Unite for Hope Melbourne 2023: Walking Together to Fight Upper GI Cancers

“Thank goodness I found Pancare, I don't feel so overwhelmed now.” - current patient, Vicki.

At Tangerine, we believe in the power of unity and community support.

That’s why we’re proud to continue our support of the Pancare Foundation and their upcoming Unite for Hope event on Sunday 8 October 2023, at Princes Park in Carlton, Melbourne.

This event is much more than just a fundraising walk – it’s a symbol of hope, remembrance and unity for patients and families affected by upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

Why Unite for Hope matters

Unite for Hope is an important reminder that behind every cancer diagnosis, there are husbands, wives, children, sisters, brothers, parents, extended family members and friends who witness the devastating effects of these terrible diseases on their loved ones.

It’s impact is felt far greater than just the affected patient, and walking in support of your loved one is the very essence of Unite for Hope.

This event brings together families and communities from across the country, symbolising love and demonstrating support for those impacted by some of Australia’s silent cancers.

Unite for Hope is an opportunity to show the camaraderie felt by those who unite to fight for better outcomes against upper GI cancers.

The challenge

Upper GI cancers, which include oesophageal, stomach, liver, biliary, and pancreatic cancers, are among the deadliest group of cancers in Australia today.

The statistics are sobering:

·        These cancers cause 1 in 5 cancer deaths each year.

·        Survival rates remain worse than cancer outcomes in 1975.

·        Outcomes are six times worse for marginalised communities.

·        Patients often face higher hospitalisation rates.

·        The treatments are complex and come with severe side effects.

·        Often, patients and their families have unmet care needs, leading to a devastating quality of life.

Prof Mehrdad Nikfarjam, who founded Pancare in 2011, shared his insights with us into the challenges and the legacy he is building at Pancare.

“One of the main issues we had when we established the Pancare Foundation was that most of the big research was in cancers such as breast, prostate and colon cancer. These are cancers where there’s a lot of survivors who then become advocates. The survivors go and raise funds but when you’ve got cancers such as pancreatic cancer where there’s a less than 10% five year survival rate, you don’t have the same survivors.”

Click here to watch our interview with Prof Nikfarjam

Pancare's mission: be a beacon of hope

Despite these challenges, the Pancare Foundation is dedicated to improving survival rates and providing support for the over 13,000 Australians diagnosed every year with these aggressive cancers.

A small positive step towards a cure is a step we can all take together.

Join us in Melbourne on Sunday 8 October

We invite you to join us on Sunday 8 October 2023 at Princes Park in Carlton for Melbourne’s Unite for Hope.

The event day will kick off at 9.00am. Your participation and support can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by upper GI cancers.

By coming together as a community, we can raise funds, spread awareness, and offer hope to the thousands of patients and their families.

At Tangerine, we are proud to stand alongside Pancare Foundation in their mission to improve the lives of those battling upper GI cancers.

Together, we can take a small step towards a brighter future with better outcomes and support for all Australians facing these challenging diagnoses.

Mark your calendars and let’s walk together for hope, unity, and a brighter tomorrow.

See you at Unite for Hope Melbourne 2023!