A brother's tribute
Me and my big brother Peter were born 18 months apart, so we were always close. But three years ago he lost his fight against prostate cancer.
I want to share his story, and have decided to leave a gift in my Will to the Garvan Institute to honour him and his memory.
Peter was an inspirational secondary school teacher, in English, History and Economics. Everywhere we went young people would stop and tell him what a great teacher he’d been. He was a fine sportsman too, playing professional first-grade rugby league for Eastern Suburbs. He excelled at whatever he tried and was just a great all-round guy.
We were both diagnosed with prostate cancer. I was diagnosed early and was eligible for radioactive brachytherapy seed implants, which have kept my cancer in check. Peter wasn’t as lucky; his cancer was advanced by the time it was detected.
Surgery could only remove part of the tumour. Secondary cancers were found throughout his body and he was prescribed a chemo regime that took its toll on his body.
Peter passed away within a year of his diagnosis. I went on a tour of Garvan and learned about the research into personalised medicine, getting chemotherapy right so it doesn’t knock the hell out of you. I thought that was
very worthwhile.
It all goes back to my brother. I don’t want anyone else to lose someone close to them in the same way. Becoming a Garvan Partner for the Future is my tribute to Peter.
Contact us to find out more about becoming a Partner for the Future >
William Walker
William is a passionate supporter and recently reached an important milestone: his 103rd birthday! “Statistics show that people are living longer, thanks to medical research. By remembering Garvan in my Will, I feel I am making a contribution to the increasing longevity of my fellow man.”
Gabriel and Joan Farago
“We asked ourselves, what could possibly be more important than supporting cutting-edge medical research which will benefit generations to come? The answer was obvious and we became Garvan bequestors.”
Peter Olive
“My parents and grandparents passed the baton of a better life on to me and I feel it’s my duty to continue this and give back to others. That’s why I have included Garvan in my Will. It’s reassuring to think something I’ve accumulated throughout my life can bring benefit to humanity as a whole.”
With your help we can transform the health and wellbeing of future generations
The idea that we can reduce suffering and enable more people to live their lives to the fullest drives us on. And with your help, it’s within reach. Through our research, we’re determined to discover ways to better predict, diagnose, treat and one day prevent a range of life-limiting diseases, such as; cancer, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, diseases of the immune system, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
We have so much to be positive about, but there is still a long way to go. A bequest to Garvan in your Will is a guaranteed way to ensure our important research will continue to benefit future generations.
If you choose to support Garvan with a gift in your Will, you will join a very special group of people that we call Garvan Partners for the Future. Unless you wish to remain anonymous, we invite you to have your name added to our Honour Board in the Galleria of the Garvan building in Sydney – as a permanent testament to your compassion for others.
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Have you already left a bequest to Garvan?
If you have already left a gift in your Will to Garvan, we’d welcome the opportunity to thank you personally. We’d also like to reassure you that we will always protect your privacy and respect how you prefer to hear from us and about our progress. Please click here to let us know you have already left a gift in your Will to Garvan.