Snowdome Foundation

We are delighted to congratulate our brilliant researchers and clinicians and put a spotlight on the significance of the work they are undertaking to accelerate next-generation treatments for blood cancer.

We also pay tribute to our generous Snowdome family of donors who enable our researchers to continue their pioneering work. We thank each and every donor for ‘making hope real’ for Australians living with a blood cancer diagnosis.

The Snowdome Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Mars as our new Head of Stakeholder Engagement.

In this pivotal role, Dan will lead Snowdome’s stakeholder engagement and marketing activities to raise funds, drive engagement with our donors and further our translational research.

Dan has a wealth of experience in philanthropy and fundraising in not-for-profits and charities, with his most recent appointment being Philanthropy Manager at MacKillop Family Services for the last 8 years.

We are delighted to welcome Dan to our passionate Snowdome family!

The Snowdome Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2024 Translational Research Program (TRP) recipient is Associate Professor Paul Beavis, a Group Leader based at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Parkville, Melbourne.

The prestigious TRP program is an international collaboration between The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the Snowdome Foundation.

The TRP program funds innovative research projects that propose novel approaches to the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of blood cancers which show high promise for translating basic biomedical knowledge into clinical application.

Associate Professor Paul Beavis, together with co-investigators Professor Simon Harrison and Dr. Evan Weber, will examine whether additional engineering of CAR T-cells to overexpress the FOXO1 proteins could significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T-cells in myeloma and other B-cell malignancies.

Congratulations!

Read more about the story here: https://snowdome.org.au/2024/06/12/global-partnership-to-fund-groundbreaking-research-in-treatment-of-multiple-myeloma/

The Snowdome Foundation is saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Richard Smallwood AO.

Dick, as he was affectionately known by the Snowdome family, served as a Board Director of the Snowdome Foundation from June 2011 until his retirement in November 2013. He was also the Chair of the Grants Committee and a member of our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

Professor Smallwood’s achievements are boundless. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to medicine and served as Australia’s Chief Medical Officer. He also served as Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council, Chair of the National Blood Authority, and was a Board Member of the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia.

The Snowdome Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences to Professor Smallwood’s family and friends.

*Reminder*

Applications for the 2024 Gunn Family Haematology Fellowship are closing 5 pm AEST Tuesday 11 June.

The Fellowship will provide support for a haematological amyloidosis project that could translate findings into clinical implementation.

Total funding available for the successful applicant is up to $450,000.

For more information and how to apply, follow this link: https://snowdome.org.au/grant/the-gunn-family-haematology-fellowship-2024/

May 20 is International Clinical Trials Day!

Happy International Nurses Day!

Today, and every day, we celebrate all nurses, especially those in oncology and haematology, who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the care and well-being of patients.

From administering treatments to offering emotional support, your role is indispensable in the mission to find a cure for all blood cancers.

Featured is one of Precision Haematology’s amazing nurses, Jeanne Niskiewicz!

The Snowdome Foundation is thrilled to share the 2023 Annual Review.

The Annual Review is a reflection of our milestones and achievements in 2023 that progressed our vision to give every Australian blood cancer patient the best opportunity for a cure.

We invite you to read the Annual Review by following this link: https://issuu.com/snowdomefoundation/docs/snowdome_annual_review_2023_final_high_res

The Snowdome Foundation has amended the eligibility criteria and extended the application deadline for the 2024 Gunn Family Haematology Fellowship.

Applications now close 5 pm AEST Tuesday 11th June 2024.

For more information on the criteria change, and to apply, follow this link:

https://snowdome.org.au/grant/the-gunn-family-haematology-fellowship-2024/

The Snowdome Foundation is inviting applications for the 2024 Gunn Family Haematology Fellowship.

The Fellowship will provide support for a haematological amyloidosis project that could translate findings into clinical implementation.

Total funding available for the successful applicant is up to $450,000.

Applications close 5pm AEST Monday 27th May 2024

For more information and how to apply, follow this link: https://snowdome.org.au/grant/the-gunn-family-haematology-fellowship-2024/

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is about taking a patient’s white blood cells, manipulating them and then reinfusing them back into the patient’s body to rapidly target and kill cancer cells.

It is groundbreaking and it is changing the way we manage blood cancer.

However, it is not publicly funded for myeloma in Australia.

Hear from patients and experts in the final of the series by Evohealth on why this life-changing treatment should be funded and accessible to every Australian affected by myeloma.

www.linkedin.com

World Health Day is today, Sunday 7 April.

While we have seen progress in access to vital blood cancer treatments, there is still more work to be done.

One such treatment, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell, is a revolutionary therapy for myeloma patients. It has the power to change lives, yet it is not publicly funded in Australia.

On this World Health Day, let us raise awareness of this vital therapy to ensure every blood cancer patient in Australia has access to the treatments they need.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a life-changing treatment for myeloma patients.

Evidence shows it is effective and safe, but it is not publicly funded in Australia.

Hear more from patient advocate, Geoff Nyssen, and Professor Miles Prince AM on the journey to Geoff’s remission and the crucial role CAR T-cell therapy played in this.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evohealthau_betterhealth-celltherapies-activity-7178215792180678657-tMZa?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Multiple myeloma is a devastating and incurable disease affecting thousands of Australians.

It does not need to be this way.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a promising new treatment that uses a patient’s own immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Evidence shows it is safe and effective for use in myeloma patients. However, it is not publicly funded for treatment in Australia.

Patient advocate, Geoff Nyssen, recently spoke with Evohealth on why this therapy should be at the forefront of myeloma treatment in Australia.

Click the link below to listen.

-T

www.linkedin.com

As Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month comes to an end, the Snowdome Foundation would like to thank all the sponsors, participants and volunteers who made MY Mount Eliza Run & Fun Festival a success for its 7th consecutive year!

The event raised crucial funds to support Associate Professor Jane Oliaro’s research into developing next-generation armoured CAR T-cell therapies for the treatment of myeloma.

Snowdome is proud to support exceptional researchers who are driving impactful change in blood cancer research.

-T

The Snowdome Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to give every blood cancer patient access to life-changing treatments.

Hear from our co-founder, Professor Miles Prince AM and patient advocate Geoff Nyssen, along with Neil Mitchell on why CAR T-cell therapy should be at the forefront of blood cancer treatment in Australia.

https://www.nine.com.au/entertainment/podcasts/neil-mitchell-asks-why

On this International Women's Day, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible female researchers, board directors and executives at the Snowdome Foundation, who are making a profound impact in blood cancer research! From the lab to the boardroom, their dedication, expertise, and leadership inspire us every day.

To our female researchers: Your passion and commitment drives innovation and brings hope to patients and families affected by blood cancer. Your groundbreaking work is shaping the future of treatment and care.

To our female board directors and executives: Your leadership has helped propel the Snowdome Foundation forward, ensuring that our vision to give every Australian blood cancer patient the best opportunity for a cure remains steadfast and impactful.

Today and every day, we celebrate your achievements and your contributions to the field of blood cancer research.

Thank you for all that you do!

Celebrating International Women's Day with two remarkable clinical researchers!

Yesterday, at the inaugural Snowdome Ladies Lunch, Associate Professor Jane Oliaro and Dr. Nicole Brooks shared how their inspiring work is shaping the future of blood cancer treatments.

Their dedication and commitment to discovery, from molecular oncology to targeted immunotherapies, is revolutionising how we approach and treat blood cancer.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to these incredible women and their tireless efforts in advancing medical science!

MSAC defers decision on Cilta-Cel for myeloma patients.

We are incredibly disappointed to learn that MSAC has just deferred a decision to approve the public funding of Cilta-Cel, a revolutionary CAR T-cell treatment for patients with multiple myeloma. This is an advance on their previous rejection in 2022. Now they recognise that the treatment is effective and safe, but they do not believe it is cost-effective.

In the MSAC Public summary document, Application No. 1690.1, MSAC considered the cost-effective ratio was “unacceptably high and underestimated”, further demanding that Janssen, the pharmaceutical company responsible for producing the drug, “considered a substantial price reduction” to be considered for public funding support.

As part of their submission, Janssen offered the Australian federal and state/territory governments a ‘pay-for-performance’ model, whereby most of the payment was only applicable “if a patient has obtained a deep clinical response to therapy”. Yet, the decision was still deferred. This means they will not fund this therapy until a price is agreed upon. If they do not reach an agreement soon, there is a risk that the treatment may not become available for another 2 years or more.

Snowdome would like to thank our family, friends, loved ones, researchers, clinicians and everyone who made a submission to MSAC in support of this application. We remain committed to accelerating next-generation treatments for blood cancer patients.

Today, we celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and incredible contributions of women and girls in science!

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us honour the pioneers, innovators, and future leaders who are breaking barriers and shaping the world through their passion for blood cancer research.

Let us continue to empower and support women and girls in STEM fields, because when we do, we unlock endless possibilities for progress and innovation!

The ABC recently interviewed Snowdome Board Directors, Helen Buckingham OAM and Professor Miles Prince AM, on the imminent decision by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) to publicly fund Cilta-cel, a form of CAR T-cell therapy for myeloma.

Read more about it here.

Multiple myeloma patients await funding verdict on potential 'future of cancer treatment' A government committee weighs up if taxpayers should fund an expensive and highly anticipated blood cancer treatment previously considered "not good value for money".

Every year, Calvin and Mary Twigger hold the Snowdome Charity Day in memory of their son Rob, who sadly passed away suddenly in 2020. Rob was a valued member of the Australasian T-Cell Lymphoma Network (ATCLN) with Snowdome co-founder Miles Prince AM. ATCLN meetings bring together a community of clinicians to review more complex patient cases, drawing on their collective expertise.

The event, held at Marlin Coast Bowls Club Inc in Trinity Beach, Queensland, in December 2023, raised an incredible $2,300. These vital funds will be directed to the Australasian Lymphoma Alliance (ALA), who oversee the ATCLN. The Snowdome Foundation proudly supports the ALA.

On behalf of Snowdome, we thank Calvin and Mary and all those who donated, helped and participated in this inspiring and fun-filled day.

As 2023 comes to a close, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our Snowdome family who made this year truly remarkable. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our success, enabling us to fund life-changing treatments for blood cancer patients.

May your holiday be filled with joy, love and cherished moments with your loved ones.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Congratulations to Dr Jennifer Devlin and Dr Patrick Connerty for receiving the 2023 Snowdome Foundation Bob and Jean Travel Grant.

Recipients will receive $5000 each to attend an international conference, workshop, symposia or other professional event to broaden their knowledge and bring back valuable insights to the advancement of blood cancer research in Australia.

Dr Devlin, Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at the Gene Regulation lab, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, will use the Grant to attend the EMBL Transcription and Chromatin Conference in Heidelberg, Germany. Her current research focuses on how abnormal gene expression contributes to the development of blood cancer cells. By attending this conference, Dr Devlin’s research will further contribute to understanding the biological and molecular features in blood cancer pathogenesis, as well as how innovative experimental approaches can effectively treat blood cancers.

Dr Connerty, Senior Research Officer, Leukaemia Biology Group at the Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, will attend the EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Barcelona, Spain. Dr Connerty’s research focuses on the identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). By attending the symposium, Dr Connerty will have the opportunity to present his research to a global audience and foster collaborations with internationally renowned researchers to further amplify the impact of his work to blood cancer research.

There were some inspirational and heartfelt stories at Snowball 2023.

From personal experiences with blood cancer, to hope-filled dreams for future life-changing treatments, we heard the poignant stories of families affected, and the resounding call for continued research and support towards finding a cure.

Thank you to all our speakers who shared with us on the night.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and sponsors who made Snowball 2023 an incredible success.

Your generous contribution of expertise, resources and amazing auction prizes have made, and will continue to make, a significant impact in helping shape the future of blood cancer treatments.

Thank you.

Event partners:
Town Square
Dann Events Hire

Sponsors:
AFL
Anton Jewellery
Acqua Panna
Audio Visual Dynamics
7 News
Balter Brewing
Bang & Olufsen
belle balloons
Collingwood Football Club
Cutler & Co
Decor It Studio
Dominique Portet Yarra Valley
Eichardt's
Everyday Balloons
Forty Spotted Tasmanian Gin
Gilbert Wines
Hartshorn Sheep Whey Distillery
Henschke
IFAS GROUP
Lou-Lou Memphis
Mt. Mulligan Lodge
NOMAD
Pt. Leo Estate
Rex Airlines
San Pellegrino
Scotchmans Hill
Slide Productions
The Imperium Collection
Wynns Coonawarra Estate
Wojo Signs

Snowdome is thrilled to announce that Sam Neill is to become our Honorary Patron. We are humbled that one of the most respected figures in film and television has become part of our organisation. Sam’s patronage will highlight the positive impact of Snowdome’s mission to accelerate next-generation treatments for Australian blood cancer patients.

SNOWBALL 2023.

Together, we raised an incredible $650,000! These vital funds will support the development of immune therapies that will bring new life-saving treatments to patients with blood cancer.

Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone who made the night such a success – our family of donors and our partners and sponsors who generously donated their time, expertise and auction prizes.

Your support has made this evening possible and we are enormously thankful.

Congratulations to Associate Professor David Ross, Consultant Haematologist and Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, for being awarded the HSANZ/Snowdome Foundation Mid-Career Award for Outstanding Blood Cancer Research.

A/Prof David Ross’s research focuses on the treatment-free remission in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). He successfully ran one of the first trials to test the hypothesis that patients with CML who achieve and maintain a response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy can safely cease their therapy and remain in long-term remission.

The award recognises and celebrates the achievements of Australia’s best and brightest mid-career blood cancer researchers who have made a significant advance in blood cancer research.

Congratulations once again!