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WELCOME TO THE

WHITE PEARL FOUNDATION

FUNDING BRAIN CANCER RESEARCH

In August 2012, our beloved mother and grandmother Christina Peponis, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and referred to Dr Raymond Cook, neurosurgeon, at Sydney’s North Shore Private Hospital. There we soon met the other members of her medical dream team – medical oncologist Dr Helen Wheeler, radiation oncologist Associate Professor Michael Back and Neuro Cancer Care Co-ordinator – now Nurse Practitioner – Marina Kastelan.

Following world-class surgery by Dr Cook and his surgical team, we received confirmation that the tumour, a glioblastoma multiforme, is the most common form of adult brain cancer and the most fatal, with an almost 100% fatality rate.

Together with the highly competent nursing staff on Level 3 North of North Shore Private Hospital, her medical team provided exceptional and seamless care during her 15-month journey, which ended peacefully on the morning of November 19th, 2013. She could not have been in better hands.

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Why "White Pearl"?

White pearls symbolise purity, beauty, new beginnings, innocence, generosity, wisdom acquired through experience, simplicity, protection, peace, the store of truth, faith and love, loyalty of it’s wearer to the cause……..

…….and because Christina loved them.

Breakfast for Brain Cancer 2025

We look forward to welcoming you to brunch on
Sydney Harbour, for the 7th Annual Breakfast for Cancer
in support of the research program of
The Brain Cancer Group

When: Friday 23 May 2025 – 10:30AM

Venue: Royal Motor Yacht Club, Pacific Room

21 Wunulla Road, Point Piper

Tickets: $165 per person (+ small booking fee).

Book your tickets

A GALA EVENT
Celebrating the Golden Era of the 70’s and 80’s

… and supporting two organisations dedicated to funding research and support programs for patients with brain and other rare cancers:

The White Pearl Foundation and The Cquence Foundation.

Join us for an evening of nostalgia, community spirit, and philanthropy.

SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2024 – 6:30PM

HYATT REGENCY SYDNEY

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RESEARCH IS KEY

Brain Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children under 15 years, accounting for one third of cancer deaths in this age bracket.
Brain Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 39.
Brain Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in females aged 0-44 years (after breast cancer)
The most common Brain Cancer, high-grade glioma, is almost 100% fatal
One person is diagnosed with brain cancer every six hours in Australia
Brain cancer is one of the most under-studied of all cancers, yet receives very little research funding
Be part of the solution. Donate to brain cancer research today

WHITE PEARL FOUNDATION KEY EVENTS

Our key annual events, the White Pearl Ball and the Breakfast for Brain Cancer are held in honour of all who have succumbed to brain cancer, those who are currently struggling and all their loved ones.

THE WHITE PEARL BALL

2015 – 2019
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BREAKFAST FOR BRAIN CANCER

2019 – 2025
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*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual White Pearl Ball (2015-2019) was postponed to ensure the safety of our community. Since 2019, we have focused on the Breakfast for Brain Cancer, an annual event dedicated to continuing our mission in a safer, more intimate setting. The White Pearl Ball will resume in the near future.

THE WHITE PEARL FOUNDATION SUPPORTS

“We are focused on improving patient outcomes across the spectrum – from patient care to working towards finding a cure for this devastating disease.

We do this by taking a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to deliver impactful programs which are aimed at improving the lives of those affected by brain cancer.

Our tag line, Care2Cure, was chosen to reflect our commitment to the 3 Pillars of
RESEARCH, EDUCATION and SUPPORT.”

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YOUR GENEROSITY'S IMPACT

Since the establishment of this fundraising initiative,
profits donated to The Brain Cancer Group
have funded research salaries, PhD programs and purchased
much need equipment for the TBCG laboratory housed
in the Kolling Institute of Medical Research
on the Royal North Shore Hospital campus.

Since 2019, profits have been applied to TBCG’s
Australasia-first initiative, the Brain Cancer Imaging Laboratory.

Please read about this initiative at this link

Since 2014 there are many individuals and organisations that have contributed to this awareness raising and fundraising initiative.

Although not all are listed on this website, we remain enormously grateful to ALL donors, prize sponsors, advertisers, supporters and contributors to the White Pearl Ball and other White Pearl Foundation events in support of the dedicated researchers of

The Brain Cancer Group, Care2Cure.

Please know your contribution is very much needed to sustain the critical work of the Group and support brain cancer patients.

Together we can and are making a difference.

Thank you!