Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is a tough pill to swallow, not just for the difficult medical journey that awaits, but because of the abysmal survival rate despite treatment.
On average, people with pancreatic cancer survive only twelve months after diagnosis, and the five-year survival rate is just 12.5 per cent.
Unlike the more recognisable cancers with much higher rates of patient survival, pancreatic cancer is often hidden or forgotten about.
‘There are not a lot of people talking about pancreatic cancer. It comes down to having long term survivors advocating for the disease,’ explains Michelle Stewart, CEO of PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. ‘It has the lowest survival rate… It should be getting the most attention.’
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. In the past, PanKind have received crucial funding as a result of “Wish You Were Here” Gala Dinners, which raise money and awareness to tackle the brutal illness. Funding goes towards research such as early screening measures and updated treatments, and support for patients.
In 2019, the last Gala Dinner was attended by 750 guests, and over $310,000 was raised for pancreatic cancer.
‘This is what PanKind is hoping to do, bring all those people together to create noise around the disease to hopefully advocate for change,’ says Michelle. ‘Survival rates are so low… anybody who believes in justice should be getting involved to make a difference.’
On the 21st of November at The Star in Sydney, a third “Wish You Were Here” Gala Dinner will be held.
The Gala is in honour of the late Robyn Pride, a woman who fought pancreatic cancer for eleven years before passing in September.
‘Robyn’s cancer came back just over two years ago,’ says Jackie Orchard, long-time friend of Robyn’s and organiser of this year’s “Wish You Were Here” event. ‘She really wanted us to have a ball. It’s all about celebrating the life of those who are still with us, and the life of those that have passed.’
The evening will include canapes and a two-course meal, drinks and live entertainment, guest speakers and a raffle, a silent auction and prizes.
Samantha Jade, Australian singer and the first woman to win the Australian X-factor in 2012, is the main performance on the night. Australian journalist and personality Tim Gilbert will be the Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer.
Prizes to be auctioned include a Taylor Swift autographed microphone, a Tasmanian experience package, an Armani bike, a NSW State of Origin signed jersey, and paintings by award-winning multidisciplinary Sydney artist Rebecca Pierce, among other items.
Tickets are available for purchase, and all proceeds made from the Gala will go directly to PanKind. Corporates looking to sponsor the event are also welcome to get in contact.
For more information about PanKind, visit pankind.org.au