On Sunday, 10th November, hundreds of people will gather at Grange Jerry Reserve for PanKind’s Put Your Foot Down Walk to raise awareness and critical funds for pancreatic cancer. This event brings together people who have experienced the heartbreak of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and are determined to make a difference for one of Australia’s deadliest cancers.
PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, is at the forefront of pancreatic cancer awareness and research. Through events like the Put Your Foot Down, a national series of walk events, PanKind unites communities across Australia to support those impacted by the disease and to fund research aimed at improving survival rates.
A Personal Story of Hope: John Sandercock’s Experience
John Sandercock was a fit and healthy 60-year-old grandfather when he first experienced persistent reflux symptoms in March 2021. He recognized these as a warning sign—just two years earlier, his mother had experienced similar symptoms and was soon after diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She passed away a short three months later. Not wanting to take any chances, John visited his doctor, only to face a devastating diagnosis himself: an inoperable tumor on his pancreas.
At a time when he was looking forward to the joys of grandparenthood and his daughter’s upcoming wedding, John’s life was upended. “The diagnosis knocked our family sideways,” he said. “After losing my mum so quickly, we had to face the very real possibility that Christmas 2021 could be my last. I was heartbroken at the thought of my grandchildren growing up without ever knowing their grandpa.”
Determined to fight, John endured 10 months of grueling chemotherapy, which left him physically drained. Then, he underwent a specialized form of radiation therapy at Genesis Care in South Australia, a pioneering approach for the center. In what he describes as nothing short of a miracle, the treatment has kept his cancer stable, giving him precious time with his family. “I’m not out of the woods yet,” John shared, “but thanks to the incredible teams at Icon Cancer Centre and Genesis Care—and the unwavering support of my family—I’m still here, buggering up the averages.”
Pancreatic Cancer: Australia’s Silent Killer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, yet it is often overlooked in public discussions about major health concerns. It claims as many lives each year as breast and prostate cancer but receives only a fraction of the funding.
“This silent killer is notoriously challenging to detect early,” said Michelle Stewart, CEO of PanKind. “The symptoms are vague, and without early diagnosis, most patients are diagnosed when their disease is already advanced. Treatment options at that point are limited.”
The statistics are dismal: 8 out of 10 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will lose their life within a year, and only 12.5% will survive beyond five years. These figures are devastating for patients and their families, but PanKind is committed to changing the outcomes.
PanKind’s Mission: Tripling Survival Rates by 2030
PanKind is the only charity in Australia solely dedicated to pancreatic cancer. Its mission is to triple survival rates by 2030 through funding cutting-edge research that focuses on early detection and the development of new treatments.
Each year, PanKind’s nationwide series of Put Your Foot Down Walks bring the pancreatic cancer community together in a show of solidarity and support. In Adelaide this year, over 400 people are expected to “turn the city purple” as they walk in memory of those lost to pancreatic cancer and to support those living with the disease.
Join the Fight: Walk with Us at Grange Jetty Reserve
The Put Your Foot Down Walk in Adelaide promises to be a powerful demonstration of community spirit and determination. Participants, dressed in purple, will take on the 5km walk along the iconic Grange Jetty Beach to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer research.
By joining the walk, the community helps PanKind get closer to its goal of tripling survival rates and offering hope to those affected by pancreatic cancer.
To register visit, https://www.putyourfootdown.
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