When Andrew’s mum, Gianna, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, life changed for their entire family. Now, Andrew is turning his love for his mum into action, walking 234 kilometres and rallying a community through Remember September.
For Andrew, walking 234 kilometres in one month is a big challenge. But when he thinks about what his mum, Gianna, is going through, he says the distance feels small.
“My mum is one of the strongest people I know and has always been my rock,” Andrew says.
“Compared to what she’s facing, walking 234 kilometres is a small challenge.”
This September, Andrew is taking part in Pankind’s Remember September challenge. While participants are encouraged to walk 78 kilometres during the month, Andrew has committed to three times that distance.
Every kilometre is for Gianna.
The diagnosis that changed everything
Gianna was just 58 years old when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2026. Pancreatic cancer has previously affected Gianna’s family, with her biological mother having also passed away from the disease.
For Gianna, this highlights the importance of knowing your family medical history, discussing it with your doctor and asking whether genetic counselling, testing or specialist surveillance may be appropriate.
For around a year, she had been experiencing discomfort in her chest and upper torso. When the symptoms persisted, Gianna trusted that something was not right and continued seeking medical advice.
Then came the words no family expects to hear. Gianna had pancreatic cancer.
The diagnosis changed everything in a heartbeat.
“Believe your own body - you need to be your own biggest advocate.” - Gianna
Gianna and her husband run a family business alongside Andrew and his brother. She had always been active, working hard and supporting the people around her. Suddenly, the family had to work out how to manage treatment, caring responsibilities and the day-to-day demands of the business.
Gianna is now undergoing chemotherapy, with the hope that treatment may shrink the tumour enough for her to become eligible for Whipple surgery.
There are good days and difficult days. Andrew’s dad has become Gianna’s primary carer, learning how to navigate appointments, treatment and side effects. Andrew and his brother have stepped forward to run the family business.
For Andrew, taking action through Remember September is another way he can stand beside his mum.
The woman behind every step
Andrew describes Gianna as loving, determined and completely devoted to her family.
She made sure her sons knew they were loved and supported. She was the mum who showed up to every soccer game for all of her sons as they grew up, cheering from the sidelines and putting family first.
That same strength remains visible throughout her treatment.
Even on the toughest days, Andrew says Gianna continues to think about other people and find ways to make those around her smile.
“Every step I take is for her,” he says.
Turning love into action
Remember September gives people across Australia a way to honour someone they love, remember someone they have lost or stand with people impacted by pancreatic cancer.
For Andrew, the reason for taking part was immediate. He wanted to do something that could support his mum while also helping other families facing pancreatic cancer. He set himself the goal of walking 234 kilometres and began reaching out to his family, friends, colleagues, suppliers and soccer community.
The response has exceeded anything he imagined. Together, they formed the Support for Gianna team and began working towards an ambitious $30,000 fundraising goal. Long-lost friends have reconnected. Former soccer teammates have offered their support. Work colleagues, customers and suppliers have joined the team or donated.
Andrew says he has been blown away by the number of people who have stepped forward for his mum.
The support reflects the relationships Gianna and her husband have built throughout their lives. It also shows what can happen when a community comes together around one family and one shared purpose.
Bringing the team together
Soccer has always been an important part of Andrew’s life. He and his brothers grew up loving the game, with Gianna there to support all of them from the sidelines. Now, Andrew is drawing on that shared passion to help build momentum for his fundraising.
At the end of September, he plans to bring former teammates, his brothers’ soccer teams, friends and work colleagues together for a charity round-robin competition.
There may be some friendly rivalry on the field, but everyone will be playing for the same reason.
Gianna. And creating awareness for pancreatic cancer.
The event will give people another opportunity to come together, raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and support research that can help create better outcomes for families in the future.
A challenge powered by community
Andrew’s 234 kilometre challenge is about more than reaching a distance.
It is about showing Gianna that she is surrounded by people who care about her. It is about supporting his dad and brother as the family adjusts to a reality none of them expected. And it is about turning a devastating diagnosis into meaningful action.
Each walk, donation and conversation helps raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and supports Pankind’s investment in pancreatic cancer research, advocacy and services for people impacted by the disease.
Andrew started this challenge for his mum. Now, an entire community is walking beside him.
“Know your family history and start the conversation with your GP”
Gianna and her family know first hand the importance of listening to your body and advocating for yourself. Gianna has a family history of pancreatic cancer - it's important to know your risks and start the conversation with GP. Pankind has resources to help navigate the information and resources that are available for those with a potential inherited risk.
