Lucy Jones, Founder and President Neuroblastoma Australia

Lucy Jones is the mother of Sienna and Jamie Hoffmann. Lucy is focused on driving change in survival rates through more research, having tragically lost her daughter Sienna to the illness in 2010. Sienna is the inspiration for this site and the fundraising efforts that the site promotes. When Sienna was first diagnosed, Lucy started fundraising with her friends, and this small group called 'Sienna Hoffmann and friends' raised over $725 000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia. Lucy organised a number of Sienna Frangipani Gala Dinners as well as other events and founded the Neuroblastoma Run 2 Cure with friends and volunteers.

 

Neuroblastoma Australia is a registered charity – currently run by families and friends affected by neuroblastoma on a volunteer basis. The organisation has three main objectives

1)  To raise the profile of this childhood cancer – it is the leading cause of death of children under the age of 5 but few have heard of it

2) To increase fundraising efforts targeted specifically at research into Neuroblastoma. Survival rates can be changed with more research and we believe raising awareness will help increase funds for specific neuroblastoma research – we believe it is possible to change the current average survival rate which is 50%. Other childhood cancers such as leukaemia (ALL – 90% survival) have seen a dramatic improvement in survival rates thanks to research and there is no reason why the same progress cannot be made with more research going into neuroblastoma.

3) To provide information and support for those affected by this childhood cancer. Neuroblastoma is a rare disease and it means a family experiencing neuroblastoma often feel isolated and have no knowledge of this cancer.

Neuroblastoma Australia is inspired by little Sienna Hoffmann who tragically lost her battle against the disease in 2010. Following her determination, this organisation has been created by two families – one being that of Sienna Hoffmann and one being that of Ciara Flanagan who is a neuroblastoma survivor.

 

 

• LUKE DAVIS ,our Guest Speaker this week

  Luke first started at 2GB as a 'work experience' man in his mid twenties and soon found himself as an assistant to Alan Jones as his driver.   Luke then progressed to one of the co producers for the Alan Jones show - the highest rating breakfast show in Australia.  Luke as well assisted the Continuous Call Sports program on 2GB as a producer and in addition now co hosts his own program 10pm Friday nights on 2GB.  The ratings for that time slot also won in the recent ratings

  Luke is also a long time member of Willoughby Theatre Company and is an accomplished character actor and singer.  

 

 

• International Toast by Tom,was to the Rotary Club of Tampa,Florida
• Chartered in 1914,and now has over 150 members
• Tom Sweeney reported on a Pride of Workmanship evening for Thursday the 16th of November at Northbridge Golf Club,Chatswood Sunrise has pulled out and it was suggested trying Northbridge Club
• BBQ last Saturday,rather quiet after the normal hectic lunchtime trade
• Mark Staples has been working on promoting the Poker Night outside the Club,through other Clubs and Poker Groups
• Peter Coote advised that ,at long last,the $1200 funding for the Club's Marquee has been received from North Sydney Council.
• Discussion on selecting RYLA Candidates for next year,advertising through our Facebook page and if sufficient candidates received,have a play off by presenting to the Club.
• Preparation for the Crows Nest Fair in mid October,like preparation of backdrop on how do we sell Crows Nest Rotary.The President's idea was to set up an organizing Committee,to be finalised at the Board Meeting
• Ian Pocock attended the Gordon Fair on Sunday, run by the Turramurra Club, manning the Shelterbox stand