TRI Launches $10,000 Appeal to Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Research

The TRI Foundation is launching a new Breast Cancer Appeal to raise funds to support researchers and clinicians working to develop new diagnostics and treatments for breast cancer at TRI.

A sculpture was unveiled today to mark the launch of the appeal, which aims to raise $10,000 over the next year.

“This new appeal will focus the fundraising efforts of the TRI Foundation and drive our aim to improve the lives of the thousands of individuals affected by breast cancer each year,” TRI CEO, Professor Scott Bell said.

The sculpture is the bowspirit of the dragon boat The Good Ship Awareness, donated to TRI by the artist, Sue Ellen Barlow, and the crew from Dragons Abreast Gold Coast.

“I was inspired by the concept of an image that would replace the Dragons head that usually sits on the bowsprit of a dragon boat, consequently a one -breasted mermaid emerged from my blocks of Hebel, heralding a message of strength and determination.” Ms Barlow said.

“The bowspirit is a symbol of the determination and courage embodied by the breast cancer survivors that make up the crew of The Good Ship Awareness and we are happy to have it here at TRI,” Professor Bell said.

Professor Erik Thompson, Associate Director of QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, unveiled the sculpture.

The Good Ship Awareness featured as part of the Swell Sculpture Festival for the first time this year to serve as a reminder for all women to be vigilant and do regular checks to aid early detection of breast anomalies.

The sculpture was exhibited in the festival at Currumbin Beach from the 11 - 20 September. It will remain in the TRI reception for the rest of the year and will then be relocated to a space near the breast cancer research labs.

To donate to the appeal, click here.