Thank you to The Merrin Foundation
Since October 2005, the Merrin Foundation has been a generous and wonderful friend of The Alfred, already donating nearly $800,000 and recently committing to a further three years of funding towards the Merrin Fellow for Multiple Myeloma.
This generous support provided by the Merrin Foundation through its Founder, Charles Tegner, and his co-Trustees, Ann Hyams and Mark Fairbairn, has enabled the purchase of equipment for both The Alfred Centre and the Intensive Care Unit, but it is through their ongoing commitment in establishing and sustaining the Merrin Fellow for Multiple Myeloma that the Trustees have had an exponential impact on The Alfred and our multiple myeloma service.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. Widespread growth of abnormal plasma cells accumulates in the bone marrow, where they interfere with the production of normal blood cells. This can cause a range of problems including weak bones, anaemia and reduced immunity. There is no cure, but thanks to dedicated researchers, such as the Merrin Fellows, many new drugs and treatment strategies are available for the treatment of multiple myeloma, greatly improving the outlook for those living with this blood cancer.
Not only has the Merrin Fellow for Multiple Myeloma fostered three talented, young clinical researchers, but their sustained contribution to Professor Andrew Spencer’s team at The Alfred has facilitated many achievements to improve treatments for people living with multiple myeloma, including the establishment of the Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry at The Alfred – the first of its kind in Australia and New Zealand.
The Alfred is extremely grateful to the Merrin Foundation for their loyal friendship and ongoing support.
