Family toll drives cancer campaign
Ben Wilheim knows the tragic toll cancer places on families and friends more than most – it’s why he founded the Remember September campaign to raise vital funds for pancreatic cancer research.
BEING diagnosed with any form of cancer is a tough situation to deal with, but being told you have pancreatic cancer is particularly devastating because of the speed with which it strikes.
About 20 per cent of those diagnosed with this aggressive cancer survive for just one year and only six per cent survive for five years.
Ben Wilheim knows the tragic toll this places on families and friends more than most – it’s why he founded the Remember September campaign in 2014, to raise vital funds for pancreatic cancer research.
Wilheim’s cousin, Danielle Sirmai, died from pancreatic cancer in December 2012 just six weeks after diagnosis, and exactly one year later the cancer was detected in his father Danny’s pancreas. Danny died just nine months later.
“The main reason why it is such an aggressive cancer is it doesn’t show symptoms until it is too late,” said Wilheim.
“With my dad, it started out as a stomach ache. By then it was too late.
“Also, because of where the pancreas is located in the body, it is hard for surgeons to access, and the cancer can spread quickly to nearby organs.
“Research is going into trying to find those markers so the cancer can be detected earlier and treatment can begin sooner.”
The Remember September challenge involves giving up all liquids, except water, from September 1-30.
This means no coffee or tea, smoothies, juices, wine or beer.
“That can be a hard thing to do, but think of it like a spring clean for your body – and that you will be doing something for a good cause at the same time,” said Wilheim.
“It’s also about starting conversations about pancreatic cancer and being more aware of and open about it.”
In 2014 the Remember September campaign raised $15,600 for pancreatic cancer research via the Cancer Council, and last year $16,800 was raised.
“It started off with just a few of my friends, and so far for this year we have more than 25 registered participants.”
So far, $11,800 has been raised – and there is still the rest of September to go.
In a nice touch, Wilheim ensured the campaign’s new logo, a purple ribbon, contained the initials of his cousin and father.
“Apart from raising money and awareness, Remember September is really about honouring their memory.”
Money raised from this year’s campaign will go directly to Avner’s Foundation, which provides research grants for cancer research projects.
To register for Remember September or sponsor a participant, visit rememberseptember2016.gofundraise.com.au or www.facebook.com/rememberseptember24.
SHANE DESIATNIK
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