NCNM Giving Day 2026 - Southern Cross University

Published: 5 May 2026

When Shireen Sandhu was diagnosed with glioblastoma, her wife Kristen Pratt watched her navigate an aggressive brain cancer with the support of naturopathic care. After Shireen died, Kristen chose to fund research into a micropatch delivery system for medicinal cannabis - designed to make treatment gentler and more accessible for those who need it most.

In most areas of healthcare, commercial investment drives research. For naturopathic and integrative medicine - nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle and integrative care - there is no equivalent industry engine. Philanthropy - like Kristen’s - fills that gap.

Generosity that creates real impact

Southern Cross University's National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) is built on the premise that non-pharmacological healthcare deserves the same scientific rigour as pharmaceutical medicine.

That founding principle remains at the heart of NCNM today. Generosity creates impact where it matters most, supporting students, advancing research, and improving the lives of people facing real health challenges. Donor funding turns education and innovation into compassionate, evidence‑based care that reaches far beyond campus.

"Research is about how we can help make a difference to the individual," said Associate Professor Janet Schloss, leader of the micropatch research and Clinical Research Fellow at NCNM. "Even if it works for just a percentage of people, you have made a difference and that's the best feeling."

“Research is about how we can help make a difference to the individual.”

“We support NCNM because strong education and clinical training are essential for the future of naturopathic medicine,” said Michael Osiecki, of the Osiecki Family Foundation.

This focus on future outcomes is reflected by other supporters, who recognise that investment now will yield compounding positive impact.

“We believe a sustainable profession is built on strong clinical reasoning and evidence-led practice. Universities play a central role in shaping that foundation,” said Kent Weathers, Chief Executive Officer, vital.ly.

“The Research Futures Scholarship Program provides practical research experience that strengthens how future practitioners think, question, and apply evidence in clinic. We support the Centre to help build a more capable profession, where research, clinical practice, and industry work together to improve patient outcomes.”

Supporting students to shape the future

Donor-funded scholarships support students at critical stages of their education, easing financial pressure and enabling them to fully engage in learning, clinical training, and community service. These are the experiences that shape the practitioners they become.

"Participating in the Research Futures Scholarship Program was a key step… The experience and confidence I gained have been crucial in pursuing my research career," said Sarah, recipient of a Research Futures Scholarship.

“It provided such a diverse and contrasting experience to any other placement I’ve done and I am extremely grateful to have been able to take part,” said Lavendi, recipient of the Osiecki Family Foundation Clinical Placement Scholarship.

“It provided such a diverse and contrasting experience to any other placement I’ve done and I am extremely grateful to have been able to take part.”

The gift that gives beyond a life

NCNM's 2026 Giving Day is on 29 May. Donations support student scholarships, clinical training, and research that addresses health challenges where funding is otherwise scarce. Every gift to NCNM contributes to a growing, collective impact - supporting students today, strengthening healthcare practice tomorrow, and improving lives for years to come.

Donate now.