Today marks 50 years since a moment that changed lives forever.
On this day, 16 October 1975, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney performed Australia’s first adult bone marrow transplant led by pioneering haematologist A/Prof James (Jim) Biggs. The groundbreaking procedure offered new hope for patients with blood disorders and began a legacy of compassion, discovery, and care that continues today.
Over his 26-year career, A/Prof Biggs oversaw more than 2,500 transplants and, with colleagues including Dr Kerry Atkinson, Prof David Ma, and Dr Sam Milliken, built one of the nation’s leading bone marrow and stem cell transplant programs. Their work placed St Vincent’s at the heart of Australia’s fight against blood cancers.
Philanthropy has been central to this progress. With support through the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation, generations of donors have driven innovation in research, technology, and patient care. A landmark $7.3 million campaign in 2015, championed by Delta Goodrem AM, transformed the Haematology, Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit, creating 20 single rooms for immune-suppressed patients and a safer, more compassionate healing environment.
Today, thanks to ongoing donor generosity, St Vincent’s leads in stem cell and cellular therapies for cancers and autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. Our internationally accredited program delivers world-first treatments like CAR-T cell therapy and fosters global collaboration through partnerships such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
Looking ahead, we are launching a $14 million campaign to establish a Centre of Excellence in Cellular Therapies, ensuring the next generation of discoveries and care.
From that single transplant 50 years ago to more than 80 each year today, your support continues to make life-saving medicine possible.
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