About Us

The Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation of Western Australia is a non-government organisation and registered charity based in Western Australia.

The foundation was formed in 2004 by Yvonne Bali, who champions this worthy cause, as she would not be alive today but for her lifesaving double lung transplant surgery, which took place in September 1999 at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. It was during this experience that she decided that more could be done in the area of heart and lung transplantation and the diseases that lead to it.

When on the road to recovery, she met with WA builder Garry Brown-Neaves of Webb & Brown – Neaves the Home Builders - which was the catalyst that enabled the Foundation to be established. He was so compelled by Yvonne’s story that he decided to build a charity home, with proceeds from the sale securing the Foundation’s immediate future.

The emotional and financial hardship that Yvonne endured whilst based in Melbourne was the inspiration behind her campaign to establish a Lung Transplant unit in Perth - the first goal of the Foundation. The project came to fruition in November 2004 with the official opening heralded by the first lung transplant to take place in Perth.

The Foundation comprises twelve board members who meet on a regular basis to discuss areas of particular need. The board is a mix of the medical and business community, and brings a wealth of knowledge and acumen to the Foundation.

The Foundation receives applications from various organisations and bodies seeking support by way of a grant. Grants are awarded by the board on a yearly basis, and are allocated according to the Foundation’s charter.

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Heart & Lung Transplant Foundation relies heavily on its fundraising efforts and the generosity of sponsors, supporters and the community to enable it to continue to make inroads into heart and lung disease and a difference too many peoples’ lives.