
Professor Laura Mackay, NBCF-funded researcher, is determined to improve outcomes for people living with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). With the help of her team, she is pioneering new ways to use immunotherapy to treat breast cancer – using powerful cells called T-Cells.
Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight off infections and diseases. And while it has been successful in treating some cancers, it’s yet to be effective against breast cancer.
But Professor Mackay and her team have discovered that people diagnosed with TNBC who have a higher number of a particular type of immune cell have a better chance of recovery.
This cell is called a tissue resident memory T-Cell. Its role is to identify and kill tumours. By learning more about these cells and how they work, Professor Mackay and her team hope to develop a new immunotherapy treatment that focuses on increasing their number and making them more effective in fighting breast cancer.
If successful, this treatment could provide new options for people with hard-to-treat cancers like TNBC and help them avoid the severe side effects of chemotherapy. It has the potential to transform the lives of people diagnosed with TNBC and their families – and give them hope for the future.
Your generosity and support make groundbreaking research like this possible. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to helping us improve the lives of those affected by breast cancer. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for making a lasting impact on the lives of so many.
THE PINK MO BRO
GO PINK is back for 2025! GO PINK brings the community together each June to make a proud pink pledge and raise funds for world-class breast cancer research. Whether you pledge to Wear it, Colour it or Shave it – make it pink!
Benjamin has been a dedicated fundraiser for the past four years, proudly colouring his hair and moustache pink. Known as the Pink Mo Bro, Benjamin's vibrant look sparks conversations and raises awareness for the 58 people in Australia diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
“I’m known as the Pink Mo Bro, I get plenty of looks and comments but it’s something that I will never stop doing. It makes people stop and talk about it. Whether they are young or old, it gets the conversation started and if it helps just one person get themselves checked for breast cancer, then I know what I’m doing is working.”
The generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our fundraisers make a significant impact. Your continued support means the world to us. Thank you for supporting our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
To find out more about GO PINK, please visit: fundraise.nbcf.org.au/event/go-pink.
BEHIND THE LENS
In late March, corporate partners, donors, and supporters of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) in Western Australia and Queensland had the exclusive opportunity to attend a behind-the-scenes lab tour to see firsthand the impact of their generous donations.
The tours began at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Perth, where guests were welcomed by Associate Professor Cleola Anderiesz, CEO of NBCF, who was joined by Associate Professor Pilar Blancafort, NBCF-funded researcher, and her team. Associate Professor Blancafort shared an update on her research project which explores novel treatments for aggressive breast cancers followed by a guided tour of their lab.
The following week Associate Professor Joy Wolfram, NBCF-funded researcher and her team from the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Brisbane, explained how small molecular messages secreted by triple negative breast cancer cells help these breast cancer cells avoid detection and destruction by the immune system allowing cancer cells to survive and spread to other organs in the body. This was followed by a guided tour of the Translational Research Institute (TRI).
These inspiring lab tours offer valuable insights into how the essential funds from our supporters are utilised, helping us strive towards our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
CELEBRATING MOTHERS
This May, the NBCF team would like to honour the incredible strength, love, and resilience of all mothers. Being a mother holds a unique meaning for each of us.
Meet Isla. In August 2023, her life changed forever. At 32 weeks pregnant, Isla was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“On October 8, I completed my last targeted therapy treatment, filled with gratitude for my medical team and the precious memories I can now create with my family.”
Throughout this journey, the unwavering support of her mother was a constant source of strength.
“To my beautiful mum, thank you for your incredible support during one of the most challenging times in our life. I am honoured to be your daughter.”
As we reflect on Mother’s Day, let’s honour the critical need for ongoing support and breast cancer research. Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums and mother figures in our lives and thank you for being a part of the vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
OPS SCREENING AND CRUSHING EQUIPMENT
OPS Screening and Crushing Equipment is a leading name in mineral processing and handling equipment solutions in Australia and was proud to announce its partnership with NBCF in 2024, with a goal of helping to contribute to life-saving breast cancer research.
As part of this partnership, OPS purchased a @Finlay 883+ Screening Machine, proudly painted it pink, and created a dedicated fundraising initiative to help raise funds for breast cancer research.
OPS recently visited the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research to witness the cutting-edge projects that NBCF funds. OPS presented NBCF with a cheque for $76,850 raised through the charity machine project. This achievement reflects the collective effort of the OPS Group Team, who have an unwavering commitment to NBCF's vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
“When people from around the world collaborate for the right cause, we can do extraordinary things,” OPS stated. “It’s this belief that drove this project, with people from all walks of life uniting for a common purpose.”
OPS Screening and Crushing’s bold initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships to effect meaningful change. Together with NBCF, they strive to transform lives and build a future with Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
SHOP PINK
This Mother’s Day, give a gift that gives back by shopping pink with our Corporate Partners. Each purchase helps to raise funds for vital breast cancer research.
