The Missenden Society was established for this very purpose and comprises those supporters who have indicated that they have remembered The Heart Research Institute in their Will. Members of the Missenden Society are:
Members of the Missenden Society will also be able to apply for memorial naming within The Heart Research Institute and apply to have scholarships and chairs named after them so that their support is remembered for all time.
Testimonial from Christine Contacos PhD
During the 1990’s, as part of my PhD and then post-doctoral studies I was fortunate enough to collaborate with the Cell Biology Research Group at The Heart Research Institute (HRI). It was an exciting time - being part of this vibrant research group, listening and talking about oxidised‑LDL, triglyceride‑rich lipoproteins and mechanisms for removing cholesterol from the arterial wall. Scientific opinions were respected and challenged by the group leaders and fellow students, research results were presented during weekly Friday afternoon meetings and there were many social evenings where we discussed and debated the latest theories in lipid metabolism. My interest and scientific knowledge of heart disease continued to grow and was greatly enhanced by my association with the Institute. Even though I worked with the Cell Biology Research Group at the Institute, there were many opportunities to talk with colleagues in the other research groups at The Heart Research Institute. There were many colleagues to bounce ideas off, opportunities to develop and mentors to guide us. This was mainly because we were all in the one building, all scientists and all interested in (different aspects of) heart disease. Although I stopped working with the Institute in 1997, for some reason, I keep coming back in one way or another. Perhaps it has something to do with these being the most formative years in my scientific career, the most challenging and rewarding, a time where I made great friendships or a continued interest in the work being done at the HRI. Or… perhaps it’s because the Institute continues to be the most enriching environment in Australia for a community of scientists to deepen their knowledge and continue to work together in reducing the burden of heart disease. There are many things ‘along the way’ that contribute to who we are and what kind of person we evolve into. The Heart Research Institute played a large part in ‘who I became’ in my professional and personal life. So, what can I do for The Heart Research Institute? While I’ve continued to support The Heart Research Institute through fundraising activities, I recently took the opportunity to include a bequest to The Heart Research Institute in my Will to show my thanks. As I have a young son, I am concerned that the work of the Institute continues to help future generations to lead healthier and more active lives. This is why my husband and I have both left a bequest to The Heart Research Institute. We are proud and honoured to be Members of the Missenden Society. Christine Contacos, PhD