Dozens of accountants swapped their calculators for their joggers, pounded the pavement and walked with a purpose, to raise more than $44,000 for cancer research.
KPMG Western Sydney, who are based in Parramatta, hosted a Walkathon event on Saturday, 14th September.
Participants walked from Meadowbank Wharf to the labs at Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Westmead, which measures 11km. All funds raised will go to CMRI’s ProCan Project.
ProCan is an ambitious, world-first cancer research project which aims to analyse the human cancer proteome on an unprecented scale. The information it gathers will enable CMRI to advance basic cancer research but, will also help doctors to rapidly choose the best treatment option for their patients.
Scientist, Dr Steve Williams, who works in ProCan, said everyone at CMRI was driven by the impact their work could have on patients.
“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that the little everyday tasks are contributing towards an end goal that is truly exciting and will no doubt make a difference in so many people’s lives,’’ Dr Williams said.
“Nobody deserves to suffer from disease, in particular children, with so much life ahead. Helping kids grow up healthy allows them to contribute to society in their own positive way.’’
KPMG Partner Pierre Wakim said it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t been touched by cancer and this was his motivation to become involved after touring the ProCan labs and hearing about its incredible potential.
“The research being done by ProCan is right in our backyard in Westmead,’’ he said. “We really expect it will save lives because it is all about getting people on the right treatment as quickly as possible and that is so important. It’s a really powerful project and that’s why we are supporting it.’’
Another local group, Turbans 4 Australia, worked hard donating all the food for the walkers.