The driving force behind a new fundraising campaign for research into Lobular Breast Cancer has been named the Horsham Resident of the Month for May.
Horsham resident Dr Susan Michaelis has launched the ‘Lobular Moon Shot Project’ to help generate vital funding for research that will help understand the biology of the disease, which currently has no specific treatment.
Organised by the West Sussex County Times and Horsham-based solicitors DMH Stallard, the Resident of the Month Award recognises unsung heroes who deserve recognition for their outstanding contribution to society.
A former airline pilot, Susan was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer (ILC) in 2013. ILC is the second most common type of breast cancer and notoriously difficult to detect, it was only identified in Susan’s case following a biopsy.
Realising there is no specific treatment for ILC, Susan contacted the Institute of Cancer Research and was told that through a ‘moon shot’ approach to understanding the biology of the cancer it could open the door to bespoke treatments, but to get there money is needed to fund the research.
Susan said:
“Over the next ten years nearly four million people will be diagnosed with this cancer, which is why I have launched the ‘Lobular Moon Shot Project’.
“Better outcomes for people will only come from specific treatment for this cancer and to get there we need research that is solely focused on lobular.”
Nigel Winter from DMH Stallard’s family law team in Horsham presented Susan with an award certificate this week.
Nigel said:
“Many advances have been made in the treatment of cancer, but as Susan has so eloquently explained there is so much still to do before this disease is beaten once and for all.
“Susan’s determination to unlock specific treatments for Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer is truly inspiring and so I’m delighted that she is our first Resident of the Month in Horsham.”
To find out how you can support Susan’s campaign, please visit www.lobularmoonshot.org .
As part of her award, Susan will receive a complimentary meal for two at a restaurant of her choice. To nominate someone who you think deserves to be named Resident of the Month, please email hello@cobbpr.com with a short description of why you think they should win.