Pancare Foundation

Yuen was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, a journey that brought its own unique challenges.

Navigating an upper GI cancer meant confronting experiences that felt difficult for others to fully understand. Finding people who genuinely 'got it' became an important part of her healing.

Through those connections, Yuen found a path not just to recovery, but back to feeling like herself again.

Yuen's Story: Connecting with Support Groups

By going Dry for Upper GI this year, you’ll be supporting people like Yuen and their loved ones who care for them.

By Sarah Frye – Dry July Fundraiser for Pancare Foundation

I’m doing Dry July for my dad, Richard Frye - the hero of our family and every one of the grandkid’s favourite humans.

Dad had a distal pancreatectomy in 2022 after a PET scan revealed a lesion on his pancreas.

It was a diagnosis that shook us all to the core. I still remember exactly where I was when he called to tell me. The words “they think I might have pancreatic cancer” hit like a freight train. I never want to feel that fear again - but I know just how lucky we are that we caught it early.

Let this be a true testament to the power of early detection. The only reason my absolute legend of a dad is still here is because he listened to his gut - literally. He noticed sudden weight loss, intense fatigue, and, oddly, a wave of terrible breath that came out of nowhere. He didn’t brush it off. He went to the doctor, asked questions, pushed for answers - and that vigilance saved his life.

That’s not to say things are easy now. Far from it. Dad faces ongoing challenges every day. He was lucky to survive, but that survival comes with a cost — a constant routine of medications and treatments just to help his body process nutrients and maintain a healthy weight. And then there’s the ‘scanxiety’ - that gut-wrenching lead-up to every check-up, where we all hold our breath, fearing the cancer might have returned.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most brutal cancers out there, with one of the lowest survival rates. But my dad’s story reminds me that outcomes can be changed - with awareness, early diagnosis, and access to the right support.

I’m the first to admit I wasn’t always the easiest kid growing up. I definitely put Dad through hell during my teenage years (sorry again, Dad). So taking on the Dry July challenge and raising funds for Pancare Foundation feels like the very least I can do - a small way to give back and honour everything he’s fought through with quiet strength and stubborn optimism.

Pancare Foundation supports Australians living with pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary and oesophageal cancers. These cancers don’t get the attention - or the funding - they desperately need.

That’s why I’m choosing to go dry, raise awareness, and channel every dollar towards helping other families get the same chance we did.

If you’re thinking of doing Dry July, do it for someone you love. Or do it for the families who never got the phone call we did - the one that said “We caught it early. There’s still hope.”

Dad’s now focused on recovery, surrounded by grandkids who adore him and a family that’s beyond grateful. We get to keep making memories because he trusted his instincts and acted early.

So, here’s to you, Dad — my reason, my hero, my why.

When facing a life-changing diagnosis like pancreatic, stomach, liver, biliary or oesophageal cancer, compassionate care and clear information can make all the difference. That’s where upper GI nurses, like the team supported by the Pancare Foundation, come in.

We sat down with one of Pancare’s dedicated upper GI nurses to learn more about the role, the realities of cancer care, and why this work matters.

Tiffany has 20 years of acute nursing experience, including some surgical liaison nursing. She has spent the majority of her career as a theatre nurse and has a postgraduate diploma in peri-operative nursing (peri-anaesthesia).

A Career of Compassion and Connection

Q: What inspired you to specialise in upper gastrointestinal (GI) care, and what does a typical day look like in your role?

A: I’ve always been drawn to the human side of nursing—listening, educating, and helping people feel supported when things get overwhelming. Upper GI cancers can be aggressive and confusing to navigate, so being a calm voice in that storm really matters. My day might include phone calls with patients, helping families understand treatment plans, or connecting someone with a dietitian or counsellor through our PanSupport program.

Q: How does your work support patients and their families through a diagnosis and treatment journey?

A: I act as a kind of compass for people when they’re thrown into unfamiliar territory. We’re there to answer questions, explain medical jargon, provide emotional reassurance, and help connect people with services like counselling, support groups or financial aid. It’s about treating the whole person, not just the cancer.

Q: What are some of the most important advances or changes you’ve seen in upper GI cancer care in recent years?

A: There’s growing recognition that wraparound care—like psychosocial support, nutrition advice, and early palliative involvement—makes a huge difference. It’s not just about chemo or surgery anymore; it’s about how people live with cancer. That shift is creating better quality of life and sometimes better outcomes, too.

Q: What advice would you give to those who might feel overwhelmed by a potential or recent diagnosis?

A: You’re not alone. It’s okay to feel scared or uncertain. But reach out early—to your doctor, to Pancare, to a nurse like me. We’re here to walk the path with you. Information and support can make the road ahead feel a little less daunting.

Q: What’s one thing about your job that would surprise people—maybe something that’s not as glamorous (or is more fun!) than people expect?

A: People might be surprised how much laughter happens in a day. Even when things are tough, there’s still room for humour, for stories, and sometimes for sharing recipes! It’s those little human moments that really connect us.

Q: When you're not supporting patients, how do you unwind? Any hobbies or rituals that help you recharge?

A: I’m a big fan of short bushwalks in the Dandenong’s (My backyard!)—it’s my therapy. I also love walking my greyhound Coco, reading, yoga , and the occasional true crime podcast binge!

Meet George and Sarah, a couple whose journey through cancer diagnoses and treatments exemplifies resilience and support in the face of adversity.

It all began with George, noticing alarming symptoms during a leisurely game of golf—rapid weight loss, fatigue, and dizzy spells. Initially brushing them off as minor inconveniences, he couldn't ignore the severity when black stools appeared. Prompted by concern, George's condition deteriorated over the Easter weekend, leading to a visit to the hospital emergency room. There, he received the sobering news of a stomach mass but was sent home with instructions to follow up with his GP for further evaluation. With a history of testicular and bladder cancer, his cancer should have been a flag for investigation but unfortunately not done at the time.

Despite the hurdles, George ended up completing eight weeks of chemotherapy instead of the recommended 14 due to its severity. Followed by a daunting ten-day hospital stay for the removal of his entire stomach. Though the physical toll left him feeling "pretty empty" and "gutless,". He after surgery, George maintained a positive outlook, staying active and finding solace in familiar pastimes like spending time in his shed or playing bowls.

Feeling adrift after leaving the hospital, George found a lifeline in Pancare Foundation and our PanSupport services, where compassionate healthcare professionals offer invaluable guidance and support to those navigating the complexities of cancer survivorship. George has had multiple telehealth appointments with both the nursing and counselling team, and often participates in the online support groups, where he has the chance to share his experience with other cancer survivors.

Throughout this arduous journey, his beloved partner Sarah stood steadfastly by George's side, embodying unwavering support and love. Juggling appointments, adapting their lifestyle, and providing emotional strength, she was his rock through every twist and turn.

Their story serves as a powerful testament to the importance of support and access to healthcare resources. Now, George's advocacy extends beyond his own experience, aiming to improve GP and healthcare education surrounding rare cancers and post-recovery communication.

The funds raised from Dry July 2023 are helping Pancare Foundation continue to support patients and their families from diagnosis to treatment and beyond, through Cancer Care Coordinators, the expansion of Upper GI Cancer Specialist nurse services and the provision of culturally appropriate information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.