We recently had the honour of unveiling a plaque at the Monash Health Clinical Trials Centre, to recognise our patient and advocate Effie Atkins, for her incredible contributions to cancer research.
After standard cancer treatments could not stop the spread of her own aggressive liver cancer, Effie began taking part in an immunotherapy trial and created a fundraising event, ‘Dr Hope’, in support of the Monash Health Foundation.
Now 74 years old, Effie continues to advocate for improved access to clinical trials, so more people can have the opportunity to receive life-changing treatments like she did.
‘I celebrated the amazing gift of 10 extra years to enjoy my wonderful family and friends,’ Effie told the Berwick-Pakenham Gazette.
‘It has been such a privilege to use these extra years to advocate and encourage and establish the fundraising of Dr Hope. All in support of so many who, like me, can survive otherwise incurable cancers because of the inspired devotion of the team at the Monash Clinical Trials Centre.’
Effie’s strength, generosity, unwavering courage and valued contributions to the Monash Health Clinical Trials Centre will continue to bring patients and their families in our local community hope, well into the future.
