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Her motivation for ‘getting behind’ the CMRI was the hope that a cure could be found for the genetic disease which affected her two nephews - hypogammaglobulinemia. Both boys, born to her sisters, had been diagnosed at the age of three months. The disease, which is passed on through the mother to her sons, had fortunately not affected Noelene’s own two boys. ‘At the time, there were only three known cases of the disease in NSW, and two of those were in our family.’ Both cousins required injections every two weeks to keep them alive. ‘We lost Raymond at 15 and Mark at 26.’ The CMRI believes that understanding the nature of genetic disease provides the possibility of prevention or treatment, so that every child can enjoy their birthright of a healthy life. Noelene Hitchcock received an OAM in 1999 for her services to the community of the Hawkesbury district and as a fundraiser for the CMRI. ‘As we get older we realise the value of medical research, even if we are not the generation to benefit from it,’ Noelene said. ‘We do weddings, dinner dances and engagements. We don’t advertise. It is just word of mouth. I won’t give it up until I can’t do it anymore. You’re never too old to help children.’ The CMRI is the charity that also runs national Jeans for Genes Day and this year they will be auctioning jeans belonging to some of the legends in the music industry including Shirley Bassey. For further information about the CMRI phone 1800 677 260 or visit the website www.cmri.com.au |
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At nearly 70 years old, an age when most of us are enjoying or at least contemplating retirement, Noelene Hitchcock is determined to keep working. For over 30 years, she’s been busy fundraising for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI). Along with the committee she helped form, Noelene runs a catering business and all the proceeds go to the CMRI to support its research into understanding genetic diseases that affect many children.
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