Source : Perth Now news
Former Australian of the Year and renowned pathologist Richard Scolyer has died after a battle with brain cancer.
The melanoma expert died at the age of 59 after a battle with an aggressive brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2023.
Following his glioblastoma diagnosis, Professor Scolyer, who was named co-Australian of the Year in 2024 alongside colleague Georgina Long, underwent a world-first treatment that they pioneered in treating melanomas.
In an open letter published at midnight, he said he wished to be “remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who ‘gave it a crack’”.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Professor Scolyer also issued a message to others living with and fighting cancer.
“To all cancer patients, I encourage you to consider enrolling in research and clinical trials, if on offer. And to government and the wider community, please keep funding science and medical research. This is the most impactful way that you too can make a difference,” he said.
He said his cancer journey had been presented in a raw and authentic way.
“I haven’t sugar coated my journey and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all,” he said.
“I hope I have in some small way made the road ahead easier and smoother for others.
“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.”
The Prime Minister said “we have lost one of our brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts”.
“As the joint 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Scolyer took his place in the national spotlight with determination and purpose as he very publicly dealt with his glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer,” Mr Albanese wrote.
“Every day, this remarkable man – the cancer specialist who became his own subject – took us into his confidence, and he lifted us all in the process.”
He said Professor Scolyer’s journey was “difficult and confronting”.
“’My uncertain path’, as he termed it with characteristic understatement,” he said.
“Yet it was one he travelled with courage, determination, and a grace that never ceased to be remarkable.
“The way he shared it with us was an act of profound generosity.
“He showed us what it means to hope, and to keep searching for solutions. He showed us how to stand firm against fear and stay true to yourself.”
