Donation to champion a new era for advances in melanoma and skin cancers

Source: Health Canal, August 2014

CEO of Peter Mac Ms DAle Fisher, Mrs Pamela Galli, Prof Grant McArthur, Prof Stephen Smith
Research into melanoma and skin cancers will be further advanced through a $5 million gift from a donor in honour of her husband who died of melanoma.

World-leading clinician and researcher Professor Grant McArthur has been appointed the inaugural Lorenzo Galli Chair in Melanoma and Skin Cancers at the University of Melbourne.

Chair has been made possible by the generosity of Mrs Pamela Galli.

The gift will enable research to be undertaken in melanoma and skin cancers by the University of Melbourne, in partnership with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, as part of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC).

The VCCC is an alliance that aims to significantly accelerate the reduction in deaths from cancer by the integration of world’s best cancer research with teaching and improved clinical care.

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Professor Stephen Smith said Professor McArthur, currently Director of the Melanoma Service at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, will lead translational research and teaching programs.

“Professor McArthur has an outstanding national and international track record in clinical and research work. His experience and insights into molecular medicine is an added advantage and he will drive innovation, change and collaborations within the Parkville precinct,” said Professor Smith.

Despite recent improvements in the understanding of melanoma and skin cancers, it remains one of Australia’s major killers.

“We need more research, better treatments and education programs and we need to teach the next generation of doctors. The establishment of the new Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre will enable collaborations resulting in improved therapies,” said Professor McArthur.

“I am proud to be the inaugural Chair in Melanoma and Skin Cancers and I look forward to working with the University of Melbourne to accelerate the survival rates and ultimate cures for patients. This gift from Mrs Galli will add significantly to our capacity to improve outcomes for patients,” he said.

After losing her husband Lorenzo to skin cancer, Mrs Galli felt compelled to support and advance medical research in this field.

“Lorenzo was always very adamant about the need to support medical research,” said Mrs Galli.

“I hope that this gift will go towards improving treatments for patients diagnosed with melanoma and bring us closer to one day finding a cure.”

Mrs Galli has donated $10 million to the University of Melbourne. The gift is part of Believe – the Campaign for the University of Melbourne, which aims to raise $500 million by 2017 to support the University’s teaching, research and engagement activities.