Allan Selvage’s estate donation is driving critical advancements in myeloma research at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
 

Allan Selvage was a man of quiet generosity, a railway worker with a heart as strong as the steel tracks he loved. Diagnosed with myeloma and kidney failure in 2016, Allan’s journey through treatment at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital was marked by resilience, kindness, and an unwavering appreciation for life. 

“Allan was always the first to ask how we were, before we could ask him,” recalled Professor Joy Ho, who led his care. “He was a man who truly treasured every moment and everyone around him.” 

Despite the challenges of his illness, Allan remained committed to his work, often arriving at appointments in his work boots and protective glasses. When medication side effects threatened to interfere with his job, he made it clear: working on the railways was what kept him going. 

His battle with myeloma spanned several years, and although treatments provided periods of stability, his health declined in 2022. In his final months, he faced a severe infection that could not be treated alongside his progressing cancer. With characteristic strength, Allan made the decision to pass peacefully. 

What came next was a revelation to those who had cared for him. True to his character -never one to make a fuss - Allan had quietly arranged to leave $250,000 in his will to support myeloma research at RPA. His donation has since funded a state-of-the-art Spectral Cytometer, an essential tool in the search for better treatments. 

“This generous gift is already making a difference,” said Professor Ho. “It allows our researchers to detect myeloma cells with greater precision, paving the way for advances in therapies like CAR-T cells and bispecific treatments.” 

Sydney Local Health District’s Chief Executive, Deb Willcox, acknowledged Allan’s remarkable act of generosity during a visit by the executor of his will and his wife, Norman Lee and Elizabeth Lee, to RPA. During the visit, staff from RPA Haematology, NSW Pathology, and Sydney Local Health District toured the facility and outlined how the donation will contribute to future research. 

“Allan’s kindness and selflessness will leave a lasting impact. His gift ensures that future patients will benefit from groundbreaking research and improved treatments,” said Deb Willcox.