LET’S MAKE SARCOMA HISTORY
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.
Clinical research is the key
In 2022, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) once more predicted sarcomas combined (bone and soft tissue cancers) 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.
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.











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
SARC032
The SARC032, is an international study that ANZSA has contributed 25% of the patient recruitment. This study combines radiotherapy with immunotherapy drugs to increase efficacy for sarcoma patients. This is an international study run by SARC in the USA. SARC provides funding for this study except for the much higher costs of our Australian clinical samples processing, storage and shipping. CRBF is delighted to have partnered with ANZSA to cover the storage and shipping costs of the Australian clinical samples.
The Tie Dye Project
Amy Parmenter and Molly Croft -CAR T Advanced Cellular Therapeutics Team, Children’s Cancer Research Unit, The Children’s Hospital Westmead. CRBF is very proud to be supporting the Tie Dye Project
The Inter Ewing -1
The Inter Ewing -1 is an international clinical trial that examines several new treatment strategies for Ewing sarcoma patients, including access to a novel agent (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), optimising radiotherapy doses and adding “maintenance” chemotherapy at the end of other planned treatments for patients of all ages. We are delighted to be co-funding this important clinical trial with The Kids Cancer Project.
“Sarcoma does not have the research to support a definitive cure” – Cooper Rice-Brading.
LEARN MORE

The Jack Gibson Sarcoma Patient & Family Support Programme
It is with great pride we launch the Jack Gibson Sarcoma Patient & Family Support Programme, in memory of a young man who touched the lives of so many.
Jack Gibson tragically passed away on November 1, 2022, just over a week prior to his 26th birthday. He had valiantly fought osteosarcoma for five years, and a significant portion of that time was also devoted to improving patient care pathways and support mechanisms for those living with sarcoma, as the CRBF Patient Advocate.
CRBF NEWS

THE FERGUS MCCULLA PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT & WELL-BEING PROGRAMME
CRBF is delighted to announce the Fergus McCulla Psychological Support & Well-being Programme.
This programme will be free of charge to all those diagnosed with sarcoma and their families.
We are humbled by the support and generosity of those who have contributed to making this programme a reality.
LATEST RESEARCH & BLOG

The work of CRBF is proudly supported by the Weinert Group of Companies and the generosity of the Weinert family