Stephanie has lost her mum, dad and aunt to pancreatic cancer, all within a space of just over a year.
Her mum, Vicki, was the first to be diagnosed in April 2022. The main symptom was unexpected: persistent itching in her hands and palms. Tests confirmed it was pancreatic cancer. She underwent the Whipple surgery followed by chemotherapy, and for a short time, things looked hopeful. By November, she was believed to be cancer free, but just a few months later, the cancer returned. Vicki passed away in July 2024, aged 65.
Stephanie's mum, Vicki.
While Vicki was navigating her diagnosis, Stephanie’s dad, Steve, had begun experiencing digestive issues. He eventually went in for scans and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer too.
Even though Steve and Vicki had divorced years earlier, they remained friends, supporting and caring for one another through the hardest moments of their pancreatic cancer journeys.
Steve saw Stephanie take part in Remember September and felt incredibly proud. He encouraged her walk each year and loved that she was doing something to raise awareness. In July 2025, he sadly passed away.
Stephanie's dad, Steve.
Vicki’s sister, Stephanie’s aunt, Valarie was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She deteriorated quite quickly and passed away in October 2024.
To lose one family member is devastating. To lose three, all to the same disease, is hard to comprehend. But this is the reality Stephanie and Mitchell are living.
Stephanie, aged 31, and her brother Mitchell aged 37, each have children of their own. With pancreatic cancer now such a visible part of their family history, both siblings turned to Pankind’s Family History Checker to learn more about their own risk.
They were found to be at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer and are now eligible for a screening study. For now, they’re doing what they can. Supporting each other, staying informed, looking after their children. And continuing to walk in the hopes for a better future where there’s more options and answers for people who need it the most.
While screening is an important tool for some individuals at increased risk of pancreatic cancer, other proactive options should be available. These include access to genetic counseling, psychological support, lifestyle and risk-reduction strategies, clinical trials and structured surveillance.
This year marks Stephanie’s fourth Remember September. But it’s the first time she’s walking without any of the loved ones who once stood beside her.
She walks for each of her loved ones taken by pancreatic cancer, but more than that, she walks for the future, for her children, and for every family who deserves a fairer chance.
Stories like Stephanie’s shouldn’t be so common. Join or donate to Remember September to support vital research, awareness, and real hope for families impacted by pancreatic cancer: rememberseptember.org.au.
