There are more than 200 cancer types that can affect humans and Cure Cancer are determined to find a cure for all them. We know research is the key to a cure. But research can’t happen without you.
The Collaboration program is Cure Cancer’s exclusive alliance of like-minded philanthropists who invest a minimum annual donation of $1,000 to support the brightest early-career cancer researchers. Regular donations provide a crucial level of support to cancer research, as it gives the ability to predict revenue, plan strategically and fund the best research throughout the year.
Members work in partnership with other dedicated individuals who are passionate about supporting ground-breaking, innovative ideas in the shared belief that this is the key to curing cancer.
Hear from Max Gosling and Steve Weston about why they continue to support innovative cancer research through The Collaboration.
Max’s Story
With a career spanning over 30 years and living in numerous cities such as Sydney, London and Tokyo, Max Gosling has seen the different ways that businesses can give back to the community.
As a former Chairman for multiple organisations, including Cure Cancer from 2006 to 2016, his philosophy as a businessman (and as a grandfather) is that ‘the less fortunate in society should be supported. We should be expected to make a contribution, to help.’
During his career, Max remained committed to introducing charities to businesses for corporate support. Since retiring, he has made a personal pledge to support several different charities financially, ‘I regard this support as part of my responsibility in society.’
His introduction to Cure Cancer in the 1980s came through the suggestion of a close friend, beginning a lifelong association to a charity specialising in a topic close to his heart: cancer..
‘I had prostate cancer about 14 years ago and had to have a radical robotic prostatectomy. To date, there has no been recurrence,’ he says.
‘My mother also died from pancreatic cancer, a form of cancer with a low recovery rate. What’s changed in cancer research since I was kid is the tremendous increase in the survival rate across so many cancer types. People recover today from aspects of many cancers that would have been a death sentence 30 years ago.’
For Max, funding is the obvious and only way for research to continue. ‘Cancer research has a history of success. We need to reinforce the importance of continuing funding research because every dollar makes a difference. I know that research is vital to improving the recovery rate of cancer. The Government cannot fund to the level needed and we need more people committed to this research sector. I wish more people knew about the talented alumni of Cure Cancer and the astounding successes they have achieved.’
Nearly forty years on, Max remains committed to supporting Cure Cancer and its innovative researchers for numerous reasons. ‘Cure Cancer focuses on all cancer types, not just one and their grant recipients are able to experience a high-calibre of scientific collaboration,’ he says. ‘I would like to help fund medical research and make cancer a manageable disease, with a higher recovery rate for all cancers. It’s important to me to support the new ideas of young cancer researchers at the beginning of their research careers.’
Steve’s Story
'Just over a decade ago, I lost my best mate after a short battle with leukaemia,' explains Steve Weston, CEO of Volt Bank and a passionate Cure Cancer supporter. 'Having to deliver his eulogy whilst his two young sons sat in front of me was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It stays with me to this day.'
It is this firsthand experience that drives Steve to support cancer research as a member of Cure Cancer's Collaboration program. 'A cancer diagnosis is not always the death sentence that it once was, and many more people these days have hope of recovery thanks to the dedication of researchers finding cures and treatments,' he says.
'That said, we still have a long way to go. We need to continue to support research for early diagnosis and cures. Without the support of Cure Cancer, many very worthy researchers would not be able to access the funding they need to do their amazing work.’
‘People will often have charities they support but if they are looking for one that will benefit millions of people around the world, then Cure Cancer should be high on their consideration list.’
Steve's annual commitment to The Collaboration is part of his belief that philanthropy is an essential part of building strong communities. 'I believe in helping others to live better lives - that’s what the Volt business is all about. Just because you are a for-profit bank doesn't mean you can't also do the right thing and help people. To give back to society is an important aspiration of mine.'
If Steve could say one thing to our dedicated scientists? 'The only thing to say is a sincere thank you! We are all so grateful that you selflessly dedicate so much of your lives to researching for the benefit of all of us. Don't give up - we are behind you!’
JOIN THE COLLABORATION
Thank you to Max and Steve for sharing their stories and giving us an insight into why being a part of Cure Cancer’s Collaboration is so important to them.
Join The Collaboration today by investing a minimum annual donation of $1,000 to support innovative cancer researchers. Together, let’s help Cure Cancer in their mission to make this the generation to die from cancer.
Join The Collaboration