The 2019 Victorian High School Cancer Symposium was aimed at Year 10 students across the state interested in medical research and the health profession. MLMC students Victoria Cappellucci, Krishia Catungal, Courtney Barnes, Zoe Hendriks, Brianna Moore, Laura Fitzgerald, Clara D'Angelo and Kimberley Fiorentino currently studying Units 1 and 2 Biology chose to attend the Sypmosium which was held at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institue of Medical Research in Parkville on Thursday 18 July.
The students found talking to cancer patients about the treatments that they had undergone or were currently going through was the most impactful part of the day, along with the opportunity to talk to many different medical researchers about their interesting and complex work in cancer research.
Here is a reflection from Zoe Hendriks (Year 10 Bronze)
I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend the 2019 High School Cancer Symposium. Travelling to the city and navigating our way to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research early in the morning was worth it, as the day ahead was packed with some very interesting and eye-opening experiences. Throughout the day, we heard from four different guests, all having completed or currently completing research on different types of cancer. Speaking with survivors of the two biggest cancer killers (breast and prostate) also gave us personal insight into the treatment of cancer and how everyone is affected. From killer T-cells and CAR-T cells, new forms of brain cancer to certain drugs in development to help stop the process of cancer, each student who attended certainly learnt something new and engaging.
Cancer is a horrible disease and it affects everyone. Whether it’s us personally or someone we know (such as a close friend or family member), cancer drastically affects anyone it touches. We discovered at the Symposium that cancer research is providing us with many new drugs and less harmful methods of treatment, giving hope that someday the harm cancer does to society may be eradicated.
A quick thank you to Mrs Faulkner for creating the opportunity for us to visit the Symposium, as well as to Miss Fitzpatrick and Mr Dale for taking us along. Attending the Cancer Symposium was a very special opportunity; it gave me insight into the work involved in a specific and demanding area of medical research, and how scientists are truly saving lives every day.
