After receiving the call no one ever wants to receive last month, Sarah Major is walking through her grief this September to raise integral funds and awareness for a deathly silent disease, as Gerald Lynch discovers.
On Saturday, August 10, Sarah received a call from her grandmother Shirley that she’ll never forget.
“’Grandad is unwell, he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has been given days to live’,” she recalled.
“On August 13, I was holding on to grandad with my aunt and nan in the room as he gasped his final breath. He was 86.”
This September, Sarah is walking 71 kilometres, a representation of the 71 Australians who die from pancreatic cancer every week.
Sarah fondly remembers her grandfather as a “cheeky and mischievous” man who delighted in making people happy, even if it meant getting into trouble with her grandmother.
“My grandad, Terry McKinley, often went to the Melton Senior Citizens Hall to join in all things social, even when moving to Woodend my nan would still take him as he enjoyed the social interaction,” she said.
“He loved being a grandfather and cherished all 13 of us, no matter our mistakes,” adding that he was thrilled to become a great-grandfather nine times over.
When Sarah’s grandfather was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August, the news shook the family.
“He was supposed to be invincible,” she recalled.
While he initially seemed his usual self, joking about digging holes and pirate ships, the disease quickly took its toll.
“We watched the life drain from him,” Sarah said, describing the emotional rollercoaster the family endured as they struggled with the impending loss.
“Seeing the ‘Queen’ of the family, my nan, break down when he took his final breath was one of the hardest moments, but our strong family bond got us through it.”
The inspiration for Sarah’s 71-kilometre challenge came from a family group chat, during which one of her cousins suggested the idea.
After some hesitation due to her night shifts, Sarah decided to commit as a way to honour her grandfather and raise awareness for pancreatic cancer.
“Physically, the hardest part is fitting in a walk each day with my work schedule, but I’m pushing myself for my grandad,” she explained.
Emotionally, the challenge brings daily reminders of his absence.
“I’m sure he’s watching over me, especially on those days when I start walking in nice weather and it turns bad by the end – him still being the jokester.”
Sarah hopes her efforts will spark conversations about pancreatic cancer, a disease she calls a “silent killer” due to its often late diagnosis.
“Many don’t even know they have it until it’s too late,” she stressed.
Through fundraising and raising awareness, Sarah dreams of a future where earlier detection or even a cure is possible.
Reflecting on the experience, Sarah shared that it has deepened her appreciation for time and the importance of being present with loved ones.
“I’ve learned not to be afraid of grief—it’s a ride that will take you through unbearable days, but it’s essential to remember who they were and to seek support when needed,” she said.
Looking forward, Sarah is committed to continuing her efforts to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, whether through future walks or monthly contributions. Her advice to others supporting a loved one with the disease is simple: “Just be there for them. Let them know they’re loved and treasure all the good times.”
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in Australia, ranking as the fourth biggest cancer killer. Its near symptomless early stages make it near undetectable until it’s too late, contributing to survival rates that are among the lowest of all cancers.
For those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the statistics are grim—only a 12.5 per cent chance of surviving for five years.
This stark reality underscores the urgent need for more research and awareness around the disease.
PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, is the only charity in Australia solely dedicated to pancreatic cancer. With a mission to triple the survival rate by 2030 and significantly improve the quality of life for patients, PanKind has become a beacon of hope for those affected by the disease.
Since its inception, PanKind has invested over $14 million in research grants, funding 66 high-calibre projects across top institutions in Australia.
These projects support world-class researchers who are committed to finding breakthroughs that could change the future of pancreatic cancer treatment.
One of PanKind’s key fundraising initiatives is Remember September, a challenge-based event that allows participants to honour loved ones lost to pancreatic cancer while standing in solidarity with those currently battling the disease.
The initiative was co-founded by David and Ben Wilheim as a tribute to their father and cousin, both of whom succumbed to pancreatic cancer.
For David, the challenge is deeply personal.
“I love the challenge because I get to think about my Dad every morning of September. That’s special,” he said.
Remember September is more than just a fundraising effort; it’s a chance for people to remember those they’ve lost and celebrate the memories they shared.
Funds raised during the event go directly towards PanKind’s cutting-edge medical research program, supporting advancements that could one day turn the tide against pancreatic cancer. With the support of communities across Australia, PanKind is determined to make a difference, driving research that could save lives and offering hope to those impacted by this devastating disease.
By participating in Remember September, Australians are not only commemorating their loved ones but also contributing to a future where pancreatic cancer is no longer a death sentence. Together, with PanKind’s leadership and the collective efforts of supporters, there is hope that the survival rate for pancreatic cancer will improve, offering patients and their families a brighter future.
Donate: rememberseptember.org.au/fundraisers/sarahmajor
