About us
Established in 2023 the Foundation continues the work carried out by PEARLS since 2002 in raising critically needed funds to support research into preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
In that 20 year period significant funds have been raised and applied to a targeted strategy of funding PhD students specialising in preeclampsia research. In doing so a critical mass of scientists have been developed in Australia – all of whom are leaders internationally in the field of preeclampsia research, and who are focussed on the eradication of preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
The Foundation has been established to continue to raise awareness into hypertensive disorders in Australia and to raise funds for medical research into those disorders.
Our People
Amanda Davidson OAM
Amanda is a lawyer of over 30 years standing specialising in all aspects of the law relating to major projects. After suffering from preeclampsia when pregnant with her son Harry in 2001, Amanda established PEARLS – a non profit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for medical research into the management and eradication of preeclampsia.As a consequence Amanda has a long term interest in womens health.
In 2015 Amanda was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of outstanding achievement and service in relation to maternal health.
Annemarie Hennessy AM
Annemarie Hennessy is the leader for the Vascular Immunology Group, and the Dean and Foundation Chair of Medicine at the Western Sydney University. She has over 30 years experience in preeclampsia research and is actively involved in clinical and laboratory research into the causes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. She directs PhD students at the Heart Research Institute (USYD) and at Western Sydney University.
In 2015 Annemarie was awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for contribution to medical research, particularly in the area of clinical hypertension and maternal health.
Ian Macdonald PBM
Ian has a successful 40-year career in banking and finance, holding senior roles at Barclays Bank and Westpac Bank in Australia, and as President of Hong Leong Finance (the listed financial services arm of Hong Leong Group Singapore). Ian also is Chairman of three early-stage venture capital funds that source capital and deals throughout the APAC region and holds numerous board and advisory board roles.
Ian was awarded a Public Service Medal (PBM) in Singapore in 2013, and the prestigious Presidents Medal by the Australian Chamber of Commerce Singapore in 2015.
Patient Advocacy
The Foundation aims to provide a platform for patient advocacy in the field of medical research into preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Amanda Davidson suffered from preeclampsia at the time of her pregnancy in 2001. The impact for her represented what many women go through. A sudden order to cease work at a critical time in work needs and career; the worry that her child would be born early; learning about a new condition about which she knew virtually nothing, and worry about her chances of coming through without incident or worse.
In the last 20 years Amanda has worked to establish a significant group of community support for medical research into preeclampsia and through PEARLS raised over $1.2M dollars for that purpose. Those funds have been applied strategically to train numerous preeclampsia champions in the form of clinician scientists and scientist who are dedicating their lives to the care of women, but more importantly to improving knowledge and opportunities for preeclampsia to be better managed.
It is critical that the views of patients be taken into account in the determination of priorities for research and its funding.
If you would like to be involved, please contact us.