Simon Chu

Riding For Ovarian Cancer Research

Raising funds for: Great Queensland Rail Trail Adventure R4R2026
251.75% Raised
$12,587.66 donated of $5,000.00 goal
69 Donors

Simon Chu – Profile

My name is Simon Chu, much more a lab rat than a cyclist!!

I completed my PhD at Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research (now Hudson Institute of Medical Research), where I studied the role of the estrogen in the pathogenesis of an uncommon ovarian cancer known as granulosa cell tumours. This led to my interest in the impact of specific molecular signalling pathways that are responsible for these tumours arising, and looking for ways to target these as a form of cure. After gaining my PhD, I continued his work at Prince Henry’s examining the consequences of blocking some of these pathways using new therapeutic compounds in the hope that they might lead to a new chemotherapeutic approach to treating this disease. In 2007, I took up a postdoctoral position at the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, where I helped develop a new molecular technique to investigate the incidence of exposure to avian influenza in the human population in that country, allowing me to develop skills in a completely different area of research, which I am using today in our research on granulosa cell tumours.

When I returned to Australia in 2009, I re-joined the Hudson Institute, and continued my work on finding the causes as well as therapeutic options for granulosa cell tumours. I established my own research group, Hormone Cancer Therapeutics in 2018 and focused on the two type of granulosa cell tumours – adult and juvenile.

The main theme of our research is as follows:

1)   Development of a strategy which facilitates better service integration, resources and information sharing for those with GCT and their carers;

2) Performing genomic analysis of GCT to enable establishment of a precision medicine approach to tackle this disease;

3)   Development of better diagnostic techniques, not only for initial diagnosis, but for continual monitoring for recurrence; and

4)  Discovering better therapeutics through the repurposing of existing drugs.

I feel incredibly privileged and honoured that I can join this distinguished list of riders who are making a difference to girls/women who are survivors of this disease. The funds raised are much needed as rare cancers often are overlooked when it comes to larger funding bodies.

At home, I am wonderfully supported by my loving partner Vivien, with her sons Jeremy and Luther, and my children, Jono and Isabella. Being a relatively later starter when it comes to cycling, this ride is quite nerve wracking as my only sporting achievements in the past have been in rugby union. However, I have participated in a couple of Murry to Moyne Ride for Research relay events (512km over 2 days), which were a fantastic foray into team cycling. And so I am now madly getting into training for this event, one which I cannot wait to happen and ride with truly inspirational and amazing people wanting to make a difference!

I really would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who is supporting our ride!

 

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54 Comments

  3. You are amazing Simon! Spend your work life looking for ways to improve the lives of those with GCT. And then spend your free time raising funds!

  8. Wishing you favourable winds on the road. Have a safe and successful ride! Go Simon!!

  11. To a great cause. Thank you Simon for the support on this. Stay hydrated!

    Ricka and Murali

  12. Well done Simon, such a worthwhile cause and hope my little bit helps with the research.

  14. Simon, a daunting challenge for a great cause. Enjoy the down hill sections.

  17. Simon, may you have a permanent tailwind, no flat tyres, and zero chafing. You are an incredible scientist, riding for an incredible cause! All the very best!

  19. Good luck Simon! Hope the winds are behind you and all goes well on the ride. Stay safe and bring home the $$ to keep your research going!

  24. Go Simon! A most inspiring activity for a most worthy cause. Best wishes from Jun and Adrian

  30. Great that you are doing this simon. Will follow your progress. Best wishes. Lois

  31. Goodluck Simon! hope the weather is good, thanks for doing the ride to support GCT research

  36. Good luck Simon, not falling off your bike and securing those grant applications – equally important endeavours!

    From Eva, Mark, Nena and Leni

  38. So incredibly grateful for all that Simon and his team does for giving hope to women with GCT.

  40. Hi Simon, proud to support you and the team. Love your passion and dedication, you make a difference to many. May the weather be kind and I know you can do this !!

  41. Hi Simon, proud to support you and the team. Hope the weather is kind and I know you can do this !!

  43. Simon, your dedication and commitment to such an important cause is an inspiration every day. Wishing you and the team a safe and amazing ride. May there be low hills but highs for every other aspect, every step (pedal) along the way.

  46. Amazing work Simon!!
    Sending our very best to you for all the prep, resilience, and hard work to take this on for such an important cause 🚴

  47. Great work Simon! Good luck powering through the rest of your winter morning rides in preparation 🥶

  48. We’re so lucky to have you dedicating both your brains and brawn to such an important cause!! Wishing you much inspiration and strength on every step of your journey. Keep smiling, big hug

  49. A perspective from a gynecologist: It really needs courage to research such a rare disease. But every patient should be equally treated, no matter how rare the disease is. Admire from the bottom of my heart, Simon! Wishing you and your team a safe and successful ride!

  50. Wishing you all the best for your ride. Your commitment to taking on this challenge for such an important cause is inspiring and every kilometre you ride will help make a real difference in supporting awareness, research and those affected.

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