CRBF - Home - Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation

Sarcoma changes lives in the blink of an eye.

At age 17, Cooper Rice-Brading’s vision was to change the current trajectory for young sarcoma patients. The aim of CRBF is to fund clinical research to find a cure for sarcoma, while raising awareness of sarcoma in the greater community in an effort to promote early diagnosis, and to provide support for sarcoma patients and their families.

LEARN MORE

Clinical research is the key

In 2020, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) predicted bone and soft tissue cancers combined would be the leading cause of cancer related death in the 10 to 24-year age group in Australia.

Funding for sarcoma specific clinical research holds the key to critical change.

You can join the efforts to find a cure for sarcoma and help to improve the lives of sarcoma cancer patients and their families.

DONATE

Meet the IL-23 Sarcoma Sub-Study Team

CRBF is very proud to be a major funding partner of the IL23 sarcoma sub study, together with the Matthew Fisher Sarcoma Research Fund, The Daniel Allchin Race for a cure, The Kids Cancer Project, the NSW and Federal Governments, and Sun Pharma.
We are humbled by the support and generosity of those who have contributed to making this trial a reality.

LEARN MORE

Prof David Thomas, Dr Vera Terry, Dr Lucille Sebastian, Dr Maya Kansara, Dr Mandy Ballinger, Ms Sarah Chinchen, Ms Kristen McParland, Dr Subo Thavaneswaran, Dr John Grady, Keith Thornton, Dr Frank Lin

The Sarcoma Phosphoproteomic Study – CCIA

July 1, 2021 saw the announcement of a joint funding initiative between the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation and the Kids Cancer Project of $373,000, to fund a sarcoma specific phosphoproteomic study under sarcoma specialist researcher, Dr Emmy Fleuren. This study was facilitated by the Wipfli family sarcoma research grant, and the outstanding work undertaken by Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli in winning $186,000 in the first Celebrity Apprentice Australia Challenge. Wippa is an Ambassador for CRBF and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for sarcoma nationally.

What is phosphoproteomics? Firstly, it helps to know that proteomics is the study of all the proteins in a cell. Phosphoproteomics is one area of proteomics, which focuses on a particular group of proteins called phosphorylated proteins. These are proteins that have been through a process (involving the transfer of phosphate molecules) which serves to ‘activate’ them, preparing them to perform special tasks in the cell which affect the cell’s growth. Cancer cells use phosphorylation to activate certain proteins, so the cells can grow faster.

Emmy and her team are using phosphoproteomics to identify new therapeutic targets (phosphorylated proteins) in sarcoma cells. We know from experience that, once we have accurately identified a target, we have a good chance of finding a drug capable of blocking its action. And because these drugs (called ‘small molecule inhibitors’) are directed against specific targets in cancer cells, not healthy cells, they are not only more effective but also safer to use. And that’s exactly what’s needed for kids with sarcoma.

CRBF is delighted to have co-funded this high level clinical sarcoma specific research with The Kids Cancer Project.

LEARN MORE

“Sarcoma does not have the research to support a definitive cure” – Cooper Rice-Brading.

Cooper Rice-Brading was a sport-loving, happy teenager whose life was tragically cut short after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma. While in hospital undergoing treatment, Cooper discovered the disparity that existed between his cancer and other childhood cancers and made it his mission to change lives. The Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation was then established to help fund research to find a cure for sarcoma, while also helping to improve the overall patient journey and support families in need.

LEARN MORE