Last Thursday Dad was awarded the prestigious Peter Wills Medal for his outstanding contribution to building Australia's reputation globally in the area of health and medical research.
The award was presented at the Research Australia Awards in Melbourne, which celebrate the achievements of the country's top biomedical researchers and was an incredible night, filled with inspiring stories of scientific breakthroughs, and promises from the federal government to create an environment where more can happen.
Dad doesn’t do his work for awards, but last night was the culmination of a lifetime of hard work as his research has been instrumental in the fight against Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic disease that kills kids who’ve drawn the short straw in the genetic lottery of life.
But thanks to Dad and his colleague’s tireless efforts, SMA can now be cured and is on track to becoming a disease of the past, and to be recognised by his peers for this work means so much to him and our family.
From Sydney to Melbourne, to Seattle and back, we moved a lot for Dad’s research and I hated changing schools every few years and having to make new friends.
However all that washed away last night and while Dad was on stage accepting his award, Mum turned to me and said: “Nothing meaningful happens without sacrifice.”
And to top things off, when Dad was asked to make a speech, he thanked his recently departed father (who was also a scientist) for inspiring him. Dad credited Grandpa for his love of nature, biology and research, which made me burst into tears and was one of the most inspiring moments of my life.
I’ve never woken up feeling as proud as I did on Friday, and I have no doubt Grandpa would be looking down full of pride too. Thank you Dad. I love you.
Lucky to have a dad and grandpa like this mate! Must be proud as punch.
This is so great! What an achievement, well done!