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Why are we Trekking for Pancreatic Cancer
The Wish You Were Here team, a dedicated group of Australians affected by cancer, is embarking on a challenging and symbolic journey in May 2025 to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer. Between the 20th and 25th of May, the team will trek 100km across the rugged terrain of Crete, Greece, from Maleme Airport to Hora Sfakion, following the historical route taken by Anzac, English, and Greek troops during their retreat after the Battle of Crete in 1941.
This journey holds deep significance as it mirrors the challenges faced by those battling pancreatic cancer and their carers - Lack of sleep, Fear, Anxiety, Pain.
The key difference is that many of the soldiers had hope for survival at the end of their harrowing experience. For pancreatic cancer patients, however, the outcome is often not as hopeful.
The Wish You Were Here team wants to bring attention to the struggles of pancreatic cancer patients and show that there are people who care. Through this journey, we aim to raise awareness and support for research to improve survival rates and give patients a fighting chance.
We would appreciate your donation, whether large or small (all donations over $2 are tax deductible). Your support is not only a reward for our training and the time we dedicate to this journey, but it also funds much-needed research into:
- The causes of pancreatic cancer
- Early detection methods
- More effective treatments for patients
Since its inception, PanKind has raised over $14 million for research programs at Australia’s leading research institutions and universities. PanKind also operates the highly regarded Parent & Carer Hub, which connects patients and carers with credible information, support, trials, and experts across the country.
(Note: No money raised will go towards the costs associated with the campaign, every team member is self funded)
Meet the 2025 Wish You Were Here Team
In September 2016, my best friend and mentor, Nick Stamatakis, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer while overseas. I received a call from him asking me to look into treatment options so he could “get stuck into beating this disease.” His optimism over the phone was inspiring, but once I hung up, the reality of his diagnosis hit me hard.
Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates — under 10% for non-operable cases and under 20% for operable cases, with an average survival of just 8-12 months. I offered to help manage Nick’s treatment, fully aware of the challenges ahead.
Nick began a chemotherapy treatment plan, but we didn’t stop there. We explored all options — both in Australia and overseas — including several attempts to join clinical trials, as well as alternative treatments like Nano Knife and natural therapies. Despite our best efforts, the consensus was that his cancer was neither operable nor treatable. It was devastating to watch Nick’s health deteriorate: his hair fell out, his body weakened, and he slowly lost his passion for life. Seeing him and his wife Tassie struggle through this was heartbreaking.
At the same time, my friend Scott Hunt was also facing the reality of pancreatic cancer, as his best friend Peter Grima was battling the same disease. This experience sparked a deep frustration with the lack of awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer. Despite having similar patient numbers to breast cancer, pancreatic cancer receives a fraction of the coverage and research funding.
We learned that awareness directly impacts funding, and funding drives research, better treatments, and higher survival rates. The more people know, the more we can change the future for others diagnosed with this devastating disease.
Meet the team:
- Ralph Kemmler (Age 60) – Cancer survivor, founding member of WYWH
- Jim Vass (Age 59) – Lost his mother to cancer, founding member of WYWH
- Adrian Balderston (Age 54) – Nephew of Nick Stamatakis, new member of WYWH
- Chris Charalambous (Age 46) – Lost his father to cancer, new member of WYWH
- George Giakoumakis (Age 22) – Nephew of Nick Stamatakis, new member of WYWH
- Emmanouel Kanellis (Age 16) – Nephew of Nick Stamatakis, youngest member of WYWH
- Con Kanellis (Age 60) – Cancer survivor, founding member of WYWH
My Achievements
Thank you to my Sponsors
$75.12
Steven Mouzakis
$74.48
Bella Taylor
Good on you AB!
$260.75
Northedge Carpentry
All the best team!
$76.18
John Tsoutsa
Great cause, good luck AB & team
$2.02k
Alan Balderston
From Alan & Robyn
$208.60
Euro Brick And Blocklaying
$106.12
Rosemary Anner
Have an amazing time!
$260.75
Mohammed Rajani
$156.14
Adrian Balderston
Pumped team
$106.12
Matt F
Well done AB (and Team). All the best
$54.12
Josh Gerges
$106.12
Jon Orsborn
Good luck, excellent cause!
$260.75
Ying Chan
Jim Vass
$40.37
Sandra Hanna
$52.92
Haroula Tobolov
Great cause, Best wishes to the team
$54.12
Anonymous
$50
Hayley Smithson
Amazing and inspiring!
$76.18
Nick Kapsalis
$74.48
Betty K
In memory of those we have lost. Go well.
$40.37
Sophie Vogiatjis
Best Wishes to all the team 💙
$106.12
Maria Kyramarios
$20
Helen K
Awesome initiative. Great cause. Best wishes team!
$106.12
Jimi And Niki Zach
Great initiative. Good luck and go well ♥️🇦🇺🇬🇷
Best of luck team