Melbourne woman Christine Bell was one of the first RMH patients recruited into the Snow Research Clinics. Christine has lived with polycystic kidney disease her entire life.

Her mother tragically died as a result of the disease at age 35, and her sons live with the condition too.

Twenty years ago, the genetic condition led her to her first kidney transplant – a gift generously donated by her husband.

But with that kidney now declining, she began dialysis three years ago and may soon require a second transplant. She said any research that could improve her outcomes – or those of others – was worthwhile.

“I have had 20 years of a normal life that I wouldn’t otherwise have had,” Christine said.

“That’s what motivated me to say yes. If doing this research helps other people, take my blood!”

Clinician-scientist Dr Stephanie Kuo, Renal Fellow at the Snow Centre for Immune Health and a doctor under the RMH’s Nephrology service, is leading research to explore if there are better ways to assess the immune system in kidney transplant patients.

“We’re also keen to know if the immune system changes as we age,” she said.

“The clinics enable us to bridge clinical nephrology and biomedical science to advance precision medicine.”

Tom Snow, Chair of the Snow Medical Research Foundation, said the organisation’s goal is to empower transformational change.

“Our family looks to empower bold, transformative research across Australia by backing the best and brightest researchers and resourcing them with the tools they need to be world-class,” he said.

“Our ultimate goal is to support research that will help transform the lives of so many Australians with immune disease. With nearly one-in-five affected by allergic disease and one-in-ten living with autoimmunity, the need has never been greater.

“Our family believes the Snow Centre for Immune Health will truly change the way we treat disease, and we are proud to be part of it.”

We’re seeking patients undergoing treatment for primary immune deficiencies, allergies and asthma, autoimmunity and kidney transplantation, as well as healthy donors, to participate in the Snow Centre study.
Click here for more information and to find out if you’re eligible.

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Header image: The Snow Centre for Immune Health’s Dr Samantha Chan (left) with Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Associate Nurse Unit Manager Kate Jester (right)