Local medical device company raises thousands for breast cancer foundation

Alexandria-based medical device manufacturer ProMed Australia raised more than $16,000 for the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation at a charity auction in Pyrmont on Wednesday night, June 4.

The event at Audrey Fine Art gallery featured the auction of a landscape painting by artist Ted Lewis, which sold for $4,800 despite being valued at $8,000. The company also presented a cheque for $10,235 to the foundation, representing proceeds from sales of one of their products.

“We’ve partnered with the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation and a portion of one of our products goes to the foundation,” said Oni Onuorah, sales and marketing director at ProMed Australia. “It’s very exciting, it’s an awesome cause and we’re so glad to be giving back to the community.”

The product in question is a smoke evacuation pencil used in surgical procedures to remove potentially carcinogenic plumes created when energy is applied to tissue during surgery.

“It’s often akin to smoking,” Onuorah explained. “What we’re trying to do is make the operating theatre a smoke-free environment so it’s safe for the patient, safe for the nursing staff, safe for everybody.”

Oni Onuorah – Sales and Marketing Director at ProMed Australia

Matthew Loutfy, business unit director at ProMed Australia, said the Australian company has been operating for four years, serving hospitals across the country. “We are an Australian-based company who has basically gone to market to compete with the two major players in the medical device space, and we’ve made healthcare or medical devices super affordable for hospitals,” he said.

Matthew Loutfy – Business Unit Director at ProMed Australia.

Commercial business director Abe Attia emphasised the company’s local focus. “We’ve come in and we’ve created competition. We’ve made healthcare, we’ve made devices more affordable whilst not compromising on product at all,” he said.

Abe Attia – Commercial Business Director at ProMed Australia

The auction proved successful beyond expectations. Joshua Reilly-Quoy, gallery manager at Audrey Fine Art, said the energy in the room was particularly special. “People wanted to contribute, people wanted to be a part of that, but also people wanted to listen to the stories and what the contributions will actually go towards and how it’s going to change people’s lives,” he said.

Joshua Reilly-Quoy – Audrey Fine Art Co-founder and gallery manager

The painting was purchased by Paul Shendoa, who graciously declined to comment on his acquisition, though his evident satisfaction with the purchase was clear. The auctioneer noted that the painting’s international market value was potentially higher than the $8,000 Australian valuation, making the winning bidder particularly fortunate.

Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier, a breast surgeon who attended the event, emphasised the importance of breast cancer awareness. “Breast cancer impacts 1 in 7 females in Australia, so it is incredibly prevalent,” he said. “The more awareness the better.”

Rene Lopez Buckley, director of the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation, highlighted how the funds would be used. “Ninety-five per cent of money raised and donated goes back to patients, whether it’s technology, whether it’s paying for families to be able to afford for their children to continue normality,” she said.

Renae Lopez Buckley – Director, Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation.

The foundation supports families affected by breast cancer, funding everything from technology purchases to school shoes and tutoring, as cancer treatment can be financially devastating for families.

Pictures: Simran Gill