Reducing Impact of Asbestos

Key objectives include:
- SUPPORTING and connecting fellow sufferers of asbestos-related diseases,
- Increasing AWARENESS of the ongoing risks of asbestos in our community, and
- Promoting RESEARCH into better treatment outcomes for mesothelioma sufferers.
Reflections Through Reality Launch
MEDIA RELEASE
November 20, 2015
ROTARY PARTNERS NEW “MESO” RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Funding for research into the deadly, asbestos-related disease mesothelioma will receive a welcome boost following the launch today of the Reflections Through Reality Foundation.
Established by a survivor of the disease, Barry Knowles, the Foundation was officially launched by WA Governor Kerry Sanderson at a special lunch arranged by the Rotary Club of Perth which is partnering the Foundation in its cause.
Barry, a retired builder who defied the odds after being given only months to live when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2010, told of his determination to fight the disease in his book, Reflections Through Reality, published earlier this year.
With the support of his family, the not-for-profit Foundation was established to help raise funds for research being undertaken at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Perth.
“Barry’s amazing story of survival and determination provides hope and inspiration to other victims of the disease,” said Barry’s daughter Jo Morris, the Foundation’s Operations Manager.
“But at the end of the day it’s only well-funded medical research which will eventually put an end to this insidious disease.”
One of those at the forefront of cancer research in WA, Professor Bruce Robinson, told the luncheon audience that mesothelioma research was heading towards “some exciting new directions”.
Prof Robinson, who is Director of the National Centre of Asbestos Related Disease, gave the audience an inspiring overview of the promising research being carried out and supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Rotary Club of Perth President, Graham Peden, said a number of Rotary clubs throughout the State had pledged to raise funds for the Foundation and help make a difference.
“Mesothelioma impacts more Western Australians per capita than anywhere else in the world and the numbers are on the rise,” he said.
“Barry’s passion to see an end to the disease has become infectious and anything which will help prevent the loss of innocent lives here and throughout the world deserves our support.”