Tuesday 27 February was a very special day for the friends and family of Dr Matthew Fisher, a day when Dr Maya Kansara from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research presented the preliminary findings of the IL23 sarcoma sub study at a hybrid  event attended by 110 international and local guests. 

It was particularly touching to have the Canberra Sarcoma MDT take time out of their busy schedules to attend the function, with Matt’s oncologist A/Professor Paul Craft attending in person and Ms Amber Wilson, the Sarcoma Specialist Nurse dialling in. 

The sarcoma research  fund bearing Matt’s name had significantly contributed to funding the IL23 trial through CRBF.

Matt was first and foremost a doting husband to wife Naomi,  and a much loved  father to Vivienne and Sylvie.  He was also  an avid sailor, a culinary expert, and a passionate and highly talented scientist working with the government agency, IP Australia.

It was Matt’s colleagues at IP Australia who arranged a GoFundMe page to raise funds for he and his family after his shock diagnosis with rhabdomyosarcoma..  Matt however was adamant this funds be directed to clinical research for sarcoma, and within a short space of time a remarkable $100k had been amassed by family, friends and his colleagues at IP Australia.  

This outstanding result included a $30k donation from the family and friends of Alex Rodham  who was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, and passed away one month after Matt,  Alex’s family from Bungendore, were determined to raise funds for others experiencing adversity in their community and to improve the lives of those living with sarcoma. The fund was also significantly supported by the Minty family from Canberra whose son Zac had also been diagnosed with sarcoma.  

As we continue to honour Matt’s legacy, let’s pledge to keep his passion alive and strive towards a future where sarcoma becomes a treatable cancer.   This incredible achievement is a beacon of hope for those living with this disease and a testament to the power of loved ones and an amazing community.

Matt’s family will continue to raise money for his fund when the opportunity arises. His parents recently topped up the fund to make it $100,000, and Naomi’s cousin, Louisa shaved her hair in October 2022 and raised almost $5000 for her efforts.

Special thanks to: