What we do
Our History
In 2017, an incredibly generous donation of $5.5 million by the Wilson Family led to the development of the state-of-the-art Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
The Wilson Family have now extended their generous philanthropic donation through the Snowdome Foundation, adding $3.5 million for our Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics, marking this generous donation to the Wilson Centre as the philanthropic family’s second major gift. The Wilson Family have now donated more than $9 million to the Snowdome Foundation.
The Snowdome Foundation is a non-for-profit, raising funds to provide Australian blood cancer patients with access to genomic testing, and to support translational research into blood. This testing gives a more exact diagnosis to decide the best course of treatment, and the research accelerates next-generation treatments for Australian patients. Such treatment helps them live longer, better lives. Research into finding better treatments and a cure for blood cancers is still needed. The Snowdome Foundation is advancing the world’s best blood cancer research. This research will help paediatric and adult patients with lymphoma, myeloma, and leukaemia.
“Advances in technology and research have brought about remarkable changes. These changes decide the way we diagnose and then treat blood cancer. Understanding the molecular characteristics of a tumour is the foundation for patient care… We can now look at the genetic makeup of a person’s cancer and choose a treatment that matches. The generosity of the Wilson Family has accelerated these advances.”
David Westerman, Head of Haematopathology
“My parents wanted to make a meaningful impact to blood cancer patients. They donated $5.5 million to the Snowdome Foundation. This created the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics… As a family, we want to continue to help Australians affected by blood cancer. World class research, diagnostic testing and educational opportunities come through the genomic centre. These all lead to lives being saved… Philanthropy is critical. They help us continue our search for better blood cancer patient treatment options. We also hope this gift might inspire others to invest in this way. Such investments would give the Centre long term sustainability.”
Pennie Callaghan, member of the Wilson Family
“We know what a remarkable place the Wilson Centre is. It is one committed to faster and more effective outcomes that have had a real and measurable impact. It undertakes complex diagnostic testing, translational research and educative opportunities. These give patients the best chance to get treatment for their specific cancer… We are proud and honoured to work together with the Wilson Family and Peter Mac. Together we are ensuring that blood cancers become manageable conditions”.
Kirstee Macbeth, Chief Executive of the Snowdome Foundation
How to contact us
For all testing and research enquiries to the Wilson Centre, please see the below contact details.
Associate Professor Piers Blombery
Haematologist
Testing enquires: