All Carlton players participating in Sunday’s Nab Cup opener against both GWS and Sydney in Blacktown will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to Debbie Lee, the wife of Carlton Director Greg Lee, who recently died of ovarian cancer.
Debbie was an impassioned supporter of the Women’s Cancer Foundation, established in 1996 to raise funds for ovarian cancer research. The foundation has raised millions of dollars to fund researchers seeking more effective ways to treat and care for women like Debbie who have suffered with ovarian cancer, as two out of three Australian women diagnosed with the disease will sadly die.
Professor Michael Quinn, is an eminent authority on the subject of ovarian cancer. The Glasgow-born Professor is also an impassioned Carlton supporter, having first been subjected to a game at Princes Park back in 1978 when he and his children strolled into the ground “after they opened up the gates at three quarter-time”.
Acknowledging Debbie’s bravery in battling her illness, Professor Quinn also lauded her support of both the Women’s Cancer Foundation and the National Ovarian Cancer Trials Group.
“Whenever we needed a person to assist us with our new research Deb was always there willing to help out, whether talking to community groups or basically spreading the gospel for the cause,” Professor Quinn said.
“It’s great that the Carlton players are ‘Doing it for Deb’. In remembering her they also bring greater awareness to this terrible disease.”
Professor Quinn said that researchers were making “”small in-roads” in terms of their understanding of ovarian cancer, “but like any of these things we need more money”.
“So the easiest way is to get on the website – www.womenscancerfoundation.org.au – and join all at Carlton in ‘Doing it for Deb’,” Professor Quinn said.
- The Carlton players will also sport black armbands to acknowledge the recent passing of Anne-Marie Jesaulenko (wife of the former Carlton premiership player and captain-coach Alex Jesaulenko), Joan McKenzie (wife of the former General Manager Keith McKenzie) and Bernie Baxter, the 28-game former Carlton footballer.
