Local women drive critical awareness - pancreatic cancer

Three local women, each with a personal connection to the disease, have joined Nyree Smith, one of the rare patients to survive the five-year milestone, in her mission to make a real difference to the outcome of pancreatic cancer for future patients.

Carmen Bailey of Matakana lost her mother, Elaine, after a 2.5- year battle; Kaz Staples, also from Matakana, lost her sister- in-law, leaving behind Kaz’s brother and two young children; and Jo Davidson of Sandspit lost her mother, Pip, 18 months after diagnosis.

Together, these women are raising essential funds for early diagnosis, patient support, critical research, and clinical trials aimed at finding new treatments for pancreatic cancer. Partnering with the Gut Cancer Foundation and supported by key sponsors, the Pancreatic Cancer Support Committee has been active for four years. All funds raised by the committee have gone directly to the Gut Cancer Foundation and helped support pancreatic cancer initiatives, including groundbreaking research and national awareness campaigns.

Their journey began with a dream to create a significant event that would bring attention and resources to this cause. Nyree initially envisioned a ball or gala and reached out to Carmen, aware of her recent loss to pancreatic cancer.

Although COVID-19 thwarted their first attempt, this delay allowed them to plan an even more spectacular event. Their initial fundraising goal of $50,000 quickly doubled and they ultimately raised over $160,000, thanks to incredible support from companies such as Emergent, AIA and Forsyth Barr, suppliers Antipodes Water, Asahi and Red & White Cellar, and donors such as local businesses Wildly and Elle & Riley.

Today, with six active members - Jo Davidson, Carmen Bailey, Nyree Smith, Kaz Staples, Sandy Clarke and Deidre Gibbs - working tirelessly behind the scenes, the Pancreatic Cancer Support Committee continues to run both small and large-scale fundraising events throughout the year. Remaining clear in their mission, to increase the survival rate of pancreatic cancer, Liam Willis, Executive Officer of the Gut Cancer Foundation, praises the committee’s efforts:

“The Pancreatic Cancer Support Committee are an inspiration! We are incredibly grateful for all that they have achieved as fundraisers, awareness raisers, and key advocates for this cause. As a For-Purpose organisation that relies on public fundraising, our partnership with the committee has been integral in delivering new research, awareness, and advocacy to shift the dial for New Zealanders affected by pancreatic cancer. Their impact cannot be underestimated.”

Building on the success of their 2022 gala and 2023 long lunch, the committee is excited to bring their fundraising efforts back home this November for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month. The upcoming event will feature tours of three to four outstanding local gardens, including Liz Morrow’s Omaio garden of international significance, each at their late spring peak. A range of event options will be available, from independent tours to fully hosted experiences. Details will be announced later in the year.

For more information about pancreatic cancer or to get involved in fundraising efforts, please contact the Gut Cancer Foundation or Pancreatic Cancer Support.

info@PanCanSupport.co.nz | www.PanCanSupport.co.nz