The Illawarra community is being called upon to contribute to the Yerbury Lab at the University of Wollongong (UOW), where donations have become a lifeline for groundbreaking research in neurodegenerative diseases. The lab’s work, led by prominent researchers, has the potential to change lives through scientific advancements.
Dr. Jeremy Lum, a researcher at the Yerbury Lab, shares his personal journey that exemplifies the impact of philanthropy in science. His career took a pivotal turn thanks to a donation that funded his early research. “I was only meant to work in Justin’s lab for a short time,” Dr. Lum recalls. Thanks to the $1 million FightMND grant that emerged from the research funded by that initial donation, he was able to extend his work, which ultimately secured additional funding and opportunities for his career.
Strong community support fuels the ongoing research at UOW’s Molecular Horizons. Contributions from families affected by motor neurone disease (MND), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases often transform personal grief into action, driving funding for essential research. These donations support everything from laboratory equipment to staff positions, showcasing the community’s commitment to fighting these devastating illnesses.
Community Contributions Drive Research Advances
Professor Heath Ecroyd, who works alongside Dr. Lum in the Yerbury Lab, emphasizes the importance of community contributions. “Community donations have directly fueled groundbreaking research in the Yerbury Lab,” he notes. Over the past year, these contributions have underpinned ambitious projects aimed at developing targeted therapies and enhancing early detection methods for MND.
One dedicated community member, Donnamaree Gasparrini, has devoted over two decades to fundraising for MND research. Since 2004, she has organized various events, including raffles and movie nights, to support the lab. “I wanted all the money I raised to go to Justin Yerbury’s research,” Gasparrini explains, attributing her success to the support of local organizations such as the Warilla Bowls and Shellharbour Rotary Club.
Dr. Lum highlights the tangible benefits of these donations, which recently funded a high-powered computer for the lab capable of rapidly analyzing microscope images. This advancement has significantly accelerated research outcomes, allowing for quicker results and fostering innovative experiments that lay the groundwork for future grants. “Those small experiments helped us secure $1 million and $300,000 in grants from FightMND this year,” Dr. Lum states.
These grants have also allowed Dr. Christen Chisholm to receive the prestigious Bill Gole MND Fellowship, an achievement she shares with Dr. Lum, Dr. Luke McAlary, and the late Professor Justin Yerbury, whose legacy continues to inspire researchers at UOW.
A Community Committed to Change
The Illawarra Mercury recognizes its role in raising awareness and funds for the Yerbury Lab. In conjunction with UOW’s 50th anniversary, the newspaper highlights the need for community support in honour of Professor Yerbury. Local figures like retired school teacher Peter McGovern and lawyer Graham Lancaster have shared their own experiences with MND to further lend their voices to this vital campaign.
Dr. Lum’s message is clear: every donation makes a difference. “It really shows how far a donation can go,” he asserts, reinforcing the idea that collective efforts can lead to significant advancements in medical research.
As the Illawarra community rallies around this cause, the call to action is clear. Contributions to the Yerbury Lab not only support ongoing research but also embody a commitment to fighting neurodegenerative diseases. Through this united effort, the hope is to transform the future of scientific discovery and improve lives for those affected by these conditions.
