The Bendat Family Foundation has made a philanthropic commitment to enable medical research into respiratory illness through the continuation of the Bendat Respiratory Research and Development (BRRD) Fund.
This will see the Foundation invest $1.5 million, matched by St John of God Subiaco Hospital, into respiratory research over the next five years.
St John of God Foundation CEO Bianca Pietralla said the impact of the Bendat Family Foundation’s generosity is inspiring.
“The impact of this research partnership will build on and support some of the field’s top minds as they continue their work into world-leading outcomes for Western Australians living with respiratory illnesses.
“We are so honoured and grateful to continue our long standing partnership with the Bendat family, who have long shared in our vision to transform health care and care for our communities.”
The new funding will ensure that the current, significant body of work of the BRRD Fund can continue, and will also transform the fund’s research footprint by enabling new collaborations with universities, meaning even greater impact for more patients across a range of respiratory conditions.
Plans for the next five years include the expansion of Australia's first thoracic surgery database with plans to develop this for multiple Australian and New Zealand sites. Along with the thoracic cancer biobank, researchers will better understand the impacts of new therapies, enabling a bespoke approach to each individual’s medical condition. The funding will also pave the way for higher degree research into topics ranging from interstitial lung diseases, particularly complicating scleroderma and other connective tissue diseases that disproportionally affect young women.
Professor Eli Gabbay, Chair of the Bendat Family Respiratory Research and Development Fund and St John of God Subiaco Hospital Director of Postgraduate Medical Education, said that the new funding will enable significant progress in the field of respiratory research.
“This funding will give hope to future patients, and also to patients now, for what might develop in the future,” he said.
“The impact of this research, co-funded by the Bendat Family Foundation and St John of God Subiaco Hospital, will be felt for generations to come.”
The commitment from the Bendat Family Foundation carries forward the legacy of well-known businessman and philanthropist, Jack Bendat AM CitWA, who sadly passed away last year, and his late wife Eleanor.
The Bendat Family Foundation sees immense value in funding research at a local level, to benefit the people of Western Australia and around the world.
“We hope this donation will inspire others to give to areas of need in Western Australia.”