24 April 2018
On the 25th April each year, Betty wakes up before sunrise, pins her father’s World War II medals on her jacket, and goes to honour his service to this country. But her act of remembrance doesn‘t end there.
Betty is President of the Diggers’ Dozen at Greenslopes Private Hospital, a group of volunteers supportng patient care and raising funds for our medical research.
“I joined the Diggers’ Dozen 18 years ago to pay tribute to my Daddy’s military service. When I told Mum, she said ‘Daddy would have been so proud of you’,” Betty says.
At the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, our act of remembrance is research. Inspired by our diggers’ legacy, we work to enhance the health and wellbeing of our veterans and their families.
Right here at this hospital, our scientists and clinicians are conductng innovative medical research to improve the treatment of serious health concerns affectng our veteran community.
We are addressing the whole body impact of posttraumatic stress disorder, physical illnesses such as liver disease and liver cancer, and the psychological issues associated with the transition from service to civilian life.
Betty knows her father’s service would have taken a psychological toll, but like many, he did talk about it or seek help – not there was much available at the time.
“He never really spoke about his service, only the funny things,” Betty says. “When he returned home he was given a booklet on how to act with your family and go back to life as a civilian. That’s it, just a booklet.”
As we do not receive government funding, we can only continue this vital work through the support of generous people like Betty.
“I am honoured to be part of this hospital and research to help better the lives of veterans,” Betty says.
You can make your act of remembrance this Anzac Day by supporting medical research to enhance veteran health.