SAiGENCI supporter repairs bicycles to support prostate cancer research
Richard Dopheide with his bicycles.
Richard Dopheide’s younger brother was only 65 years old when his life was taken by cancer. This tragedy was the motivating force behind Richard’s decision to repair and sell bicycles to raise funds for cancer research.
In September 2022, Richard and his partner Liz Camilleri devastatingly had to say goodbye to Richard’s younger brother, John, who was struck with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Unfortunately for John, who like many people was busy with life and managing business and family commitments, he had early warning signs but was too busy to see health professionals and take the necessary screening tests which could have saved his life.
Before he died, John had a bicycle that he was planning to ride as part of his retirement exploits. Sadly, cancer prevented him from living out this dream. For Richard, his brother’s bicycle turned into a fundraising idea. Richard loves tinkering and fixing things, and was already repairing bicycles to sell as a side hustle when he retired. He thought, “why not turn abandoned bicycles into cash, and donate the proceeds to a good cause?”
Professor Lisa Butler of SAiGENCI
While searching for a local cancer research initiative, Richard stumbled upon Professor Lisa Butler’s prostate cancer group at the South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI) at the University of Adelaide. For Richard, who is a proud South Australian and makes special effort to buy SA-made products and support local businesses, it was important to support a South Australian organisation.
Richard now regularly sends donations to SAiGENCI, funded by repairing abandoned or donated bikes. He gets great satisfaction from knowing that he saves old bicycles from ending up in landfill, while also helping to fund the vital research that might save other families like his from losing loved ones too soon.
In his home garage, Richard’s bike restoration project unfolds as a true labour of love – he provides hundreds of hours of labour to return the dilapidated bikes to fine working order. It’s challenging work but he loves it and has lots of fun while doing it. His partner Liz jokes that Richard’s hands are always greasy, and he is almost always in his garage. But Liz understands how important this project is to Richard and has been very supportive. For Richard, the hours he spends are a tribute to his little brother.
Richard wants to continue honouring John’s memory by supporting prostate cancer research. What started as a simple fundraising idea has become his legacy – a legacy he wants to keep alive for as long as he can. On top of his active involvement as a supporter, he is also a strong advocate for early detection and taking the necessary screening tests. He likes to remind his friends to watch out for early warning signs, and not to put off seeing a doctor.
I hope that SAiGENCI cancer research will uncover new treatments and solutions for men suffering from prostate cancer. If I can stop even one person going through the loss that I went through, my mission is done.Richard
Professor Lisa Butler with members of the SAiGENCI prostate cancer research team
Professor Lisa Butler’s prostate cancer group is part of the Resistance Prevention Theme at SAiGENCI, where they aim to understand the mechanisms underlying response and resistance to contemporary cancer therapies. One of the main causes of failure in cancer treatment is the development of drug resistance by cancer cells which may lead to recurrence of disease. Professor Butler’s team seeks to understand how this happens and to develop new and better ways to counter this.