Before Danielle reached the starting line at this year’s HBF Run for a Reason, she had already spent the morning helping 140 other Pankind runners get ready for theirs.
As the lead coordinator of Pankind’s meeting point, Danielle helped bring together the largest team Pankind has ever had at a sports event. Then she joined them on the course, completing the half marathon and fundraising in support of people impacted by pancreatic cancer.
Together, the team raised over $30,000 for Pankind.
For Danielle, it was another way of showing up for a community that has been part of her life for years.
Since 2022, she has volunteered at every Perth Put Your Foot Down walk, helping create the kind of welcoming and supportive environment that first drew her and her mum, Sandra, to Pankind. She has also taken on fundraising challenges of her own, including the Pankind Tasmania Trek in 2022.
Her connection with Pankind began during her mum’s treatment for pancreatic cancer.
For most of Danielle’s life, it had been just the two of them. Sandra raised Danielle as a single parent in Perth, and they shared an especially close bond. When Sandra was diagnosed in 2019, they faced the treatment, uncertainty and constant search for options together.
During those years, Danielle and Sandra attended the Perth Put Your Foot Down walk with family and friends. It gave them a place to be among people who understood what pancreatic cancer had brought into their lives.
Today, Danielle continues to volunteer, fundraise and help others feel part of the Pankind community. She does it in memory of her mum, but also because she knows how much it matters to feel welcomed, understood and supported when pancreatic cancer enters your life.
Facing Pancreatic Cancer Together
Sandra was hardworking, determined and deeply caring. She built a successful career in the beauty and medical cosmetics industry, but to Danielle, she was also the person who brought energy and fun to every part of life.
“She was always ready to have a laugh, a dance or be a little silly. She was just always fun to be around.”
When Sandra was diagnosed in 2019, she was told the cancer was not considered curable and that treatment would focus on extending her life. After her first oncology appointment, she was given an estimated 18 months.
Danielle knew the survival statistics were poor, but she also knew her mum.
I knew she would fight so hard to beat the odds. There were many times when I genuinely believed she would.
Sandra was determined to explore every option available to her. And for Danielle, the early months meant learning how to support someone she loved through an experience neither of them had faced before.
As challenging as it was, I was glad I could be there for her - it meant we had that time together.
Finding the Pankind community
Supporting Sandra through her treatment brought fear, uncertainty and responsibilities Danielle had never expected. Over time, she learned that being there for her mum also meant continuing to care for herself.
Sandra encouraged her to stay active, spend time with friends and keep doing the things she loved.
Danielle also found support through the Pankind community and through meeting others who understood what it was like to live alongside pancreatic cancer.
People often arrive at a Pankind event carrying grief, fear, uncertainty or memories of someone they love. A familiar face, a simple conversation or someone taking the time to welcome them can make it easier to feel that they belong.
It is something Danielle now tries to create for others each time she volunteers.
It was really important to be around people who understood what I was going through
Continuing what they started together
When Sandra was first diagnosed, she was told she might have just 18 months.
Her determination to explore every available option gave her and Danielle more than four years together after her diagnosis.
Danielle misses her every day, but continuing to support Pankind has given her a meaningful way to carry Sandra’s memory forward.
Her message to others supporting someone they love through pancreatic cancer is simple. “Spend time with them, ask all the questions and be present. And remember to reach out for support and look after yourself too.”
Each time Danielle volunteers, fundraises or welcomes someone into the Pankind community, she is continuing something she and her mum began together.
The connection and support they found through Pankind meant so much to them both.
Today, she helps create it for others.
I will never stop sharing Mum’s story. She had such a big impact on so many people, and I want to carry that on for her.