The Ross Divett foundation has held their last fund-raising event at the Hotel Realm in Canberra as a celebration of 10 years of generosity. Ross Divett, who the foundation was established in honour of, passed away in 2001 from the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma.
His wife and chairwomen of this asbestos foundation is hoping their last donation makes a huge difference to those suffering from mesothelioma. The foundation will be donating their last funds to the University of Western Australia which will go toward the work undertaken by a young researcher in the National Asbestos Diseases Area.
This work will be guided by Professor Bruce Robinson who is the co-leader of the team who discovered a blood test for mesothelioma and performed Australia’s first ever cancer gene therapy trial. His expertise and friendship with Ross Divett made his team the perfect choice to receive the funds.
Mesothelioma is a heartbreaking disease which has claimed the lives of so many people around the world; this has been felt heavily within Australia as we have one of highest rates of asbestos related cancer deaths. Therefore any funding to assist research in the area of asbestos and mesothelioma are greatly needed and appreciated when received. Especially as experts predict that the number of mesothelioma cases is set to rise, hopefully this research will go toward mesothelioma treatment in Australia.
