The Hunter Children’s Research Foundation (HCRF) has reached a milestone in fundraising for children’s research by this year achieving $1 million in donations.

The Hunter Children’s Research Foundation (HCRF) has reached a milestone in fundraising for children’s research by this year achieving $1 million in donations.

HCRF was formed in 1996, and through years of hard work and determination the Foundation has raised essential funds for research into illnesses affecting children, including asthma, cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and sleep disorders.

HCRF funding has supported over 40 children’s research grants since its formation in 1996.

In their early years of fundraising HCRF provided grants for research into areas such as preventing infant exposure to tobacco smoke, and the nutritional status of children undergoing chemotherapy.

14 years later, HCRF continues to fund important research projects in children’s health. More recently the Foundation funded projects looking into the molecular markers of reversible airway obstruction in early life, and how high protein and/or high fat meals affect postprandial glycaemic control in children and adolescents using intensive insulin therapy.

“Little did we know when we had our first meeting in late 1995 that 15 years later we would be celebrating the wonderful milestone of raising $1 million for children’s medical research in the Hunter,”  Lorraine Gardner, Secretary /Treasurer and founding member of HCRF, said.

“This milestone would not have been possible without the support of the Hunter community.”

“These funds have allowed HCRF, via grants and equipment, to support our dedicated local Hunter medical researchers as they strive toward finding cures for children’s diseases.”

“These researchers, who are helping our kids, are recognised internationally, being invited to attend and speak at overseas conferences and by having their research published.”

“It’s fantastic what this group of busy women have been able to achieve for child health research with their fundraising since 1996,” Kaleidoscope Clinical Chair, Professor Graham Vimpani, added.

“It is a proud testament to the capacity and generosity of Novocastrians.”

Money raised in the Hunter by HCRF stays in the Hunter with 100 per cent of funds raised going directly to research projects or equipment. HCRF works in association with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and is affiliated withKaleidoscope – the Hunter Children’s Health Network.