In this "Friends of the Foundation" feature, we highlight the inspiring story of donor Will Tynan, whose commitment to advancing research and care for rare cancers has been deeply shaped by personal experiences. Through years of dedicated support, Will has become a passionate ally of the PA Research Foundation, championing our mission and contributing to life-changing breakthroughs.
In this Q&A, Will shares his journey, inspirations, and hopes for the future, providing a heartfelt look at the impact of his support and advocacy for the Foundation.
What inspired you to start supporting our charity?
My father-in-law, Sam Puglisi, bravely battled adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) for 18 years before passing away six years ago. Witnessing his journey was both heartbreaking and inspiring, fuelling my passion for supporting research into this rare and underfunded cancer.
My motivation is also deeply rooted in the values instilled by my parents. My father, Paul Tynan, actively gave back to the community and served on the Board of St. Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace, as well as Chairing the Foundation for 14 years. My mother, Maureen Tynan, also devoted herself to community service, further shaping my understanding of the importance of giving back.
How did you first hear about our organisation?
Throughout my father-in-law’s 18-year cancer journey, he spoke fondly of the work being conducted by the PA Research Foundation, particularly by Prof Fiona Simpson and Prof Ben Panizza at the PA Hospital.
The Foundation’s ability to allow us to specifically allocate funds to a bespoke type of cancer, such as ACC, resonated with us immediately.
What aspects of our work resonate with you the most?
The Foundation’s focus on rare cancers, particularly ACC, deeply resonates with me. I am especially inspired by Associate Professor Fiona Simpson and her team’s innovative research into eosinophils—a discovery that could revolutionize ACC treatment. Their work gives hope not only to ACC patients but also potentially to those with other cancers like triple-negative breast cancer.
Having three young children of my own, I can’t fathom the mental and physical toll that cancer would have on a young family. With advancements in technology, I’m comforted that medical breakthroughs in terminal illnesses are becoming more frequent, thanks to the dedication of specialists supported by groups like the PA Research Foundation.
What do you hope your contributions will achieve in the long term?
My hope is that contributions will help transform ACC from a disease with no known cure into one that is treatable and ultimately curable. It’s also my hope that the breakthroughs made by the PA Research Foundation will have broader applications, offering new treatment possibilities for other challenging cancers.
Why do you think supporting charities like ours is important?
Charities like the PA Research Foundation, which create bespoke directed funds, ensure that rare and overlooked diseases are not forgotten. They bridge critical gaps in research funding, providing patients and families with hope for better outcomes. Supporting these causes is essential for fostering innovation and saving lives, particularly for conditions that typically receive very little funding.
What’s something about donating that most people don’t know or might be surprised to learn?
Many people underestimate the ripple effect of their donations. Contributions, no matter how small, combine to fuel research that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, such as Professor Simpson’s lab work on ACC.
What’s the most rewarding part of donating for you?
The most rewarding part of donating is knowing that I’m helping drive meaningful change, not just for ACC patients but for the broader cancer research community. It’s also a way to honour my father-in-law’s memory and to carry forward the legacy of community service instilled in me from a young age.
Are there other causes or charities that you’re passionate about supporting?
I am also passionate about supporting Indigenous communities, having previously spent six years working with Traditional Owner groups and Native Title Corporations to empower their communities for brighter futures. As one of the founding Directors of Minjerribah Camping on North Stradbroke Island in Queensland, I had the privilege of working on initiatives that empowered the Quandamooka People and promoted cultural preservation and economic development.
In a professional capacity, in 2010, my business partners and I established the Percent Foundation as a way for our business to give back to society and deserving causes. We encourage all our staff, consultants, and joint venture partners to contribute to the Percent Foundation, which is ACNC and DGR registered, with 100% of donations going directly to selected charities.
What’s one fun or surprising fact about you that most people don’t know?
Friends of mine and I try to schedule at least one major physical challenge per year. It’s a great way for males, in particular, to catch up and bond (in a healthy way), push each other for individual growth, and have some fun during the training months leading up to the events. Since we started this ritual, we’ve completed multiple marathons, the Coolangatta Gold, the Perth Doctor Ocean Ski Race, and more.
