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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.
ELENA’S TRIBUTE TO HER FATHER
Elena shares the heartfelt story of why her family chose to honour their beloved father, Peter, by requesting donations to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) in lieu of flowers.
“Our father passed away peacefully at the age of 86 from natural causes. He was a man deeply committed to giving back to the community and supporting causes that were close to his heart. To honour his memory, we asked family and friends to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, as his daughter and two of his nieces are breast cancer survivors,” Elena explains.
Peter's legacy of generosity and compassion lives on through the contributions made in his name. By choosing to support NBCF, Elena and her family are not only honouring Peter's memory but also helping to change the future for people affected by breast cancer and their loved ones and we are so grateful for this support.
Your donations make a significant impact. Each contribution helps fund vital, world-class breast cancer research. By honouring your loved ones through donations to research, you make a real difference in the lives of countless families in Australia who are affected by breast cancer.
You too can honour the memory of your loved one, just as Peter’s family has, through our In Memory Program. Together, we are making progress 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.
YOUR IMPACT, YOUR STORIES
“I support NBCF as I want Zero Deaths from breast cancer! I have had two dear friends die from breast cancer. I look forward to a time when my daughters and grandchildren do not fear this disease. I am encouraged by the advanced medical research being done across the globe.”
- Judy, South Australia
“I am a nurse and midwife and a woman. I care for women. I have cared for women receiving treatment as well as those dying with breast cancer. I have met women who are dying and leaving young children. I have friends, colleagues and relatives who have had breast cancer. Waiting for it to return is scary. Women however are living longer and there are so many new treatments it is amazing. Research efforts are amazing as are breast care nurses.”
- Katrina, Tasmania
Your dedicated support and your shared connection with breast cancer is what inspires us and drives our progress towards our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Thank you for your feedback on our recent supporter survey and for being part of our community.
"I am a nurse and midwife and a woman. I care for women. I have cared for women receiving treatment as well as those dying with breast cancer. I have met women who are dying and leaving young children. I have friends, colleagues and relatives who have had breast cancer. Waiting for it to return is scary. Women however are living longer and there are so many new treatments it is amazing. Research efforts are amazing as are breast care nurses." – Katrina, TAS
"I support NBCF as I want Zero Deaths from breast cancer! I have had two dear friends die from breast cancer. I look forward to a time when my daughters and grandchildren do not fear this disease. I am encouraged by the advanced medical research being done across the globe." – Judy, SA
Your contributions, as shared in our annual supporter survey, make a significant impact. Together, we move closer to our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. Thank you.
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.
