Shannon Noll concert in aid of melanoma research – November 29th

Source: Illawarra Mercury , November 2013 by JODIE DUFFY

Cancerous tumours taken from a Windang mother who died from melanoma last year are being used in research to help find a cure for the deadly disease.

Carrine Weston’s family and friends have organised a concert to raise money for the Genome Project in which scientists hope to come up with a treatment or cure for advanced melanoma within five years.

The project aims to identify the common gene mutations that cause melanoma by analysing the DNA of 500 tumours. The goal is to enable doctors to tailor each patient’s treatment to the genetic nature of their tumours.

The concert, on November 29, bills pop-rocker Shannon Noll as the lead act at the Port Kembla Golf Club.

Noll has donated his time for the concert to raise money for the project.

Carrine, a long-distance runner, was diagnosed with the deadly disease 10 months after adopting her third child, Nini, from Taiwan.

A pink, raised mole the size of a pea on her shoulder was the cause.

The 40-year-old athlete had competed in four marathons and an ultra-marathon. She was brave and courageous right up to her death and spent as much time as she could raising awareness of the dangers of melanoma and encouraging everyone she met to be more sun smart. Her friends and family have vowed to continue her work by holding a fund-raising event each year in the Illawarra.

Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. It is usually caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation. Risk factors include a fair complexion and high mole count.

Melanoma Institute of Australia community co-ordinator Jay Allen said the disease killed 1500 people each year.

‘‘That’s a lot of suffering,’’ Mr Allen said. ‘‘It’s so invasive. Once a tumour grows to a millimetre deep, little cells break away and get into the blood stream and lymphatic system. Early detection is really important so get your skin checked once a year.’’

Mr Allen was diagnosed with melanoma in 2000 after a suspicious mole on his ankle kept scabbing and bleeding.

It’s hoped next Friday’s concert, which is in honour of Carrine, will raise $20,000 for research.

‘‘It’s going to be a good night out,’’ said Mr Allen. ‘‘It’s also for a good cause. They are so close to a treatment now that it’s hoped that within five years melanoma will be downgraded from a deadly to a chronic disease.’’

A guitar signed by Noll and fellow rocker Guy Sebastian will be auctioned on the night.

Carrine was the founding member of the Illawarra Melanoma Support Group, which is now run by her sister Tennille Shelley and close friend Karen Ryan.

The next monthly meeting will be held on December 19.