Masquerade ball fundraiser

Effie Atkins is hoping to raise much-needed funds to fight cancer. 174150 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Brendan Rees

A masquerade ball is being held in Murrumbeena to raise money for cancer research and the community is invited.

Money raised will help expand the number of patients participating in the Monash Health Clinical Cancer Trials.

Berwick resident and cancer victim Effie Atkins turned her life around when she volunteered for an experimental trial at Monash Hospital – a new form of cancer treatment that mobilises a person’s immune system to fight the disease.

“Becoming a guinea pig in a trial of new and untested cancer drugs saved my life,” Effie says.

“I have learnt there are many cancer patients like me, living here in Melbourne’s South East, who cannot presently have the chance to access the miracle I have enjoyed.

“The Monash Clinical Cancer Trials Centre is under-utilised, mainly for lack of a small number of trainee doctors (“Oncology Research Fellows”) who are needed to process and manage eligible patients entering drug trials,” she added.

“The Dr Hope Campaign is funding one such position and is pressing the authorities to extend such services to Casey Hospital.”

The masquerade ball will be held at Merrimu Receptions, 1300 Dandenong Road, Murrumbeena on Friday 5 April at 6.30pm. Tickets $150 per person.

A three course meal with beer, wine and soft drinks included with live music and entertainment.

Tickets available via Trybooking at https://www.trybooking.com/465848