Mesothelioma Research
 
Established in 2015, Reflections is a not-for-profit reducing the ongoing impact of ASBESTOS on the community.

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.
One person dies every 12 hours in Australia from mesothelioma and an estimated 4,000 people from asbestos-related diseases. Western Australia has the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world and, likely, the most in situ asbestos of all the States.
 
Some of the world’s leading experts are based here in Perth at the National Centre for Asbestos-Related Disease . Reflections and Perth Rotary are proud to support their work as they seek a long-term treatment for the terminal cancer – mesothelioma.
 
As a 3rd ‘wave’ of sufferers develop, including home renovators (DIY) and tradies, ongoing community awareness is imperative. Reflections, in partnership with Master Builder, is actively increasing awareness through events such as Steeltoes & Stilettos which brings the risk of asbestos to the big stage. Follow this link to read more.
 
Reflections also supports sufferers and their families through regular, informal gatherings and access to resources provided by Solaris Cancer Care.  
For more information on how you can support this important work, contact Jo Morris on 0407 255 221 or via jomo@reflections.org.au
 
Perth Rotary is proud to support Reflections and the work they are doing to reduce the ongoing impact of asbestos on our community.

 

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.”