A decade-long connection has resulted in one of the largest single contributions to date for Ren Pedersen’s Million Dollar Mission, with the Kerr Foundation confirming a $250,000 donation to support research into Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
Burdekin-born Pedersen first encountered representatives from Kerr Neilson’s investment network roughly ten years ago, when he was invited to speak at a business forum at The Ville. “Around ten years ago, I was asked to address a business forum at The Ville to enlighten attendees about my mission,” he said. At the event, he was seated alongside Julian McCormack of Platinum Investments, “one of Australias most esteemed financial organisations.”
A shared link to a family who had recently lost a child to DIPG led to further conversations. “Essentially, Julian and I became close mates and he suggested I enlighten Mr Neilson on the gravitas of my mission.”
Pedersen said his first direct appeal to Neilson was unsuccessful. “When I first met Kerr he was very weary… He originally rebuked my request,” he said.
The turning point came when Neilson agreed to visit the Children’s Cancer Institute’s DIPG laboratory. According to Pedersen, the experience left a lasting impression. “For an internationally famous, eminent corporate citizen to physically enter science's most challenging coalface, would have been quite daunting for Mr Neilson,” he said. During the tour, Neilson observed “‘live’ brain cancer cells (that were extracted from deceased DIPG children)” and questioned researchers extensively about emerging findings.
Pedersen recalls asking Neilson if he had ever witnessed anything similar. “He replied, ‘No’. We shook hand and two fathers looked each other in the eyes.”
Several months later, Neilson informed Pedersen of the Kerr Foundation’s decision to contribute a quarter of a million dollars. “Not a form was filled out. No ceremony or fanfare,” Pedersen said. “Two men of honour have pledged to deliver life saving options for local brain cancer children…”
Pedersen said the funding will have an immediate impact. “It saves time. In one hit, we can expedite crucial research. These funds are delivered directly into the hands of researchers like Prof. David Zeigler and A/Prof Maria Tsoli.”
With the project now approaching the $500,000 mark, Pedersen says the donation serves as a challenge to others. “I consider this donation as a ‘Call to Arms’ for local businesses!”
A decade-long connection has resulted in one of the largest single contributions to date for Ren Pedersen’s Million Dollar Mission, with the Kerr Foundation confirming a $250,000 donation to support research into Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Photo supplied
The turning point came when Neilson agreed to visit the Children’s Cancer Institute’s DIPG laboratory. Photo supplied
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