Kicking goals in the fight against prostate cancer
Peter Hudson AM, Ted Whitten Jnr and Professor Gail Risbridger.
The E.J. Whitten Foundation has announced its largest ever donation of $550,000 to fund a five-year clinical research program on prostate cancer at the Monash.
The unique program will connect trainee urologists with world-leading researchers to enhance shared knowledge of prostate cancer through innovative research programs.
Legendary footballer, member of the Monash University Medical Foundation Board and honorary fellow of the University, Peter Hudson AM, who has long championed the University's prostate cancer research program, helped facilitate the donation.
“As prominent people in the AFL community were diagnosed with prostate cancer, Monash University’s work, and my involvement, became even more meaningful," Mr Hudson said.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that there is going to be a relationship between the University’s prostate cancer research program and the E.J. Whitten Foundation. I felt that both organisations had so much in common that the relationship really made sense."
Ted Whitten, CEO of the EJ Whitten Foundation said the work at Monash fits well with the Foundation’s vision and mission.
"The E.J. Whitten Foundation is delighted to have the opportunity to fund the first clinical prostate cancer research program of its type in Australia at Monash University," Mr Whitten said.
"As a leading men’s health foundation dedicated to prostate cancer research and awareness, we hope that the five-year funding grant can uncover groundbreaking research, resulting in a cure being found for prostate cancer."
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash, Professor Christina Mitchell, thanked the E.J. Whitten Foundation for their philanthropy.
“We are very grateful to the leadership of the E.J. Whitten Foundation for making our plans a reality. The program will undoubtedly lead to breakthroughs in prostate cancer research, particularly research about advanced cancer,” Professor Mitchell said.
World-renowned prostate cancer researcher Professor Gail Risbridger and leading urologist Associate Professor Mark Frydenberg will lead the Monash program.