On a sunny Saturday morning on 31 March 2012, BAPS, a community-based charity organisation, hosted its inaugural walkathon in support of Westmead Medical Research Foundation.  

Chris, our Community Fundraising Coordinator was there to support their outstanding fundraising efforts.

Close to 400 walkers turned out for the 3-kilometre walk through Parramatta Park and its surroundings, including families, children and the elderly. 

The incredible turnout for the walkathon

Walkers were flagged off by Tyagvallabh Swami, a senior sadhu of BAPS, and the chief guest for the event the Hon. Phillip Ruddock MP, Federal MP for Berowra, former Howard-government minister and Shadow Cabinet Secretary.

Mr Ruddock was also representing the Federal Opposition Leader, Mr Tony Abbott, and read a special message from Mr Abbott congratulating BAPS on its contribution to the local community.  "I want to acknowledge that you are doing something very special," said Mr Ruddock, sharing those sentiments.

Funds for the walkathon, which was inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, were raised by walkers themselves, including young children who sought donations from family and friends to sponsor them per kilometre.

Here at the Foundation we rely on community donations to continue to support life-saving medical research and we are very grateful for the generosity of BAPS and all those who participated in the walkathon, raising money for a great cause.

At the end of the Walkathon, Mr Ruddock presented a cheque of $5021.00 on behalf of the walkers, to our very own Chris Bauer, Community Fundraising Coordinator.  However, online donations continued past this point on the champion page that BAPS had created and as at 4 April 2012 around $7089.00 had been raised from the event.

Chris Bauer (WMRF) and Mr Ruddock

"Even if today's event didn't even raise a penny, the fact that you want to do it and have engaged, makes it worthwhile," said Mr Ruddock, as he commended BAPS and the walkers.

"This is community fundraising at its best.  All ages coming together for a great cause and making a difference," Chris said.  "Thank you to BAPS for their generosity."

Have you ever considered running a fundraising event?  Call Chris for some helpful hints and support for your fundraiser on 02 8836 4034.  And make sure you take advantage of our 'Champion pages' and create an online page for your cause.

Excitement is building at the Foundation this week, with all of us gearing up for Australia Day at Rooty Hill - Blacktown Council's Australia Day celebrations that attract a crowd of 30,000 people.

This Australia Day at Rooty Hill will have a difference.  The Foundation is giving Western Sydney the opportunity to come together in a public display of their support for the medical excellence right here in our backyards.  The work carried out every day at Westmead Millennium Institute and Westmead Hospital is world class and is there for many of our families in their time of need.

A Guinness World Records™ attempt for 'the most people wearing a surgical scrub cap' is being held on the day to raise money for our cause, with many volunteers giving up their public holiday to sell scrub caps to the crowd.

Eric d'Indy, our Executive Director is calling on Western Sydney to be part of the attempt.  "There is no better time than Australia Day to come together for a cause that supports you and your family.  Westmead provides specialist care in trauma, heart surgery, chemotherapy, transplants and neo natal intensive care to all of Western Sydney -- that's 1.85 million people!" he said.

Raphaelle, our Community Events Coordinator has held two volunteer information sessions this week (pictured below), meeting the wonderful people who are going to volunteer for us on the day.

Partnering with Blacktown City Council at their Australia Day even is an exciting opportunity for the Foundation, sharing our cause with more people in Western Sydney and raising money for the incredible research and care that happens here and impacts millions.

Come along and join us this Australia Day, be part of history and enjoy the entertainment and fireworks!

Date:         Thursday 26 January 2012
Time:         4pm -- 9pm
Location:   The Rooty Hill, Morreau Reserve, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill

Did you take a Happy Snap at friday night's Christmas Carnival?  A few staff and volunteers from the Foundation got in on the fun as you can see here. 

Check out all the photos and see if you can find yours!  View photos >>

End of year Christmas celebrations are all around and it was no different here at Westmead!

On Friday night, staff from Westmead Hospital and Westmead Millennium Institute were treated to a 'Christmas Carnival' of food, drinks, music, entertainment, carnival games, snacks and of course, the highly anticipated 'DUNK THE EXEC'!

'DUNK THE EXEC' was sponsored by Zouki and drew the crowd with executives from Westmead Hospital and Westmead Millennium Institute volunteering to be dunked for the Foundation that supports them.  Guests at the carnival lined up to get their chance to hit the bullseye!

WMRF Executive Director Eric d'Indy having his turn on the Dunk Tank and WMI Executive Director Professor Tony Cunningham AO taking his shot!

Big thanks to our DUNKEES who were great sports with multiple dips in and out of the freezing water (courtesy of maintenance and their additions of ice).  WMI DUNKEES: Professor Tony Cunningham AO (Executive Director), Simon Officer (Chief Financial Officer), Sean Blasdall (Operations Manager) and Dr Andrew Johnston (IT Manager) and Westmead Hospital DUNKEES: David Beard (Acting General Manager), Matthew Noone (Facilities Manager) and Danko Grubisic (Security Manager) and the Foundation's very own Executive Director Eric d'Indy.

Simon Officer (WMI Chief Financial Officer) having his turn on the Dunk Tank

All guests received tickets that entitled them to pies, donated by Sargents, drinks, donated by Coca Cola Amatil, and a BBQ generously run by Granville Rotary Club.
Bright colours, carnival games and fundraising filled the hospital cafeteria as a multitude of activities made the room buzz with people trying their luck on the...

The night ended with fabulous irish dancers from 'The Piper School of Irish Dance' performing for the crowd.  The irish dancers really impressed and entertained everyone  and received an encore!

A big thank you to all our sponsors for making the carnival possible and also our guests for being part of the celebration and fundraising for our cause.

Donate today to medical research and care at Westmead and be part of the search for cures and better treatments >>

On the 14 of November, staff and special guests of the Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research (WMI) gathered to celebrate the exciting milestone for WMI's '15 years of research excellence!'  President of Westmead Medical Research Foundation Mr Patrick Wilde AM, together with the Foundation's Executive Director Eric d'Indy and team members Sarah, Belinda, Nicole, Joseph and Raphaelle attended the event in the Westmead Hospital cafeteria.

Guests were treated to drinks and canapés while awards were handed out to a range of researchers for their commitment and achievements.  Awards included the WMI Science Prizes, WMRF Research Fellowships, Senior Scientist Support Grants, Bridging Grants and WMRF Initiating Grants and Top up awards.

Julie Owens MP, Member for Parramatta (representing Federal Health Minister)

Special guests on the night included Senator Doug Cameron, Senator for New South Wales, Julie Owens MP, Member for Parramatta (representing Federal Health Minister), Ray Williams MP, Member for Hawkesbury (representing the Premier), David Elliot MP, Member for Baulkham Hills, Andrew Rohan MP, Member for Smithfield, Geoff Lee MP, Member for Parramatta, Mary O'Dea (representing Senator Marise Payne) and key note speaker Professor John Shine, Executive Director, Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

Ms Julie Owens MP addressed the audience on her continued support of WMI and its commitment life saving medical research while key note speaker, Professor John Shine shared the value and importance of continue medical research and the promise it holds for all of society.

In his speech, Mr Patrick Wilde AM expressed the strong belief of the Foundation, that supporting researchers is an important investment, not only in their own futures, but in the future of Australia as a whole. 
Patrick made a special mention to members of our community -- men and women, businesses, and community groups -- who have donated to make these grants possible.

The Foundation team is proud to support the Institute, as the men and women on this campus make such valuable contributions to global medical research.

Some of these contributions have included:

• The discovery of a cluster of genes that increase the risk of melanoma.
• Found candidate genes linked to ovarian cancer that may modify women's risk of developing the disease.
• Identified the major common genetic variants that contribute to the cause of the devastating neurologic disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)

WMRF Executive Director Eric d'Indy presenting a top up grant to Calvin Fong

It is at this event that we and our donors get to see, all in one place, the researchers' that the Foundation support and honour them with the WMRF fellowships and grants.  A total of 46 researchers were awarded research grants on the night.

The grants that the Foundation fund enable researchers to continue their search for cures and better treatments, giving the researcher practical support, in some cases being able to focus on their research without searching for a second income.  The Foundation is proud to support WMI in this practical way.

A buzz is running through the Foundation office as we move closer to the end of the year!

Raphaelle is busy getting fundraising activities and prizes ready for the WSBC end of year event at Rooty Hill RSL.  A special item will appear in members gift bags at this event (pictured), with a call out to business in Western Sydney to support the Foundation with volunteers this Australia Day.

Blacktown City Council has given the Foundation the opportunity to fundraise at their 2012 Australia Day celebration in Rooty Hill (thank you Blacktown City Council!). 
To create some excitement around the medical research and care that Westmead provides, the Foundation is hosting a 'Guinness World Records ™ Attempt' for the 'most people wearing surgical scrub caps'!

Scrub caps are being sold to the huge crowd of 30,000 people that usually attend the event at The Rooty Hill, and we need some help doing this! 
When: Thursday 26 January
Where: The Rooty Hill
Time: 4pm -- 9pm (with regular breaks for you to enjoy the day too!)

If you, your workplace, your family or friends can help -- please let Raphaelle know by calling 02 8836 4025.  Any help you can give is appreciated.

Baxter Healthcare has been supporting Westmead Medical Research Foundation since 1992. As the Australian subsidiary of a US-based listed global medical products and services company with expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Baxter Healthcare has had a presence in western Sydney since 1963.

Baxter is focused on making a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

Westmead Hospital is a major customer of Baxter, and over many years there have been reciprocal visits between Baxter facilities at Old Toongabbie and Westmead Hospital.

This week we hosted a visit to the operating suite of Westmead Hospital to inspect how Baxter's products are used in practical situations across a number of clinical procedures.

Pictured: David Akeroyd, Managing Director (ANZ), Baxter Healthcare, Libby Keohane, Director of Government Affairs & Communications (ANZ), Baxter Healthcare and our team members Eric d'Indy, Executive Director and Joseph Herschel, Corporate Partnership Manager

Westmead's anaesthetists used Baxter's products to assist patients during major and minor surgical operations. Surgeons and nurses provide Baxter's fluids (such as surgical drips) to patients during and following procedures. Many of these products and manufactured in Sydney's western suburbs, providing jobs to support the local economy and our community.

Lee-Ann McDonald, the Clinical Group Senior Nurse Manager of Westmead Hospital informed David Akeroyd, Managing Director of Baxter (Australia and New Zealand), that the surgical teams were impressed with the quality and reliable service that Baxter provides to Westmead Hospital. She said that Baxter's products make the lives of the patients' we treat much easier and aids speedier recovery.

Inspecting the $3 million Interventional Neuroradiology Unit that treats patients through keyhole surgery, especially people impacted by a stroke or aneurism , Mr Akeroyd was impressed by the level of technology and advancement of in clinical services provided at Westmead Hospital.

Eric d'Indy, Executive Director of Westmead Medical Research Foundation commented that it is through the support of companies like Baxter Healthcare that Westmead Hospital can provide affordable access to health services and help fund life-saving research at Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research.  Thank you Baxter for your ongoing support. 

If your organisation or workplace would like to support the Foundation in a similar way, contact us so we can talk to you about the different ways you can get involved.

Over 100 family, friends, and former colleagues of the late Dr Michael Stern, a radiologist, gathered in Centennial Park in the eastern suburbs on the weekend to celebrate his life.

The occasion was marked by the announcement of the inaugural recipient of the Michael Stern Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Fellowship: Michelle Ta.  

Commencing in January 2012, Michelle will undertake her PhD into improving understanding of the causes and treatment of this hereditary disease that sadly took Michael's life just over a year ago.

The Foundation provides a series of fellowships and grants to researchers at Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research through the support of generous donors in the community.

This 3 year Research Fellowship is funded through the support of friends of the Stern family, who gathered in good spirits on a sunny day to hear from Dr Jeremy Chapman OAM,  Professor of Renal Medicine and Transplantation Specialist at Westmead Hospital and Dr Gopi Rangan, Staff Specialist and Senior Lecturer, Renal Medicine, who will be Michelle's supervisor.

Emily Stern, daughter of Helen and the late Michael Stern, welcomed guests who came together around the tree planted in Centennial Park dedicated to Michael. Michael's wife Helen, told guests that the park was always a favourite spot for the family. Helen said that one of Michael's parting thoughts was that he would be happy for his life to be celebrated with a Moreton Bay fig. She thanked the guests who had contributed towards the Research Fellowship that will benefit many people in the years ahead as more is revealed about Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Pictured: Helen Stern speaking with Emily and Michael Stern jnr, and Dr Jeremy Chapman OAM in the background

Michael Stern junior proposed a toast to his father and the good that has come from his life. Guests shared a picnic lunch around the Michael Stern tree together and took the opportunity to discuss the work of The Westmead Centre for Transplant and Renal Research undertaken by Dr Rangan and Ms Ta, as they continue in their quest for the knowledge that will help to save lives at Westmead.

Tax deductible donations in support of the Michael Stern Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Fellowship can be made directly to Westmead Medical Research Foundation:
- online at www.wmrf.com.au/donate
- by mail to PO Box 74, Westmead NSW 2154, or
- phone 02 8836 4000.
Please ensure your gift is clearly marked as supporting the Michael Stern PKD Fellowship.

In August, we launched our exciting My Westmead kiosk within the foyer at Westmead Hospital and we are looking for volunteers to help!

All funds raised going directly to Westmead Hospital for patient services and purchasing medical equipment to complement and enhance existing services.

Our new kiosk is filled with fun, fresh and colourful merchandise for sale, also takes cash donations, sells raffle tickets and is an opportunity for us to share our cause and passion with the public who come through the doors every day.

Practically, the volunteer opportunity offers flexibility in days and hours and a chance to be part of a great cause.

The kiosk provides all members of the community including hospital staff, patients and families the opportunity to interact with the My Westmead Program and support the hospital through purchasing merchandise and learning about the many community engagement opportunities the My Westmead program offers.

It would be fantastic to hear from anyone interested in volunteering at the kiosk, please contact Raphaelle on 02 8836 4025 to talk about this opportunity further or email volunteer@wmrf.org.au

Over the weekend, Belinda, Gail, Nicole, Joseph and Casey headed out to Hawkesbury Race Club to join over 300 supporters for our 'My Westmead Charity Race Day'.

The room was full, the sun was shining and everyone dug deep to fundraise for My Westmead and its great cause.

One of our greatest supporters and inspiring researcher, Associate Professor Wayne Hawthorne (right), shared with our guests his passion for research and treatment at Westmead.  A/Professor Hawthorne is Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital and works on surgical research into transplantation treatments for patients with Type 1 diabetes for Westmead Millennium Institute (learn more about his research).

Prof Hawthorne is a true example of the unique 'bench to bedside' approach to treatment at Westmead.

Guests at the event enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the Hawkesbury and the beautiful outlook of the Blue Mountains as they made bets, sipped champagne and took part in many of the on day fundraising activities including; a raffle and live auction filled with fabulous prizes, 'It's a Bottler!' our 'My Westmead' water bottle raffle and 'Unlock the Party', where guests bought keys in the chance to unlock a wine fridge full of goodies.  Thank you to our MC Ross Hutchison for being a great host and encouraging guests to give to the great cause of My Westmead.

MC Ross Hutchison & Gail Ladner            Lucky key holders win the fridge!

Outside our committed volunteers (pictured below), Maggie and Steve from Parramatta Rotary ran fundraising activities to the public and the Granville Rotary made the crowd happy with a good old Aussie BBQ.

We want to thank all our sponsors without whom, the day would not be possible: Blacktown Workers Group, Loxley on Bellbird, Wenty Leagues Club, Jackateam Hawkesbury Race Club Board of Directors, Gallagher Hotel Management, Skin Fitness, Dyldam, Seven Hills Toongabbie RSL, Revesby Workers Club, Golf For All -- Penrith, Merrylands Bowling Club.

If you would like to know more about our Charity Race Day, or our My Westmead program, email us at mywestmead@wmrf.org.au