Dear Lions,
Sometimes, as Lions, we can get caught up in the moment. Sometimes it can be hard to imagine beyond today. Sometimes we might even get discouraged by the staggering amount of need and despair in the world.
As a medical doctor for more than 30 years, I have witnessed the heartbreak of families who have lost a loved one. The grief of family member is magnified when the individual is a child – their child. It happens every day around the world, regardless of wealth, gender or race. Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is stepping forward to find a breakthrough that will help secure a brighter tomorrow for all of us.
Recently I visited the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, Australia. Our Foundation has awarded a US$2 million grant to support the Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project. Together with the Garvan Institute, the Australian Lions Children’s Cancer Research Foundation and other partners, this pilot initiative will improve outcomes for hundreds of children with high-risk cancer through whole genome sequencing. This could eventually serve as model for the development of personalized cancer prevention and treatment.
The Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project is another way that LCIF is demonstrating its commitment to global health. Perhaps one day, we will eliminate deaths from childhood cancer. In order to realize that dream, we need everyone to support our Foundation. No need is too large, and no gift is too small.
Thank you for your generous support of a brighter tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation
