Australia’s largest melanoma campaign returns to physical events after a two year COVID-induced hiatus
Communities across the country urged to turn out in force and join their local Melanoma March to help recoup a $1.5 million shortfall in funding for melanoma research
Not-for-profit organisation Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) is calling on all Australians to join its Melanoma March campaign to raise awareness and funds to combat one of Australia’s biggest killers.
This year is the 11th anniversary of the national Melanoma March fundraising campaign, which is needing to raise $1 million to support a world-first personalised immunotherapy clinical trial for advanced melanoma patients.
Currently, 50% of advanced melanoma patients don’t respond to, or develop resistance to the immunotherapy treatment which saves others. The clinical trial is to test a Personalised Immunotherapy Platform designed to ensure these patients get effective treatment the first time, based on their own genetics and tumour biology.
COVID saw the cancellation of the traditional family-friendly physical Melanoma March events for last two years, resulting in a $1.5million shortfall in funding and making this year’s campaign more important than ever.
‘We are looking forward to welcoming our much loved community back to local Melanoma March events around the country,’ said MIA CEO Matthew Browne. ‘Not only did the COVID cancellations mean we couldn’t gather to support each other and remember loved ones, but we also were left with a $1.5 million fundraising shortfall.
‘So this year’s campaign is critical to ensure the world-first personalised immunotherapy clinical trial can get underway, which has the potential to transform cancer treatment globally.’
Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One person is diagnosed every 30 minutes and one Australian dies from melanoma every 6 hours. It is the most common cancer affecting 20-39 year old Australians.
Melanoma March events are being held in every state and territory throughout the month of March, all organised by volunteer committees who are dedicated to raising funds to help save lives from melanoma. Those who can’t attend a physical event are encouraged to March Your Way and support the campaign by getting active with a group of friends or individually.
‘I am confident our communities from across Australia will step up and support this year’s Melanoma March campaign,’ added Mr Browne.
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