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Professionals real estate is a proud finalist for the 2023 Great Australian Philanthropy Award in recognition of the group’s $4.2 million support for breast cancer research.
The philanthropy category of the annual Research Australia Awards celebrates an extraordinary financial contribution to health and medical research.
Professionals CEO Katherine Gonzalez-Cork said it was a great honour to be named a finalist in the prestigious awards for the network’s long-time support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
Mrs Gonzalez-Cork said the announcement came at a time when all Professionals offices across Australia turn pink in October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Professionals is a proud Diamond Philanthropic Partner of NBCF and for the past 19 years a portion of every property sale across the country, combined with fundraising initiatives, has supported the research charity’s goal of zero deaths,’’ she said.
“The entire network is absolutely committed to continuing to provide vital funds to fight breast cancer and we are thrilled that our efforts have been recognised in this way.
“Ingrained in the foundations of Professionals is a culture of giving back and that’s why we have been long-term partners with NBCF.’’
National Breast Cancer Foundation CEO, Professor Cleola Anderiesz, congratulated Mrs Gonzalez-Cork and the entire team at Professionals for their commitment to funding cancer research.
“In addition to raising crucial funds over almost 20 years, Professionals has helped raise awareness for breast cancer and the importance of philanthropy among their members and customers across Australia,’’ Professor Anderiesz said.
“The funds provided by Professionals have supported world-class breast cancer research including the first clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancers plus research to detect early-stage breast cancer.’’
Long-time Professionals agency principal and Board member Brian Brady was one of the instigators behind the network’s decision to become a major charity partner of NBCF, Australia’s leading breast cancer research group.
Mr Brady, the principal at Professional Everton Park on Brisbane’s northside, said several charities were under consideration by the Professionals in 2004 but NBCF stood out.
But six years into Professionals’ sponsorship, the cause turned very personal for Mr Brady.
“In 2010 my wife Mel was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer that had spread into her lymph nodes,’’ he said. “When this happened the youngest of our three children was only 18 months old.
“Everyone at Professionals got firmly behind us but it was a poignant moment for the company already heavily involved in NBCF. The feeling was ‘okay, this is personal now, you’ve touched one of our own.’
“Unfortunately, breast cancer doesn’t discriminate and since Mel’s diagnosis I have seen it touch many others in Professionals, the wider real estate industry, clients and our local communities.’’
After a long and determined fight with ill health, Mel is doing well. “She’s great, it’s been nothing short of a miracle from that bleak initial prognosis we received 13 years ago,’’ Mr Brady said.
The couple continue to support others affected by breast cancer.
Research Australia is the peak body for the country’s health and medical research. The Research Australia Awards will be announced in Sydney on Thursday, November 2.
To support NBCF’s research go to: https://give.nbcf.org.au/professionals/
Media Contact: Jo Cranstoun (Urbaine) 0408 781 294 or email
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