Each year, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) holds a Gala fundraising dinner as a tribute to the life and achievements of the late Dr Victor Chang, who tragically had his life stolen from him in 1991.

By way of background, the VCCRI, was established in 1994 to honour the vision and memory of pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon and humanitarian, the late Dr Victor Chang. To fulfil its mission it strives to conduct the highest quality fundamental research into cardiovascular diseases, as well as playing a major role in disease prevention, in the training of cardiovascular researchers and doctors, and in the rapid transfer of new knowledge, treatments and diagnostics to the patient.

2009 marks the 15th Anniversary of the VCCRI s estabIishment. In those 15 years the VCCRI has become nationally and internationally recognized as a center-of-excellence in heart research. Heart disease, unfortunately, does not attract the same media and celebrity attention as cancer and yet it remains Australia s Number 1 killer and a little known fact is that four times more women die of heart disease compared to breast cancer.

We have in the past been most privileged to have had a number of very special people attend these Victor Chang Day functions people who have recognised Victor s humanitarian and pioneering work. This year we have invited the Hon Kevin Rudd, MP, Prime Minister to be our Guest-of-Honour.

We are hoping around 500 guests will attend this very special Gala Black Tie fundraiser which will be held on August 1, in the Parkside ballroom at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.