Giving Day: Lifelines for stroke research
The late Peter Couche with his brother Stephen
On 31 October the University will hold its inaugural Giving Day.
This will be a 24-hour fundraising challenge where our community has fun, raises awareness about the benefits of philanthropy, and has the chance to make a gift to the cause they are most passionate about at the University of Adelaide.
The stories on these pages are three of the 14 featured funds for Giving Day 2023.
Gifts to our featured funds advance or enable important work, from improving our leading research capacity to protecting nature, empowering students, and uplifting our diverse communities.
Every 10 minutes someone in Australia suffers a stroke, making it the leading cause of disability in our country.
In 1992, at just 42 years old, healthy stockbroker and father of three Peter Couche became one of the 250,000 Australians who were then living with the aftermath of a stroke.
For 30 years Peter lived with “locked-in syndrome”, which left his mind untouched and thriving, but his body almost entirely paralysed.
Despite the immense challenges presented by his condition, Peter went on to contribute significantly to stroke research and awareness through continued advocacy, fundraising and sharing his own story.
In 2010 Peter established the Peter Couche Foundation alongside his brother Stephen Couche, who has chaired the foundation for 13 years. During this time, it has raised nearly one million dollars to support stroke research.
“Research has led to improvements in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies, resulting in better outcomes for stroke survivors,” Professor Andrew Zannettino, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences says.
Peter was awarded the Pride of Australia Medal for Courage in 2010, and his story continues to inspire positive action and research today. It is estimated 27,428 Australians experienced stroke for the first time in 2020, highlighting the need for new research.
“Looking into the future, several trends are likely to shape stroke research – advances in genetics and precision medicine will enable tailored stroke prevention and treatment strategies based on individual risk profiles and genetic factors,” Professor Zannettino says. “AI and machine learning will play a more significant role in stroke diagnosis, treatment decision-making, and rehabilitation planning.
“Ongoing research on stem cells and regenerative medicine may offer new therapeutic approaches for stroke recovery. Finally, deeper insights into the brain’s neuroplasticity will guide the development of more effective rehabilitation programs.”
Sadly, Peter passed away in September this year. His legacy, however, will continue in 2023 and beyond, with an endowed fund with the University of Adelaide. The fund will continue a mission to advance stroke research, fellowships, and scholarships, with a goal to raise five million dollars in support of an academic chair in stroke research at the University.
“In addition to cutting edge and translational stroke research, the academic chair could lead community outreach initiatives to increase public awareness about strokes and stroke prevention.”
The University is delighted that a generous anonymous donor will support the launch of the fund with $150,000 matched funding for donations received on Giving Day 2023.