A clinical trial to test the efficacy and safety of the transplantation of nasal cells to treat chronic spinal cord injury has received a philanthropic gift of a $100,000 donation from Terry and Rhonda White.
Professor James St John from Griffith University's Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research is spearheading the research, a legacy of the late Professor Emeritus Alan Mackay-Sim AM.
"The White family's donation will go towards our trial which will test the safety and efficacy of transplanting olfactory ensheathing cells that are formulated into a nerve bridge," Professor St John said.
"The trial, set to cost $14 million, will see people participate in the trial which involves combining the cell transplantation with intensive long-term rehabilitation.
"The trial has been designed through extensive consultation with the spinal injury and broader communities to ensure the best chance of success, and thanks to the White family's generous donation and the incredible support of many other partners and community members, we are now set to enrol the first person in the trial in early 2025."
Terry and Rhonda White's donation came to fruition following the incredible work carried out by the late Professor Mackay-Sim, and Perry Cross.
"We saw many of our friends' children who have lost so much through sporting injuries that have resulted in a spinal injury, including a friend's son who was in Year 8 when he sustained a life-changing injury while playing rugby," Mr and Ms White said.
"The staff members at TerryWhite Chemmart at Coorparoo have been supporters for many years as well, making a small contribution annually.
"Our admiration for the work being done by the people at Griffith University is immeasurable and it breaks our hearts to see so many young people sustain a spinal injury.
"We hope our donation, and the work being done by Professor St John, will see positive results."
CEO of the Clem Jones Foundation, Peter Johnstone, said Rhonda and Terry White had set an example for others who may be in a position to embrace the concept of "giving while living".
"Rhonda and Terry White's generous support will hopefully spur others to support the work being undertaken at the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research and enable them to keep up-to-date with the remarkable progress being made," Mr Johnstone said.
"The Clem Jones Foundation's own commitment to this research underlines the need for philanthropy to take a long-term approach to medical research because there are rarely 'miracle' breakthroughs or 'overnight' successes.
"Instead, life-changing achievements are made through the dedicated and patient work of researchers backed by equally committed financial supporters."
Perry Cross from the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation said: "The White's are an iconic Queensland family who have done a lot for the state."
"They have supported our work to cure paralysis for many years and we are very grateful," Mr Cross said.
"Finding a cure of this magnitude takes universal force and collective power.
"Every time someone links arms with us, our global movement strengthens, our voice gets louder, our presence more visible, and a cure becomes a reality."
If you are interested in the trial, more information can be sought by emailing [email protected].
