Support a Great Cause
Over the past 17 years the Sparke Helmore / NBN Television Triathlon has raised over $300,000 for Hunter Region organisations and charities. Proceeds from the 2010 triathlon will again support the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). HMRI research touches the lives of people close to us. Hunter researchers are making discoveries that benefit humanity in areas as diverse as asthma, premature birth, cancer, stroke and mental health.

Significant achievements include:

• Using common viruses in the treatment of cancer

• Understanding brain structure and function in people with schizophrenia

• The discovery that hormones from the placenta determine the timing of birth. Researchers are now using   this knowledge to develop ways to predict and prevent premature birth.

• Identification of the human genes and risk factors, such as cigarette smoke, that can make an infant more susceptible to SIDS.

Proceeds from the triathlon fund the Hunter’s most prestigious research  award, the HMRI Award for Research Excellence. HMRI is grateful for the support of the Sparke Helmore / NBN Television Triathlon, which is helping to advance leading Hunter research.

How you can help

Fit and healthy people can contribute greatly to research. Although most research focuses on understanding why we get sick it’s equally important to study healthy people to establish what is normal.

By participating in a research study through the HMRI Research Register, you can contribute to important health advances and learn about the latest research happening in the Hunter.

It only takes a few hours per year. Participating in a study could include answering a series of brief questions in a telephone interview, donating blood samples for genetic research or providing images of the brain at work using MRI and scanning technology. Most research projects are conducted at the University of Newcastle or a local hospital.

If a person on the HMRI Research Register is eligible for a study, they receive a letter inviting them to take part, which explains exactly what is involved. There is no obligation and you change your mind at any time.

To request an HMRI Volunteer Register information pack phone Trish on 4985 5333.

To learn more about HMRI research visit www.hmri.net.au.

HMRI is a partnership between Hunter New England Health, the University of Newcastle and the community.