Jordan’s Story: Facing pancreatic cancer at 32 years old

By Jordan Harden

'I was young, healthy — and no one thought it could be cancer'

At 32 years old, pancreatic cancer was the last thing anyone — including me — suspected. I was young, active, and otherwise healthy. 

My early warning signs didn’t feel dramatic: persistent reflux, unexplained back pain, and an unusual change that seemed cosmetic — a few eyelashes turned white. Individually, these symptoms were easy to dismiss. Together, they were my body asking for attention.

For three months, I went from doctor to doctor, specialist to specialist. Each time, I was reassured. I was told I looked healthy, it was my diet, there is nothing wrong with my blood results. The idea that a young 32 year old female could have pancreatic cancer simply wasn’t on the radar. By the time I was finally diagnosed, it was Stage 3.  

I know how lucky I am to be alive. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest common cancers there is. Many people don’t get a second chance. I did, and I owe that to persistent advocacy for my own health, the skill and dedication of my medical team, and access to world-class care. 

My treatment involved major surgery, followed by six months of aggressive chemotherapy and 30 days of radiation. It pushed me to my physical and emotional limits — but it saved my life.

My experience highlights a critical issue: cancer does not always follow age rules, and early warning signs in young people are too often overlooked. Earlier detection saves lives, and that requires awareness, research, and better diagnostic tools.

That’s why I am raising funds for pancreatic cancer research with Pankind. Supporting research means giving doctors better ways to detect this disease earlier, funding clinic trials — and giving more people a fighting chance. 

If sharing my story helps even one person push for answers, it’s worth telling.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Pankind so other people don't have to go through what I have.

 

My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

$106.12

Emily Brydon

Your strength and resilience is incredible Jordy. Sending you so much love. Em & Jack xxx

$106.12

David Wilcock

Hi Jordan, What an inspirational story! Well done on bringing awareness to such a good cause. David Wilcock

$200

Haese Family

$106.12

Anonymous

$200

Ben Mccallum

$1,000

Huri

$215

Gavin George

$106.12

Candice Driver

Such an inspirational beautiful person - what more can I say ❤️

$54.84

Scott Baker

$106.12

Josh Moses

$200

Anonymous

$215

Sarah Horton

$100

James Paterson

Wishing you all the very best for a speedy recovery Jordan, you got this 💪🏻💪🏻

$33.87

Anonymous

$33.87

Anonymous

$104.92

Lauren Pereira

$211

Sarah & Will Myer

$211

Harry Mantzouratos

Jordan, I’m glad you’ve responded positively to the treatment of such a severe cancer. Keep well!

$28.43

Lyndsay Steadman

Well done on being so brave and sharing this Jordan. So sorry that you are facing this. Sending strength and support.

$200

Randall Fulton

$106.12

Harmer’s

You are amazing Joz. Your strength and resilience has inspired all of us. Keep up the amazing work ❤️

$106.12

Nick Cooper

Good luck in achieving your donation targets, I'm sure you will make it Cheers Nick

$100

Anonymous

$200

Mark Nathan

Your strength through this has been amazing.

$54.12

Serena Rees

You are so brave and strong beautiful girl xxx

$211

M Schaffer

Keep up your great work . Lots of love Marian & John xxx

$106.12

Giorgia Tavella

You're iconic! x

$106.12

Sarah Barry

$106.12

Milly

You’re a legend jords xxxxx

$211

Loxtons

Your strength has no bounds. So proud of you, your positivity and resilience x

$200

Nigel & Sue Clark

$106.12

Nicholas Bain Venn

What a journey, Jordan. Keep up the good fight and the fundraising.

$250

Caitlin Fisher

Jordan - your resilience is commendable and it’s inspiring to see you turn a challenge into something so positive. A great cause.

$75

Geoff M

$1.04k

Anonymous

$527.50

Leesy

awesome initiative

$211

Deanna Williams

$54.12

Ryan Dunn

$106.12

Judge Devlin

So happy for you and your family

$104.92

Mike Selby

$100

Lorraine Thraves

$106.12

Diki Field

Glad you got the treatment Jordan. All the best for the future.

$211

Ingrid Anderson

Thank you for sharing your incredibly courageous story.

$54.12

Sophie Dawson

$2k

Anonymous

$316.50

“janet”

Hi Jordan, you are amazingly brave! Sorry to read your news but with the love of your amazing family it’s fantastic to hear you are in recovery.

$106.12

Lesley Day

well done Jordan you are an inspiration to anyone going through this terrible cancer

$1.04k

Jordan Brown

From one Jordan to another

$527.50

Matthew Hyder & Amy Benton

Go Jordan! So glad you beat it and are looking and feeling fantastic and now raising funds to support others!

$790

Anonymous

$211

John Cavanagh

Great initiative for an awful illness

$211

Nick Mercer

HeyJordan we're so glad all the treatment has been successful. It's now time to move forward and grab life with both hands. Never delay something, take it and do now. Lots of love Nick & Nikki

$211

Barney Barnard

So inspiring. My father sadly succumbed to PC so your story resonates so much. Brilliant cause, awful disease, one amazing person - YOU. Well done. Good luck with the fund raise. Barney - old mate of your dad’s.

$500

Georgina Jarvis

You’re amazing Jordan 💫

$200

Cass Ho

Hi Jordan Congratulations on your incredible strength and resilience. Overcoming cancer is a remarkable achievement, and your courage inspires everyone around you. Wishing you continued health, happiness, and all the best for the future. Cass Ho / Lieven Mentens

$100

Tricia Presland

Jordan what an amazing person you are! Very happy to be able to donate to this cause. I hope that your fundraiser raises awareness of this illness. I have to admit I knew nothing about it until you got ill. Sending huge love and hugs to you. Tricia ❤️xx

$211

Nicholas Cleaver

A really courageous and inspiring video message Jordan! Best of luck in your fundraising and so sorry to miss the event. Here's to better funded research and live saving break through's!! Wishing you ongoing wellness and strength. Nick and Nicky Cleaver

$106.12

Schaffer Family Xxx

$106.12

Lara Irving

In awe of you Jordy!! Strength, resilience and determination - we couldn’t be more proud of you!!

$527.50

Anonymous

Amazing

$106.12

Adam Skibsted

$106.12

Joanne Griffin

You are so determined to beat this. I am so proud of you. You are an inspiration to everyone!

$106.12

Beste

You are incredible

$106.12

Christine Clark

A very well written and inspirational story of what you have endured. Love you ❤️

$106.12

Nattie

Special story for a very special girl. X

$54.12

Holly Clemesha

In awe of you Jordy, you’re so strong and should be so proud of everything you’ve overcome. I love you xx

$106.12

Joannie Allison