Associate Professor Jenny Wang (front right) and her Kolling Institute cancer and stem cell research team
grant accelerates research at the Kolling Institute A two-decade long commitment to reducing
“These cells are resistant to conventional chemotherapy, and are believed to be the primary cause of treatment failure and relapse. “Currently, more than 80 per cent of people with this type of blood cancer will experience a relapse, and the majority will have a poor outcome. “Our research is working to develop stem cell-targeted therapies where we eliminate the leukaemia stem cells altogether. “Encouragingly, this would potentially replace intensive chemotherapy with more targeted treatments. “This wonderful funding boost will enable my team and I to progress these promising new therapies and offer hope to people with this aggressive cancer. “We expect this funding will lead to renewed optimism for improved outcomes in the fight against acute myeloid leukaemia and other deadly blood cancers.”
blood cancers has delivered coveted national funding to Associate Professor Jenny Wang to progress her vital cancer research. As the head of the Kolling Institute’s Cancer and Stem Cell Laboratory, Jenny has secured a $2.95 million investigator grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council to advance her pioneering research into acute myeloid leukaemia. Jenny said she was overwhelmed by the grant success. “I was thrilled to hear the news,” she said. “To secure a large National Health and Medical Research Council grant is challenging, so I’m really pleased to be able to accelerate our research with this funding boost.” Acute myeloid leukaemia is the deadliest form of blood cancer, with only 27 per cent of patients surviving more than five years after treatment. “Our research aims to revolutionise treatment by targeting leukaemia stem cells,” she said.
Tim Pickering
From tragedy to triumph: Tim’s path to becoming an emergency nurse
the Australian Catholic University and graduated at 47 years old in 2021. Tim now works as an emergency nurse at Royal North Shore Hospital where he said he finds fulfillment in caring for patients and giving back. “I know firsthand the difference a simple interaction can make, and I strive to provide the same compassionate care I received,” he said. “Although working in the emergency department can be challenging, the culture that has been built at the RNSH ED is one of professionalism and is very supportive. I feel blessed to be working with some exceptionally amazing people.” Whilst balancing his own health challenges, including chronic nerve pain and fatigue, Tim remains active in the gym and said he leans on the resilience he developed through recovery. “I always remember what one of my neurologists told me—it’s not about what happens to you in life, but how you respond,” he said.
Tim Pickering’s life changed overnight in 2015 when what he thought was the flu turned out to be a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome. This syndrome causes the body’s immune system to attack the peripheral nerves and often requires urgent treatment. Tim, who is a former ironman triathlete, personal trainer and aviation firefighter, spent over nine months in the hospital and 103 days in an intensive care unit where he was intubated and his neck was completely paralysed. “I was a prisoner in my own body,” he said. “I had no control over anything and was fearful, terrified and in pain 24/7. “The doctors, nurses, and therapists were the ones who ensured I survived.” Despite gruelling rehabilitation, Tim was left with permanent bilateral foot drop and essential tremor. Though he could still perform his duties, he was medically discharged from his role as an aviation firefighter in 2019. Inspired by the nurses who had saved his life, he pursued a Bachelor of Nursing at
SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS Share your news and achievements. Contact the Media and Communications team on 9463 1722 or email NSLHD-media@health.nsw.gov.au to submit your news.
xxxxxxx
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
9
5
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 4| 14 MARCH 2025
8
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online