Board of Trustees
Current Board Members
Bedrich Eckhardt
Scientific Researcher
Dr. Eckhardt is postdoctoral scientist with 20 years’ experience in translational breast cancer research.
His studies aim to investigate the reasons why certain breast cancers are more aggressive than others, why they spread (metastasize) to other organs and to identify new markers and targeted therapies for this disease. He has a specific interest in inflammatory breast cancer and has trained for the past 6 years with International leaders at The Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA).
Dr. Eckhardt has recently returned to Australia to continue his research into IBC at The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute.
Cassandra French
Interim Chairperson
Cassy has held the role of secretary since the foundation launched in 2019 and took on the role of interim chairperson for a short time after the passing of Julie Fishlock, the foundations founder.
“I’m currently the secretary of The IBC Network Foundation Australia and I ensure everything is filed appropriately even though this is a personal weakness of mine! But…this only drives me more to make sure everything is in order.
I am passionate about our foundation because in 2017 I was diagnosed with stage 3C IBC and had never felt so alone. My hope is that the foundation will ensure that all Australians have access to relevant information and support when going through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship”
Stephen Ryan
Treasurer
Stephen Ryan is a retired Bank Manager and has been treasurer of The IBC Network Foundation Australia since its inception in mid 2019.
He was approached by his good friend of many years, Julie Fishlock, to take on the position knowing that Stephen’s skills would be an asset to the charity she was in the process of setting up. He was more than happy to be involved.
Stephen is an integral member of our team and despite his self-confessed “limited technical skills” he is excelling in the position he holds as treasurer while enjoying his retirement in rural Victoria
Kim LaPenta
Fundraising Trustee
Past Board Members
Julie Fishlock
Chairperson
Founding member, Julie Fishlock passed away in the early morning hours of February 15, 2020. Julie worked tirelessly to set up the foundation and made fantastic progress raising funds and awareness for IBC in Australia. Julie will be remembered fondly as a strong and driven woman. We will continue to build on the work she did in her honour.