Over 150 community members attended this year’s Regina & Vicki Doig Scholarship morning tea on Saturday, 15 February, raising $13,000 to support local cancer care research. Now in its fifth year, the event continues to grow and generate much needed support for West Moreton Health researchers dedicated to improving cancer care locally, nationally and internationally.
Vicki Doig, a well-known local figure with a 40-year tenure as the Director of Milford Street Ipswich Kindergarten, began the morning tea fundraiser in 2021 with the support of Ipswich Hospital Foundation to honour her late sister, Regina. Regina Doig was a treasured music and language teacher who succumbed to lymphoma in 1987, at just 39 years of age.
In her final days, Regina dedicated her live body to medical research with the hope of advancing knowledge of cancer care and saving lives in the future. The scholarship’s mission is to continue Regina’s legacy through innovation and research. Vicki believes the scholarship is doing just that.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity, warmth, and community spirit on display at this event each year. I know Regina would be blown away if she could see what is being achieved in her honour and I am so proud of the real impact the scholarship is having,” said Ms Doig.
During the morning tea, guests heard from Dr Abigail Marsh, Alice Rogers and Assoc Prof Nicole Heneka from West Moreton Health, who spoke about the incredible research that is underway thanks to the scholarship.
Ms Rogers and Dr Marsh shared insights into their team’s ongoing research, which focuses on optimising dietetic care for oncology patients to enhance their treatment outcomes and overall well-being.
Assoc Prof Heneka spoke on behalf of Project Lead Ms Kelly Carmont about their research into the evaluation of preoperative stoma counselling and the development of strategies to optimise patient experience and patient-centred care.
Ipswich Hospital Foundation CEO, Scott Young, said the incredible work these researchers are doing thanks to the Regina and Vicki Doig Scholarship will have a lasting impact on cancer care, not just here, but around the world.
“We have already seen research funded by the scholarship being published in international oncology journals. I have no doubt that the scholarship funding will continue to enhance cancer care well into the future.
“The support that is shown by the region each year when we hold this event, is a true testament to the importance of this vital research.
“The growth of the morning tea would not be possible without the incredible support of several corporate and community partners.
“I wish to extend a very special thanks to our event partner Club Services Ipswich, supporting partner MIACOR IT, and to our supporters at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, Ipswich Quota and Obsession Shoes Boutique for their ongoing support,” said Mr Young.
To show your support, visit the Regina and Vicki Doig Scholarship event page.
