Celebrating the Peter Mac community
2 min read 20 May 2024
At Peter Mac, cancer research is accelerated by the generous support we receive from our incredible community of supporters. On the evening of 9 May 2024, we welcomed our supporters to join us in a celebration of the Peter Mac community and the life-changing role they play in the search for new cancer treatments and cures.
Watch the event recording to see how Peter Mac supporters are helping to overcome some of the toughest challenges in cancer treatment.
Joining us for the evening to share their appreciation were two of Peter Mac’s top researchers, Professor Ben Hogan and Dr Luke McLean.
In his presentation, Professor Hogan showcased the latest fundamental research happening in his lab in the areas of vascular biology and brain cancer. He and his team hope that this work will lead to breakthroughs in obstacles facing many cancer patients, with a particular focus on breast and brain cancers.
“We are incredibly lucky to be supported by the Peter Mac community. What you do provides really meaningful support for us in the labs. We would not be able to do the science that we do without your support,” says Professor Hogan.
Dr McLean presented his research into cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), a type of skin cancer that is often involved in the head and neck region. Through his research, Dr McLean is pursuing deeper insight into the interaction between the immune system and cancer, to understand why immunotherapy works for some people but not for others.
Professor Ben Hogan and Dr Luke McLean
Our final presentations on the night came from Peter – cancer survivor and Peter Mac patient – and his partner, Bernie. Speaking to over 200 Peter Mac supporters, Peter and Bernie generously shared their personal story with cancer as both patient and carer. They also expressed their gratitude for the kindness of the Peter Mac community, with Peter going on to say:
“Good outcomes require good experiences, and here at Peter Mac I know I’m in the best of hands. As a patient, I want to thank all of you for your amazing generosity and support.”
Special thanks to Professor Hogan and Dr McLean for sharing with us key insights into their research and their hopes for the future of cancer research. And a very special thanks to Peter and Bernie for so generously sharing with us their own journey with cancer.