Advancing Medical Research with Hummingbirds and the O’Brien Institute

MediStays pledge to support innovative medical research

In the complex and ever-evolving world of medical research, the collaborative efforts of dedicated organisations are crucial to advancing treatments and improving patient outcomes. Hummingbirds, a group of volunteers supporting the O’Brien Foundation, is committed to supporting medical research, and plays a vital role in this landscape. Their partnership with the O’Brien Institute has significantly impacted the fields of skin and plastic surgery, as well as vascular biology.

At MediStays, we are honoured to support the life-changing work of Hummingbirds through our commitment to the Pledge 1% movement. By dedicating 1% of our resources—be it profit, product, or time—we are actively contributing to the remarkable efforts of Hummingbirds in advancing medical research and providing essential support to patients in need of specialised skin and plastic surgery.

This blog explores how Hummingbirds supports the transformative work being done with the O’Brien Institute, and how their collaborative efforts are supporting the MediStays community. 

Hummingbirds: A Mission of Compassion and Community

Hummingbirds is a small group of experienced volunteers that work with the O’Brien Foundation, a non-profit organisation that embodies the spirit of compassion, community, and commitment. Founded to support medical research and provide assistance to patients undergoing skin and plastic surgery, Hummingbirds aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with advanced medical care. 

Through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including community events, corporate partnerships, and individual donations, Hummingbirds raises essential funds that fuel groundbreaking research at the O’Brien Institute.

“When we discovered the O’Brien Institute; a small organisation in Fitzroy performing amazing research work, we decided to help by raising funds for the O’Brien Foundation. We set up ‘Hummingbirds’, a small group of dedicated volunteers to help in the journey to restore hope, identity, form and function to people who have been impacted by illness or trauma.”
– Julie Leeming OAM DSJ, Hummingbirds Chair and founding member.

The O’Brien Institute: A Beacon of Medical Innovation

The O’Brien Institute, named in honour of the renowned surgeon Professor Bernard O’Brien, is a leading centre for medical research in Melbourne. The institute focuses on reconstructive surgery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, with a particular emphasis on vascular biology. The O’Brien Institute is dedicated to developing innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. 

Researchers at the O’Brien Institute work on pioneering projects that push the boundaries of medical science. Their work in vascular biology, for instance, aims to understand and manipulate blood vessel growth and repair. This is critical for successful reconstructive surgeries and the treatment of various vascular diseases.

The Impact of Hummingbirds’ Support

Hummingbirds’ unwavering support has been instrumental in enabling the O’Brien Institute to continue its pioneering research. By providing financial assistance, Hummingbirds ensures that the institute has much needed resources to supplement grants. This includes support to conduct clinical trials, develop new surgical techniques, and translate laboratory discoveries into practical treatments. 

One of the key areas of research at the O’Brien Institute is vascular biology. This field focuses on the study of blood vessels, their growth, development, and repair. Vascular biology is essential for understanding how to improve outcomes in reconstructive surgery. It can also be used to treat conditions such as chronic wounds, heart disease, and stroke. 

Vascular Biology: Transformative Research at the O’Brien Institute

The vascular biology program at the O’Brien Institute is at the forefront of medical research. Scientists and researchers in this program investigate the mechanisms that control blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and the repair of damaged vessels. This research is crucial for developing therapies that can enhance tissue regeneration and repair, which are vital for patients undergoing reconstructive surgery.

One of the significant breakthroughs in this field is the development of bioengineered tissues and organs. By understanding how to manipulate vascular growth, researchers can create tissues that integrate seamlessly with the body’s existing blood supply, improving the success rates of transplants and reconstructive surgeries.

Hummingbirds’ funding supports these innovative projects, allowing researchers to continue to explore new frontiers in vascular biology. This collaboration has already led to significant advancements in medical science, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients worldwide. 

Community Involvement and Fundraising

Hummingbirds’ success is deeply rooted in community involvement. The organisation hosts various fundraising events and campaigns that bring together individuals, businesses, and other charitable entities. These events not only raise essential funds but also increase awareness about the importance of medical research and the work being done at the O’Brien Institute. From lunches large and small, gala dinners, fashion parades, Melbourne Cup Lunches to festive celebrations, Hummingbirds leverages multiple platforms to engage the community and encourage support.

Hummingbirds’ dedication to funding groundbreaking research at the O’Brien Institute and the O’Brien Foundation aligns with MediStays own mission of ensuring that all patients and carers have access to the best possible care. Our partnership with Hummingbirds allows us to extend our support beyond just accommodation, helping to fund the critical research and patient care services that can transform lives. 

A Holistic Approach to Patient Support

Through the Pledge 1% initiative, MediStays is proud to be part of a global movement that leverages the power of business for social good. Our contributions help ensure that financial constraints do not hinder patients from receiving the specialised care they need. Together with Hummingbirds, we are committed to creating a future where advanced medical treatments and compassionate support are accessible to all who need them.

MediStays can support patients consulting with the Doctors at the O’Brien institute with trusted and safe accommodation that caters to all levels of accessibility needs, long stay rates and assistance for finances and transport.

MediStays and Hummingbirds: Our Commitment to the Future of Medical Research

The partnership between Hummingbirds and the O’Brien Institute exemplifies how charitable organisations and research institutions can work together to achieve remarkable outcomes. As medical science continues to evolve, the need for dedicated support from organisations like Hummingbirds becomes even more critical.

Through their ongoing commitment to funding research and supporting patients, Hummingbirds plays a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes. Their efforts ensure that the O’Brien Institute can continue its groundbreaking work in vascular biology and other areas. This ultimately leads to better treatments and improved quality of life for patients.

MediStays believes in the power of community and the importance of giving back. By supporting Hummingbirds, we are not just providing accommodation—we are fostering hope, healing, and a brighter future for patients and their families across Australia.

Hummingbirds Chair, Julie Leeming, shares that “the Hummingbirds have created well-supported, quality events over the last 13 years. It is hoped that the funds raised by the Hummingbirds, together with friendships and partnerships such as MediStays and the O’Brien Foundation, will ensure that this research continues beyond only what is supported by government grants. Importantly, the continuation of this research will help restore hope, identity, form and function to those who have been impacted by injury or illness”.

Hummingbirds enables the O’Brien Institute to push the boundaries of what is possible in medical science. Their combined efforts have already led to significant advancements in skin and plastic surgery, as well as vascular biology, offering hope and healing to countless patients. As we look to the future, the continued partnership with Hummingbirds and the O’Brien Institute promises to bring even more transformative breakthroughs in healthcare.