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In Australia, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death.

1 in 3 women diagnosed with lung cancer have no history of smoking. They are loved ones – sisters, friends, mothers and grandmothers.

One of them was Coleen. This is her story.

Every breakthrough brings us closer to life-changing treatments and cures.

Your generous donation today can give hope to people diagnosed with life-threatening diseases – like Coleen.

15,500+ Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer every year
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia – over 9000 Australians die from this disease every year
1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men diagnosed with lung cancer have no history of smoking

Coleen photographed holding two babies

“My biggest fear was never meeting my grandchildren.”

As a midwife, Coleen delivered countless babies and dreamed of becoming a grandmother after having her own children. But a lump on her neck and hearing the words “inoperable,” revealed a future she never imagined.

In July 2006, Coleen was diagnosed with the most form of common lung cancer found in non-smokers.

“My prognosis was dismal. I was told my life expectancy… was maybe a year. They suggested I should plan some holidays to create memories with my family.”

Just two days before her daughter’s wedding, Coleen was admitted to hospital with severe pneumonia and doctors were not sure if she would leave the hospital at all.

A heartbreaking journey

A photo of Coleen with hair loss from her cancer treatment
“A selfie after lung cancer treatment. At the time I thought this photo was only for my eyes.”
Coleen is photographed bathing her infant grandchild
“Bathing my granddaughter, Mia. I thought I’d never see this day.”
“Medical research saved me. It might be you or your family, who may need saving one day.
A donation today to WEHI is an investment in your future – and the future of those you love.”
Coleen photographed holding her infant grandson in a sling
Coleen holding her grandson, Sebastian, who she feared she’d never meet.

Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer

“All the friends I met with lung cancer from back then, not one of them is alive today.

“Lung cancer affects people of all backgrounds – it’s young fit people, it’s non-smokers and it’s everything in between. Lung cancer survivors like me are extremely rare.”

Every scientific breakthrough becomes a beacon of hope for people living with disease – hope for better treatments, potential cures and more time to create lasting memories with loved ones.

How the air we breathe can lead to disease

Over the past 12 years Dr Clare Weeden has been researching why lung cancer is on the rise around the world.

Her groundbreaking work has shown that we all have potentially cancerous cells in our lungs, which can be activated by repeated exposure to air pollution.

“I hope my research will change the future for people with lung disease. I want to figure out new diagnostics for the earlier detection of lung cancer, as well as design better treatment strategies for people who already have lung cancer.”

Donate today

Your donation will enable WEHI’s researchers to continue to solve the biggest health challenges affecting our community.

WEHI’s researchers are pushing the boundaries to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of more than 50 diseases that impact the health of Australians and people around the world – diseases like cancer.

Other ways to donate

To make a credit card donation by phone, please call +61 3 9345 2403 (9am to 5pm AEST).

To donate by cheque, please download this donation form.

If you would like to make a donation via bank transfer, please call our Fundraising team on (03) 9345 2403 or email us at fundraising@wehi.edu.au

To request donation envelopes to use at an event, please contact us on 03 9345 2403 or fundraising@wehi.edu.au.

US supporters can donate via the Chapel & York US Foundation, nominating The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research as a recipient.

Donations to WEHI of $2 or more are fully tax deductible.

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