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.
The Fund helps researchers to undertake research into leukaemia, with the goal of finding a cure for this type of cancer.
For nearly 50 years, the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund has supported 10 talented researchers working towards a cure for this deadly disease.
Dr Claire Homan from the University of South Australia is the current recipient of the Fellowship. Dr Homan's research focuses on understanding the link between genetics and leukaemia, in particular acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
Dr Homan herself is a rare disease patient and it's only through the power of research that she has been able to discover a genetic diagnosis for her own disease.
Her ultimate aim is to use her understanding of genetics to develop targeted therapies that not only better treat leukaemia, but also prevent it from developing in the first place.
“Being the recipient of the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship is incredibly meaningful and humbling to me. It signifies recognition of my dedication to advancing leukemia research and provides crucial support.
She believes that by developing leukaemia prevention therapies, she has the potential to save families and patients from the distress and heartache caused by a cancer diagnosis and ultimately, save lives.
Researchers like Dr Homan are the key to unlocking a future free from leukaemia and continuing to increase survival rates for generations to come. That’s why it’s so important that we keep momentum going by funding more leukaemia researchers as they work towards the next cancer breakthrough.
It is only through funding the state’s best and brightest cancer researchers that we will be able to discover better ways to detect, treat, and live beyond leukaemia.
