A Tribute: “Some souls teach us that even in the face of darkness, light can still be shared. They give all they have ―not for recognition, but to make the road easier for those who come after. To such a soul, who turned pain into purpose and science into compassion —Thank you.” —Adel Hafez

In the medical world, there are people who not only practice their profession, but also leave a lasting imprint that inspires future generations. Among them is Professor Richard Scolyer, who was not just an oncology scientist, but a cancer fighter in every way possible, even when he himself became a victim of it.

Born in Australia in 1966, Richard grew up with a passion for science and knowledge. From his earliest years, he was curious, research-loving, and believed that science can be the greatest tool in the service of humanity.

During his studies, he excelled academically, leading him to study medicine at the University of Tasmania and the University of Sydney, Australia, where his true passion for pathology and diagnosis began.

Over time, he became one of the leading scientists in the field of skin cancer diagnosis ―Melanoma, contributing to the development of accurate methods to detect it and save the lives of many patients around the world. According to the website of the “Melanoma Institute” in Australia, he received more than “2,000” cases annually from Australia and abroad. He co-led the Applied Melanoma Research Laboratory, and his record includes co-authoring more than “800” publications and books. Richard has given presentations at more than “400” conferences around the world.

In mid-2023, it was a painful irony when he found himself confronted with a reality he did not expect. He did not develop melanoma, the disease he devoted his life to studying and treating, but faced one of the most aggressive cancers, he developed glioblastoma ―a type of brain cancer known for its ability to grow rapidly and difficult to treat. It was a shocking moment, not only for him, but for everyone who knew and collaborated with him.

But, as usual, he did not back down in the face of this challenge, he did not settle for being just a patient receiving conventional treatment; but decided to go through a previously untried treatment by anyone, which is experimental immunotherapy before surgery, something that had not been applied to this type of cancer before.

The first days of treatment were a mixture of hope and anxiety. He sat in his hospital room, thinking about all the patients he met during his career, about all the faces in which he saw fear, and then he saw hope in them after giving them the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Now, he found himself in their position, experiencing the same emotions he saw in their eyes, but he did not feel fear, but felt that even in his illness, he still fulfilled his role as a doctor, scientist and human being who seeks to leave a mark.

Months passed, and the promising news came. Initial tests showed that there was no visible trace of cancer, and he felt for a moment that a miracle had happened, and that he might have opened a new door of hope for the thousands of patients who would come after him.

He was happy, not only for himself, but for science, and for the patients who could benefit from this experience in the future.

In March 2025, the joy with this dreaded disease did not last long, and the tumour returned, this time more aggressively.

In the first days of the month, he underwent surgery, but it failed in removing the tumour completely. He sat with his family, looking at their faces, knowing that the time left was extremely limited.

Later, he said in a television interview with the Australian Channel Nine ―A Current Affair, “I am not ready to die now,” in reference to his hope to complete his research career to benefit the largest number of patients from the experience ―although he admitted that the  surgery affected him negatively, as he said when asked about the remaining period for him, “it could be few weeks, could be few months, could be longer, I do not know” due to the fact that the current stage in treatment is limited only to traditional medicines, he cannot undergo chemotherapy or radioactive treatment.

Richard showed no sadness or despair. On the contrary, he said with a smile clearly, “I got extra time that I did not expect, and I enjoyed every moment of it.”

He was an extraordinary person, looking not for fame, nor for titles, but for the true value of life. He taught us that adversity can be an opportunity, and that the struggle with illness is not just a physical battle, but a test of determination and faith. Most importantly, we learned that giving does not stop, even when a person is in his most difficult moments of weakness.

He may not have been able to defeat the disease, but Richard Scolyer triumphed in another way. He won when he decided to make his battle a light for others, and left a legacy that will live long after he leaves this world.

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