CPA’s Dr Madison Paton named finalist for 2025 AmCham Ambassador’s Award

We’re thrilled to share that Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Dr Madison Paton has been named a finalist for the American Chamber of Commerce Alliance (AmCham) Awards under the Ambassador’s Award category. She was nominated by the President of Fulbright Australia as a next generation leader for her outstanding contributions to the US-Australia partnership and on her work on the first cord blood treatment in Australia outside of a clinical trial.

Madison is a Fulbright Fellow and Senior Research Fellow at CPA. Over the last year, Madison spent time in the US to better understand how to bring cell therapies like cord blood to Australian’s who might benefit. Her learnings and knowledge-sharing with Duke University, have formed the basis of important research and advocacy to advance access to cord blood treatment for CP.  

As a result of her work within the Regeneration team at CPA and huge collaborative efforts across the world, the first Australian child with CP received compassionate access to cord blood treatment earlier this year.  

Not only is this a huge milestone, but signals hope for more change in Australia and access to evidence-based treatments.  

Our research shows that cord blood is a safe and beneficial treatment for certain groups of children with CP. We are compelled to progress access in Australia, and I have learnt so much from witnessing what others are doing around the world,” said Madison. 

Families want this treatment, and we are doing everything we can,” she added. 

Now, as a finalist for the AmCham Ambassador’s Award, Madison will attend the reception at the US Chief of Mission’s residence in Canberra in October, followed by an awards gala at the ICC in Sydney. The winner will receive a $5,000 prize and a one-year AmCham membership for their organisation. 

A huge congratulations to Madison on this amazing recognition! Is really is a testament to her dedication and impact in CP research.