Make a donation in memory of a loved one.
Donate to the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship today.
The Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund was established by Marjorie Jackson-Nelson—the Lithgow Flash and former Governor of South Australia—in memory of her husband, Australian Olympic cyclist, Peter Nelson who passed away from leukaemia.
Over 46 years of progress
The Fund was established to support researchers, in an accredited research department, to undertake research into leukaemia, with the goal of finding a cure for this type of cancer.
Over the past 46 years, the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund has supported nine talented researchers working towards a cure for this deadly disease.
Former recipient of the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship
Dr Laura Eadie (SAHMRI)
In 2019, Dr Laura Eadie was rewarded the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship.
In her first year, she discovered that a drug showed great potential to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL)—a type of leukaemia that is most commonly found in children aged 14 and younger.
Since then, Dr Eadie has continued to focus on how and when this drug can be used, with recent studies showing it is not only effective, but is far safer and has less side effects, which will have a huge difference on those currently going through treatment.
Researchers like Dr Eadie are the key to unlocking a future free from leukaemia and continuing to increase survival rates for generations to come. That’s why it’s so important that we keep momentum going by funding more leukaemia researchers as they work towards the next cancer breakthrough.
What is T-ALL?
Last year, it was estimated that more than 4,900 adults and 280 children were diagnosed with leukaemia in Australia. The disease is categorised into four main types, one of which is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). ALL subtypes include T-cell and B-cell.
ALL is caused by a wide variety of genomic abnormalities including gene fusions and mutations. T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is a very genetically complex disease and until recently, was an understudied cohort.
A message from Dr Eadie:
“Financial support is vital for emerging research leaders. Through the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund, I have received a continuity of funding that has enabled me to lead important work that will help all leukaemia patients. I am proud to have been a recipient of the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund and am incredibly thankful for your generous support that makes research possible.”
How your support will help this year
The Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund neither seeks nor receives any government funding. Marjorie Jackson-Nelson’s personal time and effort—along with that of a group of passionate volunteers—have been the driving forces of fundraising so far, with the generous support of Rotary and other groups, companies and individuals who respond to the calls for help.
Your support means that research into leukaemia can continue toward our goal of a future free from leukaemia.
If you have already opted to leave a Gift in your Will, we recommend the following:
- Check that the wording is correct and your bequest is to the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fund. Please call our Philanthropy team on 08 8291 4111 for more information.
The Peter Nelson Leukaemia Research Fellowship Fund is administered by Cancer Council SA. For more information please contact Cancer Council SA on 1300 65 65 85.