Dr. Lisa Melton
Why the Sanfilippo cause?
I was really struck by the huge need to find solutions for this devastating condition, and the great opportunities that lie in new medical technologies. I am excited by the challenge of learning about the rare disease space and lending my experience to help set the international research agenda for Sanfilippo.
What's your message to the wider Australian community about the work of the Sanfilippo Children's Foundation?
Sanfilippo is a rare condition, but the drive and determination of this organisation to help make a difference for families affected by Sanfilippo will pave the way to bring new medical technologies and treatments to families affected by other similar conditions and other genetic diseases.
How are you inspired by the work of the Foundation?
The positive culture of the Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation team and their passion and determination to move things forward was immediately apparent. so I was really excited to join the team and bring what I can to help capitalise on the momentum building in the research into treatments for Sanfilippo.
What makes you happy/ what makes you sad?
Working with great people on interesting and challenging projects, spending time with my family and working in my garden, getting into the great outdoors and exercising with my friends. Injustice makes me sad, and seeing great opportunities and potential breakthroughs stalled when people are unwilling to work together to share their knowledge and relinquish their egos.
Which value do you bring to our team and how?
Collaboration and differentiation–bringing together diverse minds and expertise and watching the sparks of inspiration fly is so rewarding. And in doing that you often find the ideas and the confidence to take you off the beaten track.
What's your favourite motivational quote?
“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”- African proverb.
We definitely need to go quickly for families affected by Sanfilippo, but I’m a big believer in the power of collaboration to get us through the challenging terrain to the places we really need to go.
