Vale, Stan Perron AC.
Your legacy of hope lives on.
It is with deeply held sadness that this institute marks the recent passing of Stan Perron AC: our generous benefactor, inspiring Patron, and wonderful friend.
To his loved ones, we extend our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences for your loss. In particular, our special thoughts are with Stan’s wife, Jean, through this difficult time.
At the institute, we have been exceptionally fortunate to have Stan’s and the Perron family’s unwavering support for over 30 years. In this, our profound sense of gratitude for his influence remains as deep as ever.
As a self-made man, Stan’s understated and very human brand of philanthropy sprung from his humility and compassion for others. His hard work was always balanced with his desire to make a real, positive difference wherever he could.
This was demonstrated when he agreed to share his family’s name with our institute, citing not only his long standing interest in our work, but also his genuine hope that his name would inspire wider support for groundbreaking research into neurological diseases.
It was our abiding privilege to honour Stan, Jean, and their family, when we became the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science in January 2017, heralding an important evolution from our former identity as the WA Neuroscience Research Institute.
Since then, and with the family’s generosity continuing to underpin our vital research and clinical care, the Perron Institute stands as both a beacon for neuroscience discovery, and a steadfast tribute to Stan’s legacy of kindness and hope.
Stan was well informed about our work. He’d initially followed the pioneering 1960s research by our Founding Director, Emeritus Professor Byron Kakulas AO, on a type of muscular dystrophy in the humble quokka. Professor Kakulas’ breakthrough discovery of the regeneration capabilities of muscle fibres went on to inspire research over ensuing decades.
More recently, Stan’s interest included the work of our institute’s Director Professor Steve Wilton and Director of Research Professor Sue Fletcher. Their revolutionary ‘genetic patching’ technology saw them develop a world-first drug to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy in young boys. It received accelerated Food and Drug Administration approval in the USA following trials that have shown boys able to walk years past the age at which they would otherwise be expected to be confined to a wheelchair.
Stan and the Perron family have contributed enormously to this and other vital research into a wide range of life-limiting neurological conditions. The institute’s appreciation is perhaps best expressed in the enhanced quality of life our work brings to patients and their families.
We remain deeply grateful that Stan took such an interest in our work. It is heartening that he understood the power of research that’s translated into new diagnostics, treatments and services for so many people. Our ongoing work will continue to honour his name and his legacy.
Alongside our sadness, we acknowledge the enormous void Stan’s passing leaves in the lives of Jean and the Perron family.
Our wish is for them to draw strength and comfort from knowing how far and wide his generous heart has and will continue to reach, bringing hope to children and adults affected by devastating neurological diseases.
Vale, Stan. We thank you sincerely for your belief in our work, but above all, for your kindness, your grace, and your humanity.
May you rest in lasting peace.
CEO, Board and Staff of the Perron Institute
Pictured: Mr Stan Perron AC, Patron, Perron Institute