The legacy of an incredibly community-spirited Cairns man will continue through his son’s gift to help cancer patients in the region.
Matthew Calanna has donated $125, 000 towards the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Hub, bringing the total raised so far to $753, 000 – just over half the total $1.5 million needed.
The son of philanthropist, pharmacist and businessman Mario Calanna, said it was a fitting tribute to his father.
“Dad was on the Hospital Board for some time and also as part of that on the Hospital Foundation board and I know he’d really like this project,” Matthew said.
Mario passed away in November 2022 from myeoloma – a type of blood cancer that develops in the plasma cells of the bone marrow.
“He and we always felt lucky that he was able to access top medical, both in Cairns and elsewhere but we have always understood that having to travel for treatment and be away from your loved ones when you need them the most, is really hard.
"We also feel it’s important to give the doctors, nurses, OT’s, pharmacists and physios, the best tools that we can to help them do their work. They show so much care and dedication to their patients and this is such an amazing local cause. Dad was so community-focussed and the same fundamentals are there for me to be able to honour him and his memory.”
Mario was diagnosed in August 2018, underwent numerous treatments including stem-cell transplant in Townsville as well as a range of other treatments over the years.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said Matthew’s gift followed on from $3200 in donations received when Mario passed away.
“We’re honoured that Matthew has chosen to pay tribute to his Dad in this special way. It’s a gift that will support others going through similar treatment ordeals and help make a difference to countless others,” Mrs Hogan said.
“Mario was a big part of our community and touched the lives of so many in FNQ. He was a giant of industry, community and family. He gauged success not from material gain but from the impact made. He was dedicated to serving and to helping others. This donation is a lovely way for his legacy to continue.”
The Foundation’s Cancer Care Hub $1.5 million campaign is gathering steam with more than half of the funds needed, already raised.
Taking patient care to the next level is the catch-cry of the campaign, which will mean more cancer patients will receive their treatment locally rather than having to travel south, more will live longer with cancer as new treatments are discovered, more can be treated each day, chemotherapy manufacturing will be expanded on site and inpatients will have better outcomes in their treatment experience.
“There has been a 40% increase in cancer activity at the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre in the past five years. This is primarily because of the vast array of cancer treatments now available – people are living longer with cancer rather than dying prematurely,” Mrs Hogan said. “Every donation, large and small will make a difference.”
Photo: Donor Matthew Calanna and Foundation CEO Gina Hogan.
