Reimagining the future of cancer

“I lost my wife to cancer.
lost my father to cancer.
I lost my brother to cancer.
And I, too, live with the shadow of this disease.”

James Armstrong

WEHI Consumer Advocate

“Cancer touches every family. Mine is no exception.”

Every family has a story.

For James Armstrong, that story is marked by cancer.

James’ story is, sadly, not unique. Unfortunately, it is the story of thousands of Australian families and millions more around the world.

James’ wife endured brutal chemotherapy in the 1980s. His father survived decades longer thanks to pioneering surgery. His brother was given precious extra years to meet his first granddaughter because of a medical research breakthrough – immunotherapy.

And James himself is alive today thanks to early detection and vigilant treatment.

The power of medical research

When James was diagnosed in 2011, only three genes were linked to bowel cancer. Just eight years later, scientists had identified 28.

Discovering the genes behind disease helps us understand why illnesses happen in the first place.

This breakthrough knowledge opens the door to earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and even the possibility of preventing disease before it starts.

But breakthroughs like this take time. It can take 10 to 15 years to turn a promising discovery in the lab into a life-saving treatment. Which means the research that will save lives in 2040 must start in 2025 – now.

“Research isn’t just for us – it’s for our children. The treatments of tomorrow start with your generous donation today.”

Consumer advocate James and his brother John, photographed in a busy restaurant — James with his brother, John

Professor Peter Gibbs, Associate Professor Oliver Sieber, Dr Tao Tan photographed in a laboratory. — L-R: Professor Peter Gibbs, Associate Professor Oliver Sieber and Dr Tao Tan. Researchers have grown tumours in the lab to accurately predict what drugs will work for people with bowel cancer – before they begin treatment. Read more

Why your donation today matters

Cancer is striking younger people more often. James knows this as both a scientist and a father. We don’t yet know why. But we do know this: only medical research will find the answers.

That’s why James is committed to supporting medical researchers at WEHI.

“It doesn’t have to be much. But if we all give, together, we can make medical breakthroughs possible. Together, we give scientists the chance to change the future. Every dollar counts.”

Donate today

Your donation now will fuel discoveries that give families more time, more hope, more tomorrows.

Please, donate today. Together, we can change the future of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Tomorrow’s treatments and cures start with your donation today.

You are the cure.

Donate today

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 or BPAY, please call our Fundraising team on (03) 9345 2403 or email us at fundraising@wehi.edu.au

If you would like to make a donation via cryptocurrency, please visit our crypto giving page.

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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