Get to know the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute

In January 2017 our lives changed forever. One day we noticed that our two-year-old son had a slightly swollen eye. Like any toddler, he was prone to bumps with the regular mischief that little people get up to. But this time it was different. Upon further investigation it was diagnosed that the bump above his right eye was Langerhans Cell Hystiostosis (LCH) , a rare cancer like disease, that mostly affects infants and children but can also occur in adults.

We immediately went into research mode and that’s where we came to learn about the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute (FECRI).

Our son has had two LCH tumours, fortunately they were removed once treated. He is now nearly seven, and until recently he has had to have ongoing x-rays and blood samples up to four times a year in Adelaide. Fortunately, the treatment is scaled back for now and he’s a thriving almost seven year old, tormenting his younger sister and into all sorts of sports.

The team at FECRI are world-class in their research. A regional Victorian cancer research facility inspired by young patient Fiona Elsey, who planted a seed in the mind of her oncologist, family and community to develop a world-renowned research institute in Ballarat. They experienced first-hand the challenges of treatment in regional Australia, and set about to change that. The Institute, Australia’s only regionally based cancer research centre is non-government funded. They are led by Professor George Kannourakis, becoming widely recognised for achievements into targets for ovarian cancer and histiocytic disorders. The team very much rely on the generous support of the community to continue their research and help to shine the light on new ways to effectively diagnose and treat cancer.

Progress is being made. In 2021 FECRI Researchers identified a new immune cells subset only seen in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) lesions. This research has been recently recognised and published in international medical journal, Acta Paediatrica. It is hoped that these findings will lead to a better way to treat patients with LCH.

Since our son’s diagnosis, the community and our customers have rallied, helping in whatever way possible. With the generosity of many we’ve raised and donated over $40,000 to this fabulous charity. It’s our small way of giving back and dreaming that one day others may not have to go through a plight like ours.

 

 

For the month of August 2022, we will donate 20% of online sales to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, plus we’re giving 10% off all Redman wines sold online. Simply use the code FECRI at checkout to help support this fabulous charity.

 

You will also receive free shipping Australia-wide when you spend $250 or more.

 

Go on, find a favourite wine and play a part in supporting this fabulous organisation. BUY NOW