Kaitlan Clennett

This July, I'm giving up alcohol to raise funds for something that has become incredibly important to me.
In December 2024, I lost my dad to oesophageal cancer just six weeks after his diagnosis. Before dad became sick, I knew very little about this type of cancer. I didn't understand how aggressive it could be, what the warning signs were, or where families could turn for support. By the time we had answers, it was too late.

The speed at which everything happened was devastating. We had no time to come to terms with the diagnosis, no time to create new memories, and no time to simply sit with him and talk about life. One day he was here, and six weeks later he was gone.

Losing my dad has been the hardest experience of my life. It changed me forever. But it also inspired me to turn my grief into something meaningful.
Today, I volunteer with Pancare Foundation because I don't want other families to face what mine did without information, support, or somewhere to turn. Through awareness, education, research, and patient support, Pancare is helping people affected by upper gastrointestinal cancers navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

The speed at which everything happened was devastating. We had no time to come to terms with the diagnosis, no time to create new memories, and no time to simply sit with him and talk about life. One day he was here, and six weeks later he was gone.

A year later, I still miss the everyday things most. The constant phone calls about nothing in particular. The random videos he would send me. His laugh, his stories, and his voice. I still find myself wanting to call him on the drive home from work before remembering that he won't answer.

Losing my dad has been the hardest experience of my life. It changed me forever. But it also inspired me to turn my grief into something meaningful.

Today, I volunteer with Pancare Foundation because I don't want other families to face what mine did without information, support, or somewhere to turn. Through awareness, education, research, and patient support, Pancare is helping people affected by upper gastrointestinal cancers navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

This is my first fundraiser in support of Pancare, and every donation will help support their important work.

Thank you for helping me honour my dad's memory and support families facing these devastating cancers. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. ❤️