Vale Professor Richard Scolyer AO
My fellow Australians,
I pen this letter as a final goodbye to all those I have had the immense privilege of loving, sharing life's adventures with, working alongside and meeting during what can only be described as a life filled with happiness, optimism, opportunity and passion.
My intention is for this letter to be published upon my passing — as my final farewell.
I've spent the last three years being open and honest about my journey with glioblastoma (brain cancer), in part to be transparent about what cancer patients and their families go through, and in part to provide hope and inspiration that we can and should continue to push boundaries to propel the cancer field forward.
Having dedicated my 35-year working life to patient care, cancer research and improving lives, I wanted to keep contributing, even in my darkest hour.
I am extremely proud of my impact — from my lifelong career as a world leading melanoma pathologist and cancer researcher, to being the first patient to receive experimental brain cancer treatment based on melanoma science I helped develop, followed by participation in development of a brain cancer clinical trial and advocacy for greater investment in brain cancer research.
I cannot thank my beautiful wife Katie and my adored children Emily, Matthew and Lucy enough for their love, their support, their strength, and their compassion. They are shining examples of the best of humanity and make me extremely proud.
My final message to all Australians is to say thankyou for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family.
If my legacy was to continue beyond these words, I would be delighted and humbled to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who "gave it a crack", and in doing so, inspired others to pursue their dreams and passions with humility, love and compassion.
With much love and gratitude,
Richard
*Excerpt from open letter from Professor Richard Scolyer AO
Your generous donation will go towards the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research which will support future generations of researchers working to accelerate discoveries, expand clinical trials, and improve outcomes for people diagnosed with brain cancer.
$1.04k
Catherine Spessot
$318.90
Anonymous
$210.20
Kytons Bakery
In memory of an intelligent, amazingly friendly and positive man who inspired and worked to improve visibility and treatments of brain cancer until the very end.
$162.75
Tania
$162.75
Anonymous
In memory of Richard Scolyer and Chris O'Brien
$106.12
Anonymous
In memory of Proessor Richard Scolyer, a great gift to humanity who will never be replaced. Following his journey has changed my life and his incredible bravery and altruism make me want to be a better person. Vale Richard and thank you, I feel deep gratitude for your incredibly life changing life.
$106.12
Tina Brayan
In memory of my beautiful mum who died of a brain tumour
$106.12
Andrea Savage
Thankyou for the opportunity to turn sadness into something that may help. What a beautiful man Richard was- it feels such a waste of incredible talent to lose him- even more the loss felt by his family & friends. Do hope a cure can come speedily.
$106.12
Jodie Mcgrath
$106.12
Anonymous
$106.12
Lygia Romanach
$100
Claire
$54.84
Anonymous
$54.84
Julianne
In memory of someone whose determination, intellect, humility and openness is an inspiration
$54.84
Anonymous
$54.84
Anonymous
$54.84
Quyen Dao
In memory of Professor Scolyer, an extraordinary humanbeing.
$54.84
Elizabeth Tschanz
$54.84
Erica
In memory of a most remarkable man. Your life and work are an inspiration
$50
Anonymous
$50
Anonymous
May his example through his life’s work and willingness to bring attention to cancer/research through sharing his experience, continue to inspire researchers, health care professionals, patients, and their loved ones.
$20
Anonymous
Thank you.
$11.80
