‘Potentially groundbreaking’ gift for sarcoma research
The prospect of “potentially huge breakthroughs” in sarcoma research at The Alfred will be much greater, thanks to a future donation.
Inspired by The Alfred’s essential research into the area, Nick and Fifi Lambiris are dedicating a significant partof their estate to The Alfred in honour of their daughter, Irene, via a gift in their Will.
Irene was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2019 – a rare and insidious form of cancer that forms in the body’s connective tissues, such as bones, muscles and fat.
Most often emerging in people under 40, sarcoma dictates a particularly complex pathway to management and treatment.
Dr Malaka Ameratunga, the Head of Molecular Oncology and Rare Cancers at Alfred Health, said developing innovative approaches to treat rare and aggressive cancers such as sarcoma is “an urgent, unmet need”.
“This gift is potentially groundbreaking,” he said. “It is an area of research where we can hopefully make breakthroughs on the pathway to conquering the disease.”
Nick and Fifi said providing a pathway for future research into sarcoma was the best way to honour their daughter.
A valuable team member across several government departments until her illness, Irene was one who always cared for others.
“Irene was a positive young lady with so many interests. We raised her to look on the bright side and always think of others,” Nick and Fifi said.
Irene volunteered at Vision Australia Radio and was an enormous support to her loving parents, still managing to squeeze in a full social life among some wonderful friends. Caring for her aging parents as long as she could, Irene ultimately passed away last year at the age of 55.
“We want to make a difference to those who may face this terrible disease,” Nick and Fifi said.
The gift will progress The Alfred’s essential research on the road to conquering sarcoma and leave an enduring legacy thanks to the appointment of an Irene Lambiris Fellow, a senior role in sarcoma research.
“The entire cancer team at The Alfred is deeply grateful for the Lambiris’ future gift, as it is only with such dedicated support that we can begin to overcome the hurdles that surround the most challenging cancers for the whole world to benefit,” Dr Ameratunga said.
To enquire about leaving a gift to The Alfred in your Will, please contact the Gifts in Wills team at giftinwill@alfred.org.au or phone (03) 9076 3222.
