Lions Club supporting research into arthritis

Ms Marie Caven, Ms Pauline Harris, Dr Jim Harris,
Mr Eric Gittins, Mr Rodney Hayes, Prof Eric Morand

A generous donation by the Lions Rheumatism and Arthritis Medical Research Foundation will accelerate research into the chronic inflammatory disorder.

Over the last thirty years, the Foundation has given nearly $400,000 to rheumatology research at Monash University’s School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health (SCS).

The most recent donation of $11,000 has enabled the purchase of an automated tissue culture plate washer for the Rheumatology Research Group, led by Professor Eric Morand.

“The new plate washer increases precision and accuracy in our lab, while saving time and accelerating research,” said Dr Jim Harris, senior research fellow, Rheumatology Research Group.

Treasurer and Secretary of the Lions Rheumatism and Arthritis Medical Research Foundation Mr Eric Gittins said the Foundation was originally established by the Lions Clubs of Elwood to support rheumatism and arthritis research.

“We’re very pleased to be able to contribute to this important research, which takes us closer to the endpoint of improving treatment and outcomes for patients,” said Victorian Lions Club Foundation Board member Mr Rodney Hayes.

The Foundation is run by six elected members from Lions District 201V-14, including: Chairperson Ms Pauline Harris, Mr Eric Gittins, Mr Rodney Hayes, Ms Marie Caven, Mr Winston van Haltren, and Mr Selva Selvendra.