When Gary was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he didn’t wallow in a ‘why me’ mentality, instead he moved past the anger, bargaining and denial and went straight to acceptance.
For Gary, it was a stark but rational reality. He knows that millions of people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and his diagnosis is now just another part of his story. A very logical mindset for a man who has built his career as a civil engineer.
From his roots in South Africa to settling in Australia, Gary’s life hasn’t been measured in by traditional successes, but rather the family and memories he has built with his wife of 33 years, Michelle, his two daughters, Lauren and Amy and two granddaughters, Lily and Blair.
Gary was a regular Saturday morning runner, an avid kayaker and a beach lover, his diagnosis came as a shock, as it almost always does. In early 2026, symptoms of mild heartburn, bloating, and a gradual loss of appetite were initially thought to be a lingering infection. It was during a morning run when he experienced tremors and difficulty breathing, that made him stop and escalate his doctors visits.
In February 2026, a CT scan showed a significant mass on the head of his pancreas.
The road ahead
Gary has been a participant in marathons for many years and much like his passion for running, he sees his treatment journey as another 42kms to run. Taking his previous medals, bib numbers and images of his marathon successes with him to his chemotherapy appointments, they serve as a reminder that he has been on long and hard journeys before.
Moments that once passed unnoticed now carry huge meaning to Gary, from watching pelicans glide above the waves to spending time with his grandchildren, Gary isn’t in the business of trying to change his circumstances.
I don’t measure life in years, I measure it in memories,’ Gary said. “You can’t control the cancer, but you can focus on your sleep, your nutrition, your exercise and your mindset.”
Gary is allowing himself and encouraging others around him to laugh, he knows that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
“You will have bad days, but just like the sun rising, those times will pass.”
The ripple effect
He recognises that he is fortunate enough to have cheerleaders and supporters and is so grateful for them. Gary finds himself worried about who is there to support his supporters.
He has seen his wife, children and other close friends feel angry, helpless, and a little bit guilty at the thought of a future without him. He knows it's hard for them too and he is often encouraging them to ‘put their oxygen mask on first.’
“To the people supporting a pancreatic cancer patient, thank you,” he said. “Thank you for being there, for doing the simple things and putting up with what will be massive changes in demeanour, activity, communication and appearance. It must be hard seeing someone you love change so drastically.”
Patients can get grumpy or stubborn. Remember to put your own oxygen mask on first. Look after yourself because if you don’t, you can’t look at the patient. Don’t feel guilty, you don’t want to crash and burn.”
Without question, his wife and daughters have been his biggest supporters. Together as a family, they looked after each other.
“I've also been touched by hundreds of messages from family and friends across the world..”
Gary is being open and allowing space for meaningful conversations he would otherwise never have had.
Gary’s hope
Gary is hoping to do more than ‘simply exist’. He is creating lasting positive memories for his family. He is hoping that they stay positive, Gary has lived a full and wonderful life with very few regrets.
This shock of his diagnosis and in turn the lack of research, awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer lit a fire in Gary. He has set up a fundraising page and is encouraging others to join him on his marathon. He is motivating his network to donate the amount of their daily coffee in order to reach his goal, using the #coffee4acure. So far, he has raised just over $7000.
His story is a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, there is still purpose, connection and hope.
With the support from him and his family, Pankind is able to provide much needed funds to research into early detection as well as programs like our Carer Support Program, aimed at ensuring carers are looked after, just like Gary.
