On a shared mission to find a cure for brain cancer
Airtrain is proud to launch an exciting new partnership with QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute for a cause very close to our hearts – finding a cure for brain cancer. In the realm of medical challenges, there are few adversaries as formidable as brain cancer. Trying to treat this complex disease is made all the more challenging due to the delicate and intricate nature of the human brain. Despite this adversity, the Brain Cancer Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer is working tirelessly in brain cancer research to find a cure that could transform thousands of lives, including that of our very own CEO.
Chris’ story
The CEO of Airtrain, Chris Basche, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2002. For more than two decades he has been courageously battling a brain tumour which has seen him undergo a series of neurosurgeries in 2003, 2008 and 2010 at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, and most recently this year in 2023 at The Westley Hospital in Brisbane. In addition to these surgical interventions, Chris bravely embarked on radiation therapy and chemotherapy and 2010 and 2023 to combat the recurrent brain cancer. Demonstrating incredible resilience, Chris continues to undergo daily chemotherapy under the supervision of his oncologist.
Reflecting on his experience, Chris says:
“I am profoundly grateful for the exceptional medical team supporting me; their expertise has made an enormous difference in shaping my outlook. I maintain a positive attitude, but I am acutely aware that finding a cure will offer hope to countless individuals grappling with the devastating diagnosis of brain cancer.”
Chris has chosen to share his journey to give confidence to others who have been diagnosed with a brain tumour that it is not only possible to survive, but to thrive at a high level while battling with this formidable disease. His story serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward for others in their battle against brain cancer.
How brain cancer impacts Australians
Unfortunately, Chris’ story is not unique. Each year, around 2,000 Australians are diagnosed with brain cancer and almost 1,500 won’t survive the disease. Brain cancer is a diverse group of diseases, with more than 100 different types of brain tumours, lesions and cysts. The sheer number of variants and the complex and intricate nature of the brain itself makes this form of cancer particularly challenging to treat. Conventional treatments used for other forms of cancer are more difficult when it comes to the brain. Additionally, the diversity of brain cancer and how it presents it different people means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach – treatments need to be extremely tailored, personalised and innovative.
The work of QIMR Berghofer
When it comes to cutting-edge medical research, few institutions shine as brightly and work as tirelessly as Brisbane’s own QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. QIMR Berghofer is one of the largest medical research institutes in the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting just how lucky we all are to be at the receiving end of their discoveries and contributions.
QIMR Berghofer is committed to revolutionary medical research as well as spreading awareness throughout the wider community. One of the primary focuses of QIMR Berghofer is cancer research, having made revolutionary contributions to unravelling the complexities of different types of cancer and developing innovative diagnostic tools and targeted therapies.
QIMR Berghofer has a dedicated Brain Cancer Laboratory, the Sid Faithfull Brain Cancer Laboratory, that is on a mission to find a cure for this devastating disease. The laboratory’s brain cancer research is focussed on Glioblastoma which is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer in adults. The laboratory’s studies also include several paediatric brain cancers where they strive to design special therapies that treat the tumour without causing harm to the developing brain.
Show your support for brain cancer research
While the journey towards a cure for brain cancer is complex, the collective efforts of researchers, healthcare professionals and advocates are paving the way for new discoveries and achievements. You can help to transform lives by showing your support for the work undertaken by QIMR Berghofer. Unlike other not-for-profits, at QIMR Berghofer 100% of the donations received go directly to fund their research.
To help make it even easier to show your support for brain cancer research, when you book your Airtrain tickets online via the Booking Form you can tick the donation box. All donations go directly to QIMR Berghofer, courtesy of Airtrain.
You can also donate directly via the QIMR Berghofer website.
Together, we can make an impact in finding a cure for brain cancer.
