Stories of Hope

Real people. Real stories.

Read stories from people living with pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary and oesophageal cancers, their family, carers, and friends; as well as tributes that honour the lives and legacy of those lost to these cancers.

Bruce Dalkin

The year 2020 was a pretty tough time for everyone with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, but for my father Bruce’s bile duct, it was a “real stinker” - every pun intended. While a diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma (Biliary or Bile Duct Cancer) in May 2020 dealt an unexpected blow to him, two years later, thanks to remarkable surgery and treatment by Pancare Foundation founder, Dr Mehrdad Nikfarjam - we have a good news story to share and inspire others with much needed hope and positivity.

Louise Pearson

Louise Pearson is, quite simply, a hero. She is a confident yet humble 53-year-old and would never use that term for herself, but the team at Pancare can attest to the impact she is making in her Melbourne community. Her story is so remarkable that it is almost unbelievable.

Dianne McDonald

I would encourage anyone, if unusual physical conditions present themselves, to insist on somethin more than pills from their GP if that’s the suggested remedy. Seek an answer and refute the notion that 'all will be well' with a prescription from the pharmacy and thus let it keep escalating.

Karen Humphries

If they handed out medals based on pain and suffering, while maintaining a keen sense of optimism and hope, Karen would be a multiple Gold Medal winner. Learn about her journey with gallbladder cancer and her tips for keeping positive.

Jan Reed

Jan Reed was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in her 70s and was closer than most of us to medical issues being an Emergency Nurse and caring for patients. Read Jan's Story of Hope.

Tino Tabacchiera

For pancreatic cancer survivor Tino Tabacchiera, his experience has given him a new lease on life. Tino has made significant changes in his life post-surgery, especially around food & exercise. These positive changes have increased his energy, improved his fitness up and kept his mind clear.

Sandra Power

Sandra was diagnosed with early-stage IV pancreatic cancer in October 2019, just after her 54th birthday. At the time Sandra was experiencing issues with her pancreas, however she associated this to a previous diagnosis of pancreatitis which she suffered from back in 2017. While she acknowledged that her pancreas issues were back, she didn’t for a moment consider that it might be cancer. Sandra shares her story of hope.

John Leung

When John experienced ongoing trouble swallowing, friends and family encouraged him to visit his GP, they were also there to provide much needed physical and emotional support as he underwent extensive treatment for stage 3 oesophageal cancer.

Ron Gibson

Ron Gibson and his family live in regional Victoria in a small town, Ararat. Ron shares his story on being diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour.

Keon Stevenson

Keon was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2020 at the age of just 39.

Chris Constantinou

Chris was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013. With a positive outlook and a focus on the things that are important she copes well with living with this disease.

John Rowe

John Rowe was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma cancer of the Bile Duct after visiting his GP for heartburn pain. He knew something was wrong, but would never have guessed it would change his life forever.

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