Three People, Three Legacies
By Zoe Waters, Executive Director, Barwon Health Foundation
In recent weeks, I have found myself reflecting on three remarkable individuals whose
contributions to health and medical research will leave a lasting impact on countless lives.
Two are names many Australians know well: Neale Daniher AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO.
The third is an anonymous donor of the Barwon Health Foundation.
At first glance, their stories could not be more different.
Neale Daniher transformed his diagnosis of motor neurone disease into a national
movement. Rather than retreat from his illness, he inspired an entire nation to rally behind the fight against MND. Through courage, determination and optimism, he helped raise millions of dollars for MND research and gave hope to families facing a devastating disease.
Professor Richard Scolyer's contribution to medical research was also extraordinary. As one of Australia's leading melanoma researchers, he dedicated his career to improving outcomes for cancer patients. Following his own diagnosis with aggressive brain cancer, he bravely participated as 'patient zero' in an experimental treatment approach, determined to
contribute to scientific knowledge that may one day help others facing the same disease.
Both men demonstrated that advancing healthcare requires more than medical expertise alone. It requires people willing to invest in hope.
Which brings me to the third person.
Recently, the Barwon Health Foundation received a substantial gift to advance women's cancer research.
The donor asked for no recognition or acknowledgement, beyond knowing their gift would help support researchers working in the breast cancer field.
People will never know their name. And that is exactly how they wanted it.
There is something moving about that choice. People can show up and support in a way that feels truly 'them'.
When I think about these three individuals whose legacy now lives on beyond their lifetime, I see three different expressions of the same idea.
Neale used his bravery, platform and influence to inspire and work towards a cure.
Richard gave his knowledge, his leadership and ultimately his own experience as a patient.
And, our anonymous donor gave resources to accelerate the search for better treatments and outcomes to improve breast cancer research, right here in Geelong.
Each contribution was different. Each invaluable.
At the Barwon Health Foundation, we are privileged to witness generosity in many forms. Some people volunteer their time, participate in fundraising events or make regular donations. Some establish family funds or leave gifts in their Wills. Others make significant philanthropic investments during their lifetime to help fund research discoveries.
Every single one of the more than 20,000 people who give to the Barwon Health Foundation each year, does so in a way that works for them.
Some choose to give because they hope to inspire others to do so too. Some choose to honour a loved one to keep their name alive. Others choose complete anonymity, finding satisfaction simply in knowing they have made a difference.
There is no single right way to contribute to Barwon Health.
As we remember Neale Daniher AO and Richard Scolyer AO, and quietly acknowledge the generosity of an extraordinary anonymous donor, we are reminded that giving is a deeply personal action.
Some are known to all of us. Some are known only to those closest to them.
But together, they help create a future that is hopeful and full of possibility.
In the lead up to tax time, if you can, please give generously.
Together, we can support Barwon Health in a way that no single person or family or organisation could achieve alone. Together, we can create a legacy that will improve lives for generations to come.
To learn more about joining a Giving Circle, please visit www.barwonhealthfoundation.org.au. We would be delighted to welcome you into our Circle of Care.
