News

The art of care - Kirilee West

The touching moments of care given by healthcare staff to their patients will be explored and captured through a new project made possible by the PA Research Foundation.

Overcoming barriers in Emergency

Communication comes in several forms including verbal, non-verbal and written, and in an emergency health context ensuring communication is clear and understood by all parties is highly important.

Reducing post-surgical pain

Around 10 to 15 per cent of patients who have major surgery will go on to experience chronic and persistent post-surgical pain (CPSP), a debilitating complication for patients that currently costs the Australian economy billions of dollars a year.

Nursing pathway research saving lives

A research project supported by the PA Research Foundation is empowering nurses to save lives of patients with opioid poisoning.

10kms towards brain tumour research

Nicole Scurr will traverse 10km at this year’s Bridge to Brisbane, raising funds for Associate Professor Sarah Olson, as a thank you for the amazing care she was given and to contribute towards brain tumour research.

Pounding the pavement to say thanks

When four members of the Nickelson family lace up their joggers for this year’s Bridge to Brisbane, they will do so to raise funds for the woman they credit with helping keep Francis alive, PA Hospital based neurosurgeon Sarah Olson.

Computer powered cancer research

Artificial intelligence will be used to try and figure out which cancer patients to treat with immunotherapies and potentially help crack the mystery of why only 20 per cent of patients currently respond.

Go Dry in July for Tibah and the PA

Gary and Melissa O’Brien are currently going without alcohol for a whole month to raise funds to help cancer patients being treated at the PA Hospital (PAH) - one of whom is their 19-year-old son Tibah.

The power of immunotherapy

You are a healthy 27-year-old with the prime of your life ahead of you, you see the doctor about what you believed to be lingering effects of the flu and receive the news everyone fears. You have cancer.

Exploring prostate cancer treatment

The potential to save lives and extend the life of late stage prostate cancer patients is what keeps Dr Marianna Volpert coming back to the lab each day.

MANDATE kicks off in AVC Venues

More than 80 venues across Queensland are uniting to shine a light on men's health and raise money for vital prostate cancer research.

Q and A with Dr Lisa Philp

Meet the people behind the research at the PA Hospital, this week we are featuring Dr Lisa Philp

Cancer research helping COVID patients

Dr Lisa Philp has her sights set on giving more time to our grandfathers, fathers, brothers, and uncles diagnosed with prostate cancer and her research also has the potential to help Covid-19 patients.

Bridge to Brisbane returns in 2021

Brisbane's iconic fun run the Bridge to Brisbane is back, and so is the opportunity to raise vital funds for research into cancer and other serious diseases through the PA Research Foundation.

Q and A with A/Prof Liz Williams

Get to know our funded researchers! This week, we are featuring A/Prof Liz Williams

Dry July 2021 Campaign

Programs that help people with cancer will be just a click away for patients across Australia and the world in 2021, all thanks to PA Research Foundation's and Dry July.

National Volunteers Week (17-23 May)

There are more than six million volunteers in Australia who freely give up their time to help others, and the PA Research Foundation is lucky enough to have three superstar volunteers of their own.

Novel mental health research

Could one of the key active components in cannabis, when used alongside an existing medication, be a solution for schizophrenia patients, who are not responding to traditional treatments? A new study co-funded by the PA Research Foundation is hoping to find out.

International Nurses Day - Prof Ray Chan

PA Hospital's (PAH) Professor Ray Chan is the perfect example of this year's International Nurses Day themes, A Voice to Lead, and A Vision for Future Healthcare.

Q and A with Dr Pat Thomas

Get to know our funded researchers! This week, we are featuring Dr Pat Thomas.

The next generation of urological research

Meet Mahasha, Nathan, Abby, Claire, and Alivia. Five QUT research master's students helping advance research into bladder cancer and other urological cancers including prostate cancer.

Benefits of prebiotics explored

Prebiotics and probiotics have become a popular topic in health and diet conversations in recent years, and though we know they are great for improving or restoring gut flora, other specific benefits are still being discovered and explored.

Tackling cancer and COVID

PARF funding is helping to advance a novel technology being pioneered in Brisbane, technology which is now being used in both cancer and COVID-19 research with promising results.

Patient led bladder cancer research

With a five-year survival rate in Australia of just 54 per cent, bladder cancer is a deadly disease, but a team of dedicated researchers and clinicians are striving to change that.

ALH Project Pink campaign launches

130 ALH venues will turn pink in April and May as ALH Group gets behind PA Research Foundation's breast cancer campaign Project Pink.

Thankful for the PA's care

The PA Hospital and the staff within its walls hold a special place in Shirley Dashevici's heart having helped her overcome both breast and skin cancer.

Q and A with Dr Banushi

Meet the people behind the research at the PA Hospital, this week we are featuring Dr Blerida Banushi

Thankful for the PA's care

The PA Hospital and the staff within its walls hold a special place in Shirley Dashevici's heart having helped her overcome both breast and skin cancer.

Nephrologist aims to improve quality of life

As a nephrologist with over a decade of experience and specialising in peritoneal dialysis PA Hospital A/Prof Yeoungjee Cho is driven by a passion to improve the quality of life for patients with kidney disease.

Personal care at PA Hospital

When David Breese suffered an acquired brain injury, he and his wife Mandy were thankful for the care and support of the staff of the PA Hospital's (PAH) Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU).

Mum saved by Gamma Knife at the PA

Without the PA Hospital (PAH) and the unique medical technology known as the Gamma Knife, Sunshine Coast mother Debbie Butler may not have got to see her twin girls grow up.

Q and A with Dr Gonzalez Cruz

Meet the people behind the research at the PA Hospital, this week we are featuring Dr Gonzalez Cruz

Leading the way on lymphoedema research

Research into head and neck lymphoedema to date is limited but a PA Research Foundation funded project will not only change that, but also the way the condition is treated.

Exercise study to benefit cancer patients

A new research project funded by the PA Research Foundation will bring the numerous benefits of exercise for people diagnosed with cancer directly into patients' homes.

Personalised cancer treatments

Researchers at the PA Hospital believe personalising the treatment of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, may not only save lives but improve the quality of life of thousands of patients.

Skin cancer research saving lives

While the majority of patient with skin cancer are successfully cured with surgery, approximately 10% will present with more advanced disease where a cure is difficult or not possible.

Locks lopped for research

Ipswich's Michaela Hale will lop off her locks to raise money for vital breast cancer research at the PA Hospital campus.

Increasing fatty liver detection rates

A new research project funded by the PA Research Foundation aims to increase detection rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among people with type 2 diabetes.

Treating head and neck cancer

Researchers at the PA Hospital believe personalising the treatment of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, may not only save lives but improve the quality of life of thousands of patients.

Leon's fortunate twist of fate

Without the PA Hospital, Hervey Bay's Leon Adams probably wouldn't be here today to tell his story of how he almost died doing something he loves.

Behind the microscope: A/Prof Simpson

Meet the people behind the research at the PA Hospital, starting with A/Prof Fiona Simpson

Robert's transplant journey

When Robert Bliss' health started deteriorating due to cirrhosis of the liver he 'fought like hell' so that at the age of 67 he could be accepted into the liver transplant program at the PA Hospital.

Prof Panizza is a pioneer

By the time his career as a surgeon and researcher is over, PA Hospital (PAH) based Professor Benedict Panizza will have saved countless lives and been heavily involved in transforming medical practice, particularly as it relates to head and neck cancer.

Join Team PARF in 2021

Whether it's a marathon bike ride, 10,000 steps a day, or giving up a guilty pleasure, dozens of people a year help fund vital medical research by fundraising in their own ways as part of Team PARF.

Fertilise for research

It helps grow your plants and now it is helping to grow hope for people diagnosed with cancer and other serious diseases.

Winifred's lasting legacy

As a close friend and loved one of Winifred Allen, Beryl Quayle takes comfort from knowing Winifred's gift in her will to the PA Research Foundation went to the research of PA Hospital kidney specialist Professor David Johnson.

Helping people with schizophrenia

For people who have schizophrenia, daily life can be tough as they battle with their condition; throw a cancer diagnosis into that situation and life becomes all the more harder.

Supporting kidney transplant patients

As a nephrologist at the PA Hospital (PAH), Dev Jegatheesan is driven by a desire to continue improving outcomes for kidney transplant patients.

2020 Highlights

Despite what has been a tough year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, PA Research Foundation continued to grow its impact in 2020

Recycling to make a difference

It's great for the environment and 10 cents at a time it's bringing hope to cancer patients.

John’s gratitude for the PA

The last four years have been a rollercoaster ride for Hervey Bay father John Weiland. Not only did he manage to marry his wife, Monique, while awaiting a liver transplant, but in November 2019 he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his right tibia

Robert & Janine's love for PA

As two of the PA Research Foundation’s biggest supporters, Robert and Janine Fiumara say championing the cause of the PA Hospital is something they simply love to do.

Smiddy Fun Week a huge success

Smiddy Fun Week has been hailed a huge success after raising almost $30,000 for Skin Cancer Research in honour of PA Physiotherapist Adam Smiddy

2021 PARF Research Awards

More than 1.4 million in research funding was awarded to 20 separate medical research projects at the PA Research Foundation research awards at the Metro South Health Research Support Scheme awards on 30 November.

PAH doctor discovers paradigm shift

Imagine you discovered a complete paradigm shift in the way a rare life-threatening condition could be treated but first, you had to convince your colleagues and your peers of its validity.

A world without melanoma

If we are to eradicate melanoma as one of the world's most devastating cancers and stop it taking thousands of lives every year, the crucial element in that mission is research.

Mum of two thankful for the PA

Having lost her brother to cancer, Elaine Harriott was fearful when she learned she had a rare cancer known as Myxoid Liposarcoma, but the mum of two became determined to beat her diagnosis with the help of the PA Hospital.

Danica excited for first Smiddy

The concept of Smiddy Fun Week, where participants can walk, run, swim or cycle at a time and place of their choosing during Skin Cancer Action Week means Danica Cossio can take part for the first time in a Smiddy event.

Running to make a difference

In what will be his third year of raising money for skin cancer research, Rod Leeuwendal will run 50kms in 7 days as part of Smiddy Fun Week during skin cancer action week 15-21 November.

Identifying Skin Cancer through AI

As a biostatistician, Dr Brigid Betz-Stablein's work for the University of Queensland's Dermatology Research Centre keeps her busy across multiple research projects as the DRC works towards its aim - a world without melanoma.

50km in 7 days for Kevin

After taking part in the Smiddy Fun Run for the last two years Gold Coast man Kevin Payne is looking forward to the challenge of Smiddy Fun Week.

Game changing melanoma research

As a clinical trial coordinator at the University of Queensland's Dermatology Research Centre (DRC), Kaitlin Nufer knows ongoing funding, such as the support the DRC receives from the PA Research Foundation, is vital to the success of their research.

Smiddy Fun Week 2020 launches

In its 14th year, the well-known Smiddy Fun Run which raises money for skin cancer research at the PA Hospital Campus will be transformed from a single fun run, to a week-long event, Smiddy Fun Week.

Smiddy Committee excited for event

Smiddy Fun Run organising committee members and PA Hospital (PAH) staff members Angela O'Connor and Tony Pratt are excited to see how the first-ever Smiddy Fun Week will be received.

Technology helps identify liver disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, a sleeping giant among the community, is already growing to epidemic proportions and will have major impacts on our health system without greater intervention.

PA helps Val live a healthier life

When Val Higgins was told by her doctors that the best option to address her alarmingly high blood pressure and hypertension was to remove a kidney,

From patient to advocate

Having had four melanomas in his life Rod Flude is keen to do whatever he can to advance the future of skin cancer diagnosis, treatments and research.

PA's rising stars of Nephrology

Meet Samuel Chan, Yeoungjee Cho, and Dev Jegatheesan, three rising stars of nephrology based at the PA Hospital whose work has the potential to help thousands of patients.

Emergency Medicine Grants

Emergency medicine at the PA Hospital and across Queensland will benefit from new novel research grants being offered by the PA Research Foundation.

Liz's melanoma journey

The last three years have been especially tough on Nanango's Elizabeth Moller, but thanks to Dr Michael Wagels and the PA Hospital, she is healthy and free of cancer.

Bringing better skin health to all

Imagine the impact you could have in reducing rates of skin cancer if you could establish 15 VECTRA 360 3D Whole Body Imaging Systems in three states

PA Giving Day 2020

PA Hospital patients will benefit from over $653,000 raised by the PA Research Foundation through their second PA Giving Day

Dry July 2020 campaign wrap

A record number of people went Dry through July to raise vital funds for the cancer services unit at the PA Hospital (PAH)

PA Giving Day 2020 launches

With PA Giving Day 2020 taking place on 3 September, the PA Giving Day We're all 4 the Heroes campaign has officially launched, with the aim of raising $500,000 for the PA Hospital.

Genetics and its role in melanoma risk

University of Queensland Dermatology Research Centre (DRC) researcher Dr Aideen McInerney-Leo is on a mission to raise awareness of the role genetics plays in melanoma risk.

PARF helps drive kidney transplant success

If you have kidney disease, and especially if you need a kidney transplant, the best place to be treated is at Brisbane's PA Hospital - home to the Queensland Kidney Transplant Service and the Australasian Kidney Trials Network.

Memorial garden raises funds for melanoma research

Just an hour and a half from Brisbane, you will find a garden that is making a difference in the quest to find a cure for melanoma.

Gardasil vaccine helps bring new research to life

The cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil co-founded by Professor Ian Frazer at the PA Hospital (PAH) continues to not only save thousands of lives but also continues to contribute and shape further cancer research.

Mediterranean diet research at PAH

For medical researchers to bring their work to fruition sometimes they need to reach out to multiple sources before their work can be translated into a clinical setting, and ultimately help thousands of patients.

Towards a world without melanoma

University of Queensland Dermatology Research Centre and the PA Research Foundation – A decade of collaboration

Ken Burston- Prostate Cancer CNC at PAH

With decades of experience in prostate cancer in multiple countries, PA Hospital and Prostate Cancer Australia Clinical Nurse Consultant Ken Burston

Luke's Dry July mission

Having survived bowel cancer, Luke Cridland views Dry July as his way of giving back to those who cared for him.

Spinal Injury Unit equipped with WiFi

Imagine your mind was your only real escape from the monotony of being stuck in a wheelchair or hospital bed for months on end,

A trip ahead of the technology curve

Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Michael Wagels’ work in 3D printed bone implants has

Queenslanders support cancer patients

Each year people from across Brisbane and Logan go without a drink through July to raise funds

Improving outcomes for breast cancer patients

When breast cancer researcher Dr Shannon Joseph heads into work each day, she has one aim in mind - improving outcomes for people diagnosed with the disease.

Leukemia survivor wants you to go Dry this July

The care shown to Nguyen Thai Dang since he first came to the Princess Alexandra Hospital

Help us expand the QCWI

There are many reasons to participate in Dry July, but what better reason than to support a program designed to

A gift of thanks from Jimboomba patient

Jimboomba's Don Williams is so thankful for the ongoing care and support of the staff at the Home Training Haemodialysis Unit of the PA Hospital he gave them a stunning indigenous artwork which is now on the wall in the unit's reception area.

Dry(ish) July launches at PAH

Dry July 2020 has launched, and PARF is calling for Queenslanders to go a little bit ‘Dryer’ this July

Informing future research for kidney patients

For people who are on haemodialysis, going through their regular treatments three times a week is a slow, exhausting process,

Patients benefit from high-speed WiFi

Imagine being stuck in the same place for three months, just as so many of us are at present due to COVID-19, but you have little to no internet.

A new approach to bladder cancer research

For the Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), led by Dr Ian Vela and Associate Professor Elizabeth Williams, their bladder cancer research

Community Garden at PAH

For patients at the Princess Alexandra Hospital's (PAH) Geriatric and Rehabilitation Unit (GARU),

Breast cancer research leading the way

Most people know someone who has had an MRI, and nearly all women have had a mammogram, but the technology led by Dr Honor Hugo

PARF deliver Easter surprise

Who doesn’t like a chocolate fix to help get you through a hard day’s work, especially at Easter.

Research improving flu vaccine

What if you could find a way to improve the effectiveness of the flu vaccine in older and elderly Australians

PARF Researcher Spotlight

Kidney disease is a common, progressive and debilitating condition, affecting 10% of Australians

International Women's Day 2020

March 8 was International Women’s Day, and to mark the occasion PARF celebrated with

New drug combination could improve cancer treatments

Associate Professor Fiona Simpson and her research team have identified a promising new drug

HPV vaccine enters human trials

In a world first, human trials will commence for HPV related head and neck cancers

Queensland Cancer Wellness Initiative launches

The PA Hospital based Queensland Cancer Wellness Initiative (QCWI) are proud launch the next major step in the rollout of their Cancer Wellness Program

Join Team PARF in 2020

Team PARF, the Foundation’s online community fundraising platform, is preparing for another busy year,

World Cancer Day 2020

February 4th marks World Cancer Day, and is recognised as a global uniting initiative to raise awareness,

PARF commits $1.35 million to medical research

The PA Research Foundation’s 2020 Research Awards have been announced during the Metro South Health Support Scheme Research Awards Night on Tuesday November 19

Aveo make pink a pretty colour again

Aveo communities around Australia have gone pink during October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in support of Project Pink.

Aveo goes pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The PA Research Foundation's breast cancer campaign, Project Pink, returns to Aveo communities nationwide in October.

PA Giving Day raises $850,000 for PA Hospital

The PA Research Foundation have celebrated raising an incredible $850,000 for their inaugural PA Giving Day, Give 4 Thanks, on Thursday September 12.

MANDATE 2019 wraps up in AVC Venues

The PA Research Foundation’s MANDATE campaign took 90 Australian Venue Co (AVC) venues by storm again in 2019

Dry July brings Cancer Wellness Initiative to life

The PA Research Foundation was proud to participate in Dry July again this year to help raise funds

ALH celebrates 10 years with Project Pink

Our Project Pink campaign has wrapped up for the celebratory 10th year in partnership with ALH Group

MANDATE Golf Day scores a hole in one for Men’s Health

The second annual MANDATE Golf Day took place on Wednesday July 24 in support of lifesaving prostate cancer research at the PA Hospital Campus

Adam Gilchrist joins Team PARF as Bridge to Brisbane Ambassador

Australian Cricket legend Adam Gilchrist has joined Team PARF as an ambassador for the 2019 Bridge to Brisbane event

MANDATE spreading men's health message in AVC Venues

MANDATE has been making its mark on Australian Venue Co Venues throughout June and July

Cupcake Crayzee's High Tea

One of our longtime friends and fundraising champions, Tammy from Cupcake Crayzee, hosted a beautiful High Tea

2020 Research Awards Open

Applications have now opened for the PA Research Foundation's Research Awards

MANDATE Men's Health Breakfast 2019

The PA Research Foundation’s annual Men’s Health Week Breakfast in celebration of our MANDATE Men’s Health Campaign brought over 80 guests to the iconic Regatta Hotel

QBCI team tackle bladder cancer

Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative, now in its second year, has been making leaps and strides in the fight against bladder cancer

Project Pink set for 10th year with ALH Group

The PA Research Foundation’s Project Pink Campaign is set to join forces with Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) again in 2019

Prof Holtmann gives glimpse into research

Professor Holtmann is the lead researcher on a PARF funded project which is aiming to establish a microbiome

International Women’s Day 2019

PA Research Foundation celebrates women in research on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2019

Join Team PARF in 2019

Your one-stop destination for all things fundraising

International Women's Day 2019

Balance for better: Celebrating Women in the workplace at PAH

Fiona Simpson committed to finding a cure

Doctor Fiona Simpson has dedicated her career to improving treatment

Record funds committed to medical research

The PA Research Foundation held their second annual Research Awards on Tuesday 27 November

3D Breast reconstruction project nearing human trials

After six years, the groundbreaking project is almost ready for the next stage and is set to revolutionize outcomes for women with breast cancer

Smiddy Fun Run Wrap-up 2018

Runners took their places at the start lines in the early hours of the morning of November 1 for the 12th annual Smiddy Fun Run for skin cancer research

Project pink celebrates breast cancer awareness month in October

October is Breast Cancer awareness month and an important time to spotlight breast cancer and the efforts of Project Pink

Duck Race 2018 recap

It was great weather for ducks on Sunday 14 October for the PA Research Foundation’s Annual flagship event, Australia’s Biggest Duck Race for Cancer Research