
The Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund was established by Marjorie Jackson-Nelson—the Lithgow Flash and former Governor of South Australia—in memory of her husband, Australian Olympic cyclist Peter Nelson, who passed away from leukaemia at age 45.
The Fund helps support South Australian cancer researchers to study leukaemia, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for this type of cancer.
For nearly 50 years, the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund has supported 11 talented researchers working towards a cure for this deadly and debilitating disease.
University of South Australia researcher Dr Claire Homan is the current Fellowship recipient.
Her research focuses on understanding the link between genetics and leukaemia, in particular acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
For people impacted by leukaemia like Ken, this sort of vital research makes all the difference.
After experiencing severe chest pain which he mistook for a heart attack, Ken was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and was told that without treatment, he’d only have two months to live.
After facing 15 months of gruelling treatment and experiencing almost every side effect possible, he is now in remission.
Ken credits cancer research as one of the main reasons he’s still here today.
“The way treatment has changed is incredible. And in a very quick period of time, it’s getting better and better.”
Will you play your part in getting closer to future free from leukaemia and make a donation today?