In 2007, the then Mayor of Kogarah, Councillor Michael Kitmiridis, took up the challenge to raise the funds for a CT SIM Radiotherapy Simulator for the Cancer Care Centre at St George Hospital at a cost of $1.30 million.
This CT SIM is a machine that supports cancer treatment by providing an accurate 3-dimensional view of a patient's internal anatomy, including any tumours. The CT SIM allows the radiation oncologist to assess organ motion and define the cancer very accurately, which means that more targeted radiation therapy can be provided to the patient, protecting their normal healthy tissue against side effects from radiation. This accurate localisation also enables higher radiation doses to be delivered to the cancer, resulting in better cancer control and cure rates.
The Connells Point Rovers Football Club, which is the largest football club in the St George district, strongly supported this cause in order to assist the Cancer Care Centre better treat patients in our community. The Club's 2007 Dinner Dance was designated by the Executive Committee to raise funds for this cause.
Committee members, coaches, managers, players, parents, friends and guests embraced this fundraising venture and attended the Club's Dinner Dance. The evening presented everyone with fine dining, entertaining music, creative dancing, endless laughter & humour, impressive auction items and most of all, that Connells Point Rovers spirit that we have become accustomed to when our players put on that jersey and run on the playing field.
The evening was an enormous success and much credit went to the Club and the function committee. The Club was proud to donate the amount of $17,500 to this worthwhile cause.
Since that memorable evening, the CT SIM has been purchased and delivered to the Cancer Care Centre at St George Hospital. The first patient was scanned on 1st May, 2008 and since then 350 patients have had the benefit of this 21st century machine. A difference is already being made!
Our Club was invited by Councillor Michael Kitmiridis to view the CT Sim machine. Two of our committee members, George Saab and Glen Chapple attended as well as three of our CPR players Corinne Chapple (16GA's), Cameron Chapple (14A's) and Liam Chapple (11B's).
Connells Point Rovers Football Club, the difference between a good Club and a Great Club!
