Vooey is a grassroots association working with the Pancare Foundation to provide support for those fighting pancreatic cancer and/or upper gastrointestinal cancers (liver, biliary, oesophageal and stomach). Vooey was the nickname of a staunch Aussie bloke, Bondi’s Blake Hansen a Watsons Bay boy originally. He lost a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer in July 2016, he was diagnosed in January of that year. We discovered something sinister was causing all his pain the same night David Bowie lost his battle with this disease. Vooey was only 44 years old, a big guy who was a big wave charger and marathon ocean swimmer. He suffered from GERD had had worsening back pain, weight loss, next thing his health rapidly deteriorated and then he was gone. Widowed and childless I founded Vooey to work with the Victorian based Pancare Foundation to raise awareness, educate and support those affected by pancreatic cancer. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of pancreatic cancer patients, carers and their families. We can make a difference raising awareness and improve early detection. Early detection can save lives. In 2016 pancreatic cancer surpassed breast cancer and became the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. In Australia it is the fourth most common cause of cancer death overall. Current projections suggest that within 10 years, pancreatic cancer will be the second-highest cause of cancer death in the US and Australia as mortality and survival from the other four leading causes of cancer death (lung, bowel, prostate, and breast cancers) improves. Pancare now offers patients and their families financial assistance, medical specialist advice, online resources and other support services. The Pancare Medical Advisory Committee is a sub-committee of the Pancare Board of Directors and advises on matters relating to health, research, education and scientific progress. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains one of the most lethal cancers. Over two thirds of those diagnosed pass within the same year as their diagnosis. Survival rates have not improved significantly in fifty years, with only 7% of patients surviving beyond 5 years. Research is starting to gain momentum but a lot more work is needed. My husband fought for seven months. Please join my giving circle and help us make a difference to the quality of life for those fighting pancreatic cancer. Help us save lives by raising awareness of pancreatic cancer signs/symptoms, genetic predispositions and earlier detection. https://mygivingcircle.org/projects/raising-awareness-fighting-for-and-supporting-people-with-pancreatic-cancer