Legacy boosts cancer research

October 2005

A generous donation is helping fund Australia's first chair in surgery at a private hospital while advancing research into bowel cancer.

Report: Diane Squires
Photography: Greg Ford

After surviving World War II, young couple Helena and Joseph Fröhlich were determined to get out of Poland and, ultimately, Europe.

Professor Adrian Polglase: "Without donations such as these we would have great difficulty resourcing our research."

After applying for a permit to migrate to Australia, the Fröhlichs left Europe in 1950, shipping their household necessities and, most importantly, their sewing machines to their new home.

Aged in their early 20s and with plans to build a new life, the couple established their own business, Dominant Lingerie, in Chapel Street, South Yarra. The company, which they have since sold, supplied department stores Australia-wide and was supported by buyers around the country.

After more than 40 years of working seven days a week, the couple wanted to support worthy causes, acknowledging the Australian community that had welcomed them and shown kindness.

Last year the Fröhlichs, who changed their name to West soon after arriving in Australia, donated a substantial amount to Cabrini Health to provide funding for its chair in surgery.

The Fröhlich West Chair of Surgery is held by the professor of surgery and chairman of the Cabrini-Monash University Department of Surgery.

"Cabrini and Monash are important institutions, and we want to support the research being undertaken there," Mr West says.

"Lots of people benefit from the research being done by the two organisations, and our aim is to contribute to that worthy cause. This is something that cannot be destroyed, and we will always be associated with helping the broader community in this way."

The chair, established in 1998 as the country's first chair in surgery at a private hospital, was originally funded through the university and Cabrini. Professor Adrian Polglase has held the position since its inception and says it merges the teaching, research and clinical aspects of the hospital and the university.

Joseph and Helen West: acknowledging the Australian community that welcomed them.

One of the major focuses of Professor Polglase's research team has been the causes, prevention and management of bowel cancer and other bowel disorders.

The team, which consists of six sessional staff and up to 20 honorary clinicians, is undertaking clinical research to help reduce the incidence of serious bowel disease in the community.

Professor Polglase says research groups such as the Monash team based at Cabrini rely on the generosity of people like the Wests.

"Without donations such as these, we would have great difficulty resourcing our research," he says. "We have been successful in grant applications, but it is very difficult for a small department in a private hospital to be successful if it relies solely on grant applications."

The Fröhlich West Chair is one of three academic posts held by Monash appointees at Cabrini hospital.

Associate Professor Rachelle Buchbinder is the head of the Cabrini Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, and Associate Professor Gary Richardson is the head of Szalmuk Family Department of Medical Oncology.

For information on giving to Monash, go to the Giving to Monash University website. For information on the Cabrini Monash Department of Surgery, go to Cabrini Monash University Department of Surgery website.