Welcome to the White Pearl Foundation
5th Annual Breakfast for Brain Cancer
We would like to thank each and every one of you for joining us at the fundraising brunch in support of The Brain Cancer Group's research program.
ABOUT THE WHITE PEARL FOUNDATION
In August 2012, our beloved mother and grandmother Christina Peponis, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and referred to Dr Raymond Cook, neurosurgeon, at Sydney’s North Shore Private Hospital. There we soon met the other members of her medical "dream team" - medical oncologist Dr Helen Wheeler, radiation oncologist Associate Professor Michael Back and Neuro Cancer Care Co-ordinator - and now Nurse Practitioner - Marina Kastelan.
Following world-class surgery by Dr Cook and his surgical team, we received confirmation that the tumour, a glioblastoma multiforme, is the most common form of adult brain cancer and the most fatal, with an almost 100% fatality rate.
Together with the highly competent nursing staff on Level 3 North of North Shore Private Hospital, her medical team provided exceptional and seamless care during her 15-month journey, which ended peacefully on the morning of November 19th, 2013. She could not have been in better hands. More...
WHY “WHITE PEARL” ?
White pearls symbolise purity, beauty, new beginnings, innocence, generosity, wisdom acquired through experience, simplicity, protection, peace, the store of truth, faith and love, loyalty of it’s wearer to the cause........
.......and because Christina loved them.
RESEARCH IS KEY
BRAIN CANCER is one of the most under-studied of all cancers, yet receives LESS THAN 5% of government funds allocated to cancer research.
Please help our researchers improve outcomes for patients by supporting our events in any number of ways. Your contribution is much-needed and greatly appreciated.
Brain Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children under 15 years, accounting for one third of cancer deaths in this age bracket.
Brain Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 39
Brain Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in females aged 0-44 years (after breast cancer)
The most common Brain Cancer, high-grade glioma, is almost 100% fatal
One person is diagnosed with brain cancer every six hours in Australia
Brain cancer is one of the most under-studied of all cancers, yet receives very little research funding
We are focused on improving patient outcomes across the spectrum – from patient care to working towards finding a cure for this devastating disease.
We do this by taking a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to deliver impactful programs which are aimed at improving the lives of those affected by brain cancer.
Our tag line, Care2Cure, was chosen to reflect our commitment to the 3 Pillars of
RESEARCH, EDUCATION and SUPPORT.
Since 2014 there are many individuals and organisations that have contributed to this awareness raising and fundraising initiative.
Although not all are listed on this website, we remain enormously grateful to ALL donors, prize sponsors, advertisers, supporters and contributors
to the White Pearl Ball and other
White Pearl Foundation events in support of the dedicated researchers of The Brain Cancer Group, Care2Cure.
Please know your contribution is very much needed to sustain the critical work of the Group and support brain cancer patients.
Together we can and are making a difference.
Thank you.