For over three decades, Tracy and Matt shared a life full of love, laughter and adventure in Tasmania’s picturesque north-west. They were best friends, soulmates, and business partners - living proof that happiness could be found in the everyday moments. They raised three children, built a small business, and only seven years ago, decided to “make it official” and get married.
Matt was a proud Tasmanian, the kind of man who’d light up a room with his smile and whose love for life was contagious. He loved his Harley-Davidson, would often disappear to go fishing, and had Dire Straits playing as the soundtrack to many of his days. Life was busy, full, and wonderfully ordinary.
The first signs: easy to miss, hard to ignore
In early 2024, Matt started to feel unusually tired. He experienced vague symptoms: fatigue, some back pain, and later, blood tests showed elevated liver markers. Like many, he assumed it was the wear and tear of working hard, staying active, and enjoying a drink at the end of the day.
We just didn’t put it all together. He was always fit and on the go. Slowing down didn’t seem like something to worry about.
Looking back, the signs were there. But no one saw them for what they were.
The early signs of pancreatic cancer are so subtle - fatigue, back pain, weight loss, digestion changes - they're often missed and can be easily mistaken for another cause.
It wasn’t until Matt became jaundiced in early 2025 that Tracy insisted he see a doctor again. What followed moved quickly - tests, a gastroscopy, and within days, a devastating diagnosis: pancreatic cancer. At the same time, Matt also learned he had Type 3c diabetes.
They were told it had been caught early and Matt's oncologist was optimistic. Tracy and Matt stayed hopeful and made the conscious decision not to ask what stage the cancer was. “We didn’t want to know. We needed to believe he’d get through it,” she says.
Matt began chemotherapy, but the first round was unsuccessful. He developed complications and required urgent care which was almost a two-hour drive away from their regional home. The distance from specialist hospitals made everything harder, and when clinical trials weren’t available, they were left with limited treatment options.
“Being regional really limits your choices. And with pancreatic cancer, time is everything.”
“There’s nothing more we can do.”
The family received this devastating news on Father’s Day 2025. The moment broke them, but they didn't give up hope.
Matt remained stoic, facing the unthinkable with grace and courage, still believing in a miracle. “He never stopped being Matt,” Tracy says. “He grieved in private, but stayed positive for the kids. He wasn’t ready to go. He had so much more life to live.”
At just 52 years old, Matt passed away surrounded by the people who loved him most. There was no family history of pancreatic cancer. No clear warning. Just a devastating loss, like thousands of others each year.
Matt and Tracy on their wedding day
“We didn’t think a diagnosis would be a death sentence. We had no idea how cruel this disease really is.”
“Walking gave me focus. It gave me purpose. I wanted people to know the signs. I wanted to make Matt proud.”
Tracy signed up for Remember September in Matt's honour
The grief for the family that followed was immense. But Tracy, surrounded by her adult children and a tight-knit community, found purpose in her pain. Determined to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer symptoms and the importance of early detection, she set herself a goal: to take part in Remember September and walk 75km in Matt’s honour.
Tracy raised over $16,000, and her team contributed more than $20,000 toward life-saving pancreatic cancer research.
“I’ll do what it takes. For Matt. For our family. For others who might face this one day.”
Why Tracy’s Story Matters
Tracy’s story is not just about loss, it’s about action. It’s a reminder of why pancreatic cancer awareness is so vital. Why knowing the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer, no matter how vague, can make a difference. Why regional healthcare access matters. And why we must continue to fight for fairer outcomes for people affected by this devastating disease.
Every day in Australia, families like Tracy’s are blindsided by a diagnosis that comes too late.
Together, we can change that.
Know the signs. Don’t wait.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, back pain, digestive issues, unexplained weight loss, or jaundice - don’t put it off. Ask questions. And if you’re unsure about your family history, take our free Family History Checker to understand your risk.
Stories like Tracy’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
About Remember September
Taking part in Remember September is a way to honour someone you’ve lost to pancreatic cancer or stand with someone impacted by this disease.
Choose to Move It and walk 75km, or choose to Give It Up and give up a vice of your choosing (like caffeine or sugar), over the month of September.
Whichever challenge you choose, you will be helping Pankind fund groundbreaking pancreatic cancer research and significantly improve the quality of life for those impacted.
