Help fast-track research into cystic fibrosis

Mum says the Glenn Brown Memorial Fund grants hope for son Connor.

“It’s vital researchers understand more about the causes of cystic fibrosis.”

Taryn Barrett’s son Connor has faced many challenges since he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at three weeks of age but she is hopeful he has a brighter future ahead. 

“Time isn’t on Connor’s side,” Taryn said.

“The CF researchers, like those at the Institute for Respiratory Health, hold my little boy’s life in their hands and they need our support.”

Help fast-track vital research that will lead to new treatments for people like Connor – and ultimately a cure.

About Glenn Brown

Glenn Brown, was a Kalgoorlie schoolboy, who at just 15 years of age, lost his fight against CF.

Glenn loved music, singing, Hawaiian shirts, Holden cars and the Eagles. He was a funny, mischievous country kid who was always singing, playing pranks (like hiding in the cupboard from physios) and meeting friends as he wandered around the hospital.

Glenn was worried that he’d be forgotten but he continues to inspire through this life-changing fundraiser.

Your impact

Help us continuously fund innovative research into CF so that one day we can find a cure.

With your support, we have the chance to pave the way towards better diagnosis and new, targeted treatments for lung conditions to help people like Connor.

How you’ve helped so far:

• PhD Candidate, Maggie Harrigan is exploring how adults affected by CF view and value themselves as a person, to help improve their overall well-being.
• PhD Candidate, Naomi Chapman investigated the Metaneb® System in adults with cystic fibrosis, its effects during periods of clinical stability and disease exacerbation.
• Professor Fergal O’Gara conducted a pilot study for young CF children to determine if early intervention with Azithromycin can control bile-induced pathogen establishment.
• Associate Professor Graham Hall conducted an assessment of sensitive outcome measures for monitoring pulmonary exacerbations in young children with CF.
• Dr Anna Tai investigated the systematic molecular surveillance of P. aeruginosa strains in patients with CF at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
• Professor Stephen Stick assessed non-ion channel effects of the CFTR potentiator Ivacaftor for CF patients.
• Associate Professor Sue Jenkins and Dr Jamie Wood, evaluated the functionality and impact of Telehealth CF Clinics. The clinics provide adults living with CF in regional WA, access to specialist CF care without the need to travel to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
• Dr Kathryn Ramsey researched the associations between the lung clearance index (LCI) and structural lung damage as well as respiratory infection and inflammation in pre-school aged children with CF. By establishing a correlation between the lung clearance index and structural lung damage, this new lung function test can be used as an important tool in monitoring children with CF.
• Associate Professor Yuben Moodley investigated a type of cell found in the human placenta that could help reduce injury and scarring of the lungs. His research into stem cell therapy is investigating the possibility of generating new lung cells.