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How you’ve helped

Pilot research has shown that 3D mammography drastically improves breast cancer detection

 

Eastern Health Foundation supporters have played a vital role in research conducted by Eastern Health’s Maroondah BreastScreen.  

A special thanks to Shades of Pink and other generous donors, including local business, community groups and individuals, for their support of our 3D mammography campaign in 2018.

Donations were used to purchase a new 3D mammogram machine, upgrade existing 2D machines and contribute towards the implementation of the research at Eastern Health Breast and Cancer Centre.

The research focussed on detection rates of 2D and 3D mammography in a group of 10,000 women.

Eastern Health’s Maroondah BreastScreen ran the pilot trial of 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which showed breast cancer detection increased by almost 50% using 3D, compared to standard 2D mammography.

“We are extremely grateful to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Shades of Pink for their support, this is a fantastic step forward for breast cancer detection and treatment, and would not be possible without their contributions.” says Dr Darren Lockie, Director and Chief Radiologist at Maroondah BreastScreen, part of Eastern Health.

These Australian first findings, published in the Medical Journal of Australia in October 2019, could form the basis of a large scale comparative evaluation of 3D mammography for breast screening in Australia.

Thank you for your support!

Many dedicated and hardworking nurses would like to further their education and advance their skills.

But the average cost of a 12-month part-time postgraduate nursing program is $11,290.

This is beyond what most nurses can afford.

Donors making a special gift of $5,000 or more are invited to establish a Nursing Scholarship at Eastern Health. The scholarship will help a nurse to complete further education.

Your investment will also ensure the best possible care for all patients, now and into the future.

At your discretion, your Nursing Scholarship may be awarded to a nurse working in a specific area of health (ie cancer, intensive care, cardiology, etc) or nominated Eastern Health hospital. 

You can develop the next generation of nursing leaders by making a donation today.

As at September 2019, 12 Scholarships have been generously funded from individuals, businesses and community groups in vested in the development of a capable, responsive, diverse and supported workforce at Eastern Health. 

The Scholarship Program is open to all staff undertaking a program of study in 2020. Applications opened on 23 September and close on 31 November 2019. 

Sheila Longden
Sheila Longden enjoys using her sewing skills and community networks to make a difference for women with breast cancer.

"Following the diagnosis of a family member over ten years ago, I wanted to do my bit to help women with breast cancer in my local community," Sheila explains. 

Sheila has been hand-sewing items, including breast cushions, to help increase comfort for women undergoing treatment, for more than a decade.

In addition to making hand-sewn items, Sheila has engaged her community networks to fundraise for breast cancer services at Eastern Health.

Together with local businesses, friends and family, Sheila has raised over $11,000 to date.  

"Most people know someone who’s had cancer. And even if they don’t, they still want to help people undergoing cancer treatment," says Sheila.

"I have raised thousands of dollars to date and will continue to support patients at Eastern Health Breast and Cancer Centre."

"People are willing to help – you’ve just got to ask!"

Google has announced that Turning Point, Australia’s leading addiction treatment and research centre, is one of 20 organisations world-wide that will share USD$25 million in grants from Google.org, credit and consulting from Google Cloud and coaching by Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts as a grantee of the Google AI Impact Challenge.

The Google AI Impact Challenge was an open call to nonprofits, social enterprises, and research institutions from around the world to submit their ideas to use AI to help address societal challenges.

The Eastern Health project will focus on Ambulance data:

Ambulances are often the first point of contact with someone who is suicidal, making ambulance clinical records a unique data source to help inform suicide prevention efforts.

By using AI tools to analyze these records, Turning Point, a national center within Eastern Health, will uncover critical suicide trends and potential points of intervention to better inform policy and public health responses.

Turning Point and its partners, Monash University and the Eastern Health Foundation, are the only Australian grant recipients, and will receive $1.2 million AUD ($850,000 USD) to develop a national suicide monitoring system which has the potential to set international standards to informing suicide prevention efforts.

Turning Point Director and Monash University Professor of Addiction Studies and Services Dan Lubman will lead the project and travel to San Francisco in May with colleagues Dr Debbie Scott and Prof Wray Buntine to commence the project. For five days, all 20 organisations from across the world that have successfully received grants will join Google AI experts, Project Managers and the startup specialists from Google’s Launchpad Accelerator for a training program.

Each organisation will be paired with a Google expert who will meet with them regularly for coaching sessions, and will also have access to other Google resources and expert mentorship.

“Suicide rates are unfortunately continuing to rise in Australia and around the world. This grant from Google gives us the opportunity to undertake a project that has huge potential to make a positive impact, and we are incredibly grateful for their generous commitment to supporting this work,” Prof Lubman said.

The project will involve using AI methodologies to streamline coding of national ambulance suicide-related attendance data. The resulting data would play a central role in informing public health prevention, policy and intervention, as well as identifying emerging trends, hidden populations and geographical hotspots for targeted responses relating to suicide.

Eastern Health Foundation Director Jason Smith said, “Eastern Health Foundation is very excited to work in partnership with Turning Point and Monash University on this three year project and is delighted to assist in the coordination of various aspects of this ground-breaking project.

"We look forward to celebrating this incredible outcome with all involved and contributing to improving the lives of people in our community.”

Jacquelline Fuller, president of Google.org said more than 2600 organisations applied to the Google AI Impact Challenge.

“We received thousands of applications to the Google AI Impact Challenge and are excited that Eastern Health was selected to receive funding and expertise from Google. AI is at a nascent stage when it comes to the value it can have for the social impact sector, and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of this work and considering where there is potential for use to do even more,” Ms Fuller said.

Find out more at Google Impact Challenge.

Get your raffle tickets today to support patients in Intensive Care.

Staff from the Intensive Care Unit are raising money through an Easter raffle. Prizes include a hot air balloon ride, (list to be included here).

 Proceeds will be used to purchase a medical-grade blanket warming cabinet for our 16 bed unit.

"Maroondah Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit looks after the sickest patients in our hospital," explains nurse Barbara Sorell.

"We hope you will never need our care, but ask that you spare a thought for those who have been with us, are and will be with us in time to come," she says.

"These blankets are a valuable resource for our patients returning from the operating theatre, experiencing shock or suffering anxiety," explains Barbara. "They enable us to enhance patient comfort, and safely regulate a patient’s temperature."

Raffle tickets can be purchased in the Inensive Care Unit and reception at Maroondah Hospital.

Your support will bring relief immediately.

“We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the individuals and businesses who have supported this initiative. Thank you from the patients, families and staff of the Intensive Care Unit,” says Barbara.

  • All Smiles HD
  • Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa
  • Bob Jane Tmart Ringwood
  • Bunnings Warehouse Ringwood
  • Castello’s Daisey’s Hotel
  • Chemist Warehouse Ringwood
  • Costco
  • Croydon Car Sales
  • Domaine Chandon
  • Dorset Gardens Hotel
  • East Ringwood Body Therapy
  • East Ringwood Vet
  • Eastland Centre Management
  • Endota Spa Eastland
  • Flowers Etc Florist
  • Hoyts Eastland
  • Hunter & Barrel Eastland
  • Japanese Mountain Retreat Mineral Springs & Spa
  • Maroondah Leisure
  • McDonalds
  • Officeworks Ringwood
  • Pancake Parlour
  • Paul’s IGA Ringwood East
  • Piaf Day Spa Yarra Valley
  • Ringwood VW
  • Sage Hotel Ringwood
  • Thai Ute
  • The Fair Trader Ringwood East
  • Tone & Trim Zone Fitness
  • Woolworths Eastland
  • Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Icecreamery
  • Yarra Valley Dairy
  • Yarrawood Estate
  • Zenith First National Ringwood

Prizes

1st PRIZE
Eastland Hot Air Balloon ride for 2 Yarra Valley or city
Sage Ringwood 1 x Nights w’end accom for 2 incl hot breakfast
Hunter & Barrel restaurant voucher
Piaf Day Spa Yarra Valley voucher
Yarrawood Estate 2 bottles of wine
Hoyts gift card
Bunnings voucher
McDonalds voucher
TOTAL VALUE $ 1,494

2nd PRIZE
VW Ringwood Luxury VW Arteon for a weekend
All Smiles Café voucher for Sorrento
Piaf Day Spa Yarra Valley voucher
Domaine Chandon 2 bottles of vintage wine
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Icecreamery voucher
Hoyts Gift Card
Pancake Parlour voucher
Bunnings voucher
McDonalds voucher
TOTAL VALUE $ 1023.90

3rd PRIZE
Maroondah Leisure 3 month individual lifestyle membership
Yarra Valley Dairy cheese & wine voucher
East Ringwood Body therapy voucher
HOYTS gift card and 2 x movie tickets
Yarrawood Estate voucher
Balgownie Estate Vineyard 2 bottles wine
The Fair Trader voucher
Bunnings voucher
McDonalds voucher
TOTAL VALUE $ 728

4th PRIZE
Tone & Trim Zone Fitness 2 month membership
Endota Spa voucher
4 x Hoyts Movie tickets
East Ringwood Veterinary Clinic voucher
Dorset Gardens Hotel dinner voucher
Flowers Etc Florist East Ringwood voucher
The Fair Trader voucher
Castellos Hotel bottle of wine
Bunnings voucher
McDonalds voucher
TOTAL VALUE $ 549

5th PRIZE
Japanese Mountain Retreat Mineral Springs & Spa
Dorset Gardens Hotel voucher
Piaf Day Spa Yarra Valley
The Fair Trader voucher
4 x Hoyts movie tickets
McDonalds voucher
TOTAL VALUE $ 306

6th PRIZE
Officeworks Polaroid Camera
Bob Jane Tmart voucher
Piaf Day Spa Yarra Valley voucher
The fair trader voucher
2 x Hoyts movies tickets
McDonalds voucher
TOTAL VALUE $255

7th PRIZE
Chemist Warehouse Hamper
McDonalds voucher x 2
TOTAL VALUE $120

8th PRIZE
Chemist Warehouse Hamper
McDonalds voucher x 2
TOTAL VALUE $120

DRAWN: WEDNESDAY 17th APRIL 2:30pm

Winners will be notified by telephone
Authorisation number: EH MH 0219 002
Raising funds for Eastern Health ABN 68 223 819 017

 Tickets are available from:

  • Maroondah Hospital ICU
  • Eastern Health Foundation
  • Online at easternhealthfoundation.org.au
  • Zenith First National Real Estate Ringwood
  • Eastland Community stall from 15 - 21 March
  • Bunnings Ringwood

You can develop the next generation of nursing leaders.

Many dedicated and hardworking nurses would like to further their education and advance their skills.

But the average cost of a 12-month part-time postgraduate nursing program is $11,290. This is beyond what most nurses can afford.

Your special gift of $5,000 or more will establish a Nursing Scholarship at Eastern Health.

The scholarship will help a nurse to complete further education. Your investment will also ensure the best possible care for all patients, now and into the future.

At your discretion, your Nursing Scholarship may be awarded to a nurse working in a specific area of health (ie cancer, intensive care, cardiology, etc) or nominated Eastern Health hospital.

To find out how to establish a Nursing Scholarship, please contact Eastern Health Foundation on 03 9895 4608 or make a donation online.

The Foundation office will be closed from 4.30pm on Friday 21 December 2018 and will reopen at 9.00am on Monday 7 January 2019.

Any donations made during this time will be processed from 9 January onwards.  Receipts will be posted as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

Thank you for your kind support of Eastern Health in 2018. We wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy festive season.

Contact us

Eastern Health Foundation
Box Hill Hospital
Building B, Ground Floor
8 Arnold St, Box Hill
Victoria 3128
Australia

Telephone: 03 9895 4608 

Email: Fundraising@easternhealth.org.au

Instagram: @easternhealthfoundation

KARON PHOTOGRAPHY 6802Personal experience with cancer motivates four young mums to make a difference.

"We have each had family and friends touched by cancer, so we know how hard it can be," explain Shades of Pink founders Kat, Sarah, Mary-Anne and Sarah.

The group of friends, who founded 'Shades of Pink' to help women affected by breast cancer, host annual luncheons and events.

All proceeds support the Eastern Health Breast and Cancer Centre, part of Maroondah Hospital.

"Our events are an opportunity for women to get together and share their stories. It’s very powerful," they explain.

This year, the group vowed to rally the community in support of new 3D mammogram equipment.

"Our second luncheon, hosted by Bramleigh Estate, raised an amazing $117,000 to help women being screened and treated for breast cancer.

"In the end, breast cancer could affect any one of our Shades of Pink guests or their loved ones," they share. "It’s a powerful motivator to make a difference."

Eastern Health Foundation and Shades of Pink would like to thank the following companies for their most generous support:

-Antarctica Flights
-Bramleigh Estate
-Buildcept
-Coopersmith Group
-Eastland
-John Alan Betta Home Living
-O'Brien Real Estate
-Ringwood Mazda
-Silversea
-The Stile List
-TTFN

Find out more at shadesofpink.com.au

Community kindness profoundly touched Bonnie, a young mum battling breast cancer. Thank you for your generosity.

Life is looking brighter for Bonnie because of donors like you

Two years ago, when I was 41 years old, I found a suspicious lump in my breast.

When the test results came back, my worst fears were confirmed. I’ll never forget being told I had cancer.

I went to pieces.

I was so scared.

Shane and I had to tell our three young kids that night. It was such a hard conversation, but they were so strong and brave.

During chemotherapy and radiation, I kept working. I was exhausted, but the bills didn’t stop for cancer – nothing does.

Since then, I have shared my story publically to raise awareness. I encourage women to self-check and have free breast screen tests from the age of 40.

Early detection can save lives.

Front cover

Just like you, I want to help other people going through cancer. I won’t let my battle be for nothing.

Life is finally starting to return to normal for me – but I’ll always worry about my cancer coming back.

Thanks to donors like you, I will have access to the best cancer technology

I was deeply moved to learn that kind-hearted donors were doing their part to raise $360,000 for new breast cancer equipment.

I’m so grateful for your support. If I need more breast cancer tests in the future, I can access the latest 3D technology. Thank you!

This encouraged me to donate an additional $4,000 for the 3D equipment from my very own fundraiser.

Like you, I want the latest cancer detection technology available for all women.3D tests can mean the difference between an early or late diagnosis.

Making a donation is my way of saying ‘thanks a million’ to my doctors and nurses who were my rock during treatment. It’s people like you who keep me going. Thank you!

You can read more about Bonnie's story in the Winter edition of 'Because of you'.

It's not too late to make a donation today