The Patient and Philanthropist
The Clinician and Researcher
The Patient today and tomorrow
Jennie Connolly
Jennie was treated for ovarian cancer by the gynae-oncology group.
She was an active member of the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse community, especially Arterie.
Jennie bequeathed a donation to Lifehouse with instructions that the funds should be used for gynaecological cancer research. Jennie passed away in June, 2018.
Dr Rhonda Farrell
Dr Rhonda Farrell is Deputy Director of gynae-oncology and an active researcher.
While Rhonda’s position is funded overall by philanthropy, Jennie’s bequest is funding Rhonda’s research into Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) — a form of heated chemotherapy that is delivered in a targeted way.
Ivana Rapajic-Moran
Ivana was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019.
Her treatment was a peritonectomy followed by HIPEC — the latest and most advanced available.
Ivana’s outcomes form part of Rhonda’s research, meaning she is being treated in a scientific-based, research-driven context that will ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients in her position in the future.
“One of my aims is to gather and improve current evidence, and work out which women really do benefit from this treatment.”
– Dr Rhonda Farrell
To read more stories like this, please visit our 2018-19 annual review.
