Tour de Cure success is measured through three key areas:

Achievements through the funding of projects

• Research - to improve the treatment of and find a cure for cancer
• Support - those living with cancer, whether directly or indirectly
• Prevention - though education and awareness

Awareness of cancer and cancer statistics through media and events.
Ambassadors who give time, money and support to help make it all happen.

 

Achievements

Research

Charlie Teo research into Alpha Therapy for Glioma

New therapeutic approches into Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are urgently needed.  One such approach is based on the targeted alpha therapy concept, where a targeting molecule carries a radioisotope that emits very short range radiation to kill the targeted cancer.  This funding will enable Professor Charlie Teo to enrol suitable patients into the trial and integrate this therapy into his surgical program.

Research by Dr John Rasko

Research to determine whether the POV1/LAT3 amino acid transporter is involved in prostate cancer and ways to improve outcomes following prostate cancer diagnosis.

Clear Study Research Program

Three year naming rights to a PhD student which aims to prevent and treat cancer by assessing lifestyle and genetic influences.

Natural cells - the role of the innate immune system in Cancer

Three year naming rights to a PhD researcher, Mr Chris Chan.  White blood cells know as 'Natural Killer' (NK) cells play an important role in the boyd's natural defence against blood cancers such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Mr Chan is investigating how 'Natural Killer' cells are able to identify and suppress cancers, particularly during their early transformation from normal into cancerous cells.  These studies will provide great insight into how the body's own immune system combats cancer.  Funded through the Leukaemia Foundation.

National Collaboration Breast Cancer research program

In 2009 Tour de Cure's funds supported NBCF 'Think Tanks Research Project’ “Exercise and Breast Cancer Survivorship: A National Collaboration” undertaken by Chief Investigators Associate Professor Elizabeth Eakin & Dr Sandra (Sandi) Hayes who are associated with both the University of QLD and Queensland University of Technology respectively. These 'Think Tanks' are designed to bring together investigators, recognised in their fields, with complementary abilities to formulate an integrative proposal for collaberative national projects.  The Chief Investigators propose to form a collaboration of Australian researchers to evaluate whether exercise can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and increase survival among women with breast cancer. If successful, the results of this research collaboration will have a profound influence on cancer care and on the quality and quantity of life of Australian women with breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Research Scholarship

Tour de Cure's 2008 funds sponsored a three year Breast Cancer Research Scholarship. Across 2008 - 2010 this research scholarship will work in conjunction the 'Easie Evie' Robot.

Adopted 'Easie Evie' robot

The 'Easie Evie' Robot was sponsored by Tour de Cure in 2007. The 'Easie Evie' Robot is the latest in breast tissue research and analysis. Easie Evie can do in one hour what use to take 10 scientists a few days.

Support

Camp Quality Recreation Campaign Programmes

Enable 151 children to attend Camp Quality's recreation campaign programmes in 2008, ranging from one day activities to seven day camps.

Townsville Accommodation (Local Project)

Funded six awnings to be erected at their Townsville units, as the back rooms were unusable in the hot and wet seasons as the doors could not be opened.

Bundaberg Office (Local Project)

Purchased training equipment to support the entire region and its training across all forms of cancer related needs.

Westmead Home Renovations

Installation of a stair lift for patients to enable five levels to be used by patients.  Also the create of an outdoor recreation area at home away from home facilities.

Inaugural National Camp

The creation and implementation of Camp Quality's Inaugural National Camp. This camp will see children from across Australia come together to experience the time of their lives in early 2009

Rockhampton's Main Camp (Local Project)

Funded remote kids and families to attend Rockhamptons Main Camp.

Prevention

Cancer Council Information clinics

Funded two free cancer information clinics in treatment centres and hospitals located in Wagga Wagga and Tamworth.  These centres connect cancer patients and their families to reliable information and support services.  The Information Centres provide a non-clinical space where patients can access a range of free information resources (both printed and online) and find out about the support services available for patients and carers. Friendly, trained volunteers are on hand to listen and guide visitors to appropriate resources, and the Centres are also equipped with a telephone, so that visitors can talk confidentially to the cancer professionals on the Cancer Council Helpline about any aspect of cancer.

High School Education Program

Funded 'The Teenage Alchemist' a play by Angela Betzien targeting high school students.  Dealing with cancer is tough; it's even tougher when you are a teenager.  Dealing with teenagers is tough, especially if you are a teenager. Teaching teenagers is tough.  Beautifully written for young people, this play explores the personal conflict and inner-crisis that emerges as a result of cancer diagnosis and how teenagers deal with situations in very different ways.

PCFA's Inaugural National Conference

Tour de Cure's 2008 funds enabled the convener of each of the 73 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia support groups, and their carer, to attend PCFA's inaugural national conference "Supporting Quality of Life for Men with Prostate Cancer" in November 2008. This conference brought together representatives of PCFA support groups from across Australia for the very FIRST TIME with some of the world's most respected authorities on the disease. It was Tour de Cure's 2007 donation that funded the national conference development, planning and securing of keynote speakers to 'work together' on increasing survival rates and ultimately finding a cure.

 

Awareness

Since 2007, Tour de Cure had generated over $3 million in media exposure to create awareness of cancer and the support services available in local Australian communities.

Ambassadors

Tour de Cure has increased their ambassadors by 329% since their first ride in 2007.  These ambassadors assist in raising awareness and funds to find a cure for cancer.